Set for release on June 27th via Zack’s MUSIC, AETHER II builds on the introspective sound world of its predecessor while pushing further into dynamic extremes and tonal richness. Simple acoustic melodies float alongside grainy field recordings, ambient soundscapes, and carefully applied post-production, creating a sound that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

“The AETHER albums revolve around the ‘ballad’ as a concept,” Haxholm explains, “but this time, I wanted to challenge that stillness—stretch it dynamically, add density, and let discrete electronic elements enrich the acoustic world.”

Each track on the album is rooted in personal stories, dedicated to the people, places, and memories that have shaped Haxholm’s life. The gentle sway of Magnolia evokes childhood afternoons in his grandparents’ garden, while the track Coda incorporates real forest sounds from the area where his brother lives—layered with hand-played electronic percussion that nods to his brother’s own experimental music practice. Silveon, named after a beloved toy of Haxholm’s eldest daughter, is built around a naïve, singable melody that reflects her energy and light. The album closes with Incarnadine, a thoughtful hymn that gradually transforms into a ritualistic chant, echoing themes of transformation, memory, and release.

Visually, the album is complemented by cover art created in collaboration with Haxholm’s daughters—a reflection of the familial connections and shared creativity that inspired the project.

Having spent a decade immersed in the modern jazz scene in New York—releasing seven albums and collaborating with leading American musicians—AETHER II marks Haxholm’s continued return to his Nordic roots, both musically and emotionally.