"Ash of the Womb", the sophomore full-length from California's Illudium was born in the fiery pandemonium of the burning season of 2020 when huge tracts of the sunshine state went up in flames, while skies glowed orange at night. The many layers of dark and harsh metal shading on this album can easily be seen as a residue from those events. Yet the listener will still encounter those sun-drenched textures and honey-rich passages from the band's beginning on "Septem" (2016) that reflect the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Coast with it's redwood forests and the blue ocean that also inspire Illudium. Mastermind Shantel Amundson spent her formative years listening to SMASHING PUMPKINS, ISIS, KATE BUSH, and COCTEAU TWINS among many others, which makes it difficult to pin her own music down. While "Ash of the Womb" clearly builds on and expands "Septem", the new album intensifies the darker and heavier elements, which results in a more dynamic and holistic musical experience that Illudium elegantly balance against their dreamy and sophisticated side. Taking their name from a concept coined by Mircae Eliade, Illudium can be seen as the musical embodiment of the religious philosopher's idea of "illud tempus" ("that time"), which is referring to the mythical sacred time of the first creation of this world. With a degree in cultural anthropology and art history, it is hardly surprising that Shantel's lyrics revolve around mystical and metaphysical ideas. With "Ash of the Womb", Illudium have created an equally heavier, darker and yet more honey-combed vision of their musical exploration that gently asks for extra attention and diligent listening before revealing it's true depths. Tracklist:
Release date:
October 15, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Elbow Audio Vertigo Echo Elbow EP 5 (White)
Capitol
June 6, 2025 -
Herbert & Momoko (Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill) Clay
Strut
June 27, 2025 -
Anthony Green Doom. Spun.
Born Losers Records
July 4, 2025 -
Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell We Insist 2025!
Candid
June 13, 2025 -
Mareux Nonstop Romance
Warner Records
August 1, 2025 -
Rory Restoration
Late Nation Ltd
June 27, 2025 -
Barbra Streisand The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2 (Amazon Exclusive)
Columbia Records Group
June 27, 2025 -
Paul Di'Anno In Memory Of (Yellow)
Metalville
June 13, 2025 -
The Chameleons Where Are You EP
Strange Times Ent
June 13, 2025 -
University McCartney, It'Ll Be Ok
Transgressive
June 20, 2025 -
Baest Colossal
Century Media
August 15, 2025 -
Jackson Wang MAGICMAN 2
88rising Music - "Worldwide"
July 18, 2025 -
Tangerine Dream From Virgin To Quantum Years: Coventry Cathedral 22 - 140Gm [3xLP]
Kscope Import
June 27, 2025 -
Aesthetic Perfection Closer to Human
Dependent
June 20, 2025