Leila Abdul-Rauf will release her sixth solo album, Andros Insidium, on April 17 through 20 Buck Spin. The record is her first solo release with the label after more than fifteen years of collaboration through her work with Vastum.
With her five Vastum albums, Abdul-Rauf established a prominent presence in the label’s catalog. At the same time, she developed an extensive solo discography that highlights her abilities as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Andros Insidium now brings that independent body of work into the 20 Buck Spin roster with what the artist describes as her most confrontational material to date.
The album explores themes rooted in ritual, transformation, and the tension between power and repression. Throughout the record, Abdul-Rauf examines the darker reaches of the psyche and the enduring presence of the feminine divine. Those ideas unfold through a narrative that confronts forces fashioned by social pressure and rigid expectations.
Musically, Andros Insidium expands on elements heard in her previous work, including cinematic dark ambient electronica, industrial, and ritual folk. This time, the arrangements move toward a heavier and more intimate direction. Most notably, Abdul-Rauf adops multiple voices and characters throughout the album’s compositions.
In addition, Abdul-Rauf has shared the first preview from the album. The title track appears along with a video produced by Tritonia Films and directed by Marcelle Marais. The clip introduces the album’s stark atmosphere ahead of its April release.
Abdul-Rauf composed, recorded, and performed the record herself. Several collaborators contribute guest performances, including Samuel Foster, Kienan Hamilton, Gregory C. Hagan, and Drew Zercoe.
Producer Greg Wilkinson handled mixing and mastering at Earhammer Studios.
Artwork by Justyna Koziczak. Layout by Chimere Noire. photography by Samuel Foster, and calligraphy by Gregory C. Hagan.
Abdul-Rauf shared: “Conceptually, the title track is a revenge fantasy of a survivor against their abuser through castration and sodomy, which in this particular story, is enacted by a vengeful goddess. It speaks to the rage-filled fantasy the individual has against an attacker as well as the collective rage caused by systemic abuse through sexual, political, relational, emotional control. The goddess’s acts of revenge symbolize a reckoning against patriarchal harm and an imagined dawning of a new age where feminine power and wisdom are restored – violent and unapologetic. Marcelle Marais and Co. of Tritonia Films created the video and did an incredible job, truly capturing the raw emotions of the song with scenes that are cinematically gorgeous and disturbing.”
Additional videos and previews of the album will be rolled out over the weeks ahead. Leila Abdul-Rauf has already begun performing live in support of the record and will announce new dates throughout the year.
Her discography includes Cold And Cloud (Saadi Saati, 2013); Insomnia (Malignant Antibody Treatment, 2015); Diminution (Black Horizons, Cloister Recordings, 2018); Phantasiai (Cyclic Law, 2021); and Calls From A Seething Edge (Cyclic Law, 2024).