Photo by Caro Fernández
Mexico City-based atmospheric/progressive post-black metal project PHENDRANA will unleash their brilliant second full-length, Cathexis, on February 6th, 2026.
Drawing from the desire to imbue its listeners with deep existential introspection through music, PHENDRANA was born in 2013 as the solo project of Anuar Salum. Salum is a formally trained classical composer whose playing combines elements from atmospheric and progressive genres and the influence given by his rich multicultural background as a Mexican of Arab descent as well progressive rock and metal. Lyrics are centered around the teachings of the many philosophical scholars who have shaped Salum’s ideology.
Through the deeply psychological atmosphere that its music sets, PHENDRANA invites listeners on a journey through musical reflection on concepts like depression, loneliness, and the need to face our fears. Of the band’s 2018-released debut full-length, Sanctum: Sic Transit Gloria Mundi, Sputnik Music wrote, “from its classy and dark artwork to its interesting lyrical content, Sanctum: Sic Transit Gloria Mundi is an album whose ideas grant multiple dimensions to the listener….,” while Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life crowned it, “An absolutely sublime effort.” The record was nominated for the Extreme Album Of The Year award at Mexico’s annual Osmium Metal Awards.
Cathexis builds upon Sanctum… with a cogent fusion of Salum’s progressive rock influence and classical music training with lyrics inspired by a profound existentialism derived from the reflexive despair of authors like Albert Camus and the hopeful analysis of existentialist suffering by novelists like Fyodor Dostoevsky. Featuring the prolific lineup of talented musicians including Richard Schill (Dead By April, The Unguided, ex-Shining), Daniel Droste (Ahab), and Adrián Terrazas-González on flute/saxophone (ex-The Mars Volta), the playing in Cathexis combines the elegance and subtlety of Camel, the dynamism and versatility of Opeth, and the delicate art of chamber music instrumentation.
In advance of its release, today PHENDRANA unveils the record’s title track and first single, “Cathexis.”
Elaborates Salum, “Venturing through ‘70s prog rock sections, to intense dissonant death metal riffs, all the way to the instrumental string passages, the title track is the encapsulation of the album’s concept, both musically and thematically. In its eight minutes, ‘Cathexis’ introduces emotion-fueled guitar leads, odd-time signatures, melodic bass lines, the clean, and ethereal voices from Ana Bitrán contrasted by my harsh screams, dissonant guitar harmonies, and flute and saxophone solos from ex-The Mars Volta member Adrián Terrazas.
“The song’s lyrics deal with the imminent existential dread one must face once the veil is torn, the innocence fades away and only our thoughts remain to make sense of our presence on this earthly plane.”
Watch PHENDRANA’s video for “Cathexis” HERE. Stream the track HERE.
PHENDRANA’s Cathexis was produced by Alonso Huerta and Anuar Salum, mixed and mastered by Jens Siefert at Rama Studio, Mannheim, and features the stunning cover art of Neyha Sofat. All music composed by Anuar Salum. All lyrics written by Anuar Salum, except the narration on “Lamento,” taken from Aldia’s dialogue in Dark Souls II (2014) and the narration on “The Effigy & The Titan,” taken from Andrei Tarkovsky’s Mirror (1975).
Cathexis will be released on CD (standard + handnumbered) and digitally. Find preorders and merch at the PHENDRANA Bandcamp page HERE.
Cathexis Track Listing:
1. Lamento
2. Cathexis
3. Sentience
4. The Effigy & The Titan
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