Denmark’s Edena Gardens rolled onto the scene back in 2022 with their self-titled debut. A monolithic sound of doom-laced blues and post-rock expansiveness, it was like hearing Black Sabbath taking a cue from Ry Cooder; chugging rhythms, desolated guitar tones, and the feeling of some dystopian, post-apocalyptic western taking place on a distant, sun-dried planet. Bands like Earth, Low, Sabbath, and Popol Vuh came to mind, but Edena Gardens delivered something quite unique and singular.
The band consists of guitarist Nicklas Sørensen, bassist/multi-instrumentalist Martin Rude & drummer Jakob Skøtt. Their musical pedigree is impressive, with each coming from other projects like Papir, Causa Sui, London Odense Ensemble and Sun River to name a few. And since that debut the band found a fountain of inspiration as 2023 saw them release two more studio albums, as well as a scorching live record titled Live Momentum. With four albums in a mere two years, it seemed that perhaps the band had given us all they were going to.
Enter 2025, and the return of Edena Gardens.
On the band’s new album, titled Dispossessed, it seems the Danish trio has found a kind of transcendent middle ground. The dystopian tones and chugging rhythms seem to have found a peaceful medium. The album showcases the band’s willingness to get lost in a groove and allow their bluesier side to emerge. Nicklas Sørensen comes out sounding like a guitarist’s guitarist, giving us ample blues power while keeping it all fresh, loose, and atmospheric. The rhythm section of Rude and Skøtt keep a rock solid foundation, allowing things to get wily at times, but never lose sight of the musical center. Dispossessed sees Edena Gardens in fine form, and evolving.
“Hiraeth” opens the record on a slow awakening. Guitars buzz and drums explode, like some monolithic creature waking from a centuries-long sleep. Ether-soaked doom metal with a touch Earth thrown in for good measure. Sørensen’s soloing is stunning, exploratory, and goes wherever the wind takes it. “Fills The Well” was the first track released and has an almost sunny disposition. The fire and fury that came before has evolved into almost quiet reflection. The guitars are reminiscent of Band of Gypsies-era Hendrix here. It feels live, visceral, and in-the-moment.
One of the absolute highlights for me is the sunny, dream-like “Vanishing Point”. A slow build over shimmering guitars and cascading drums, you can’t help but get lost in the song’s hazy, swirling sonic world. You can see miles of desert road ahead and a mirage that beckons you to come closer. There are many moments like that on this record, but this one breaks the mold.
From the desert dreams of “Light In August” to the almost shoegaze-y swing of the title cut to woozy, atmospheric, and epic 10-minute closer “Aftenstjerne”, Dispossessed connects from start to finish.
Edena Gardens returns in fine form, with a few more tricks up their sleeves. Dispossessed is an epic, engaging listen worthy of getting lost in.
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