MARIA W HORN — Melting Pillars Of Snow

Maria W Horn – MELTING PILLARS OF SNOW opens the XKatedral release XK034LP-C2, a 12-inch vinyl that presents a full-length experimental work steeped in contemporary composition. The record arrives on the label’s 2026 roster alongside the anthology series releases XKLP20, XKLP23 and XKLP33, situating it within a period of expansive, cross-disciplinary projects from the collective. The album follows two parallel catalogue entries – 178373 and 178374 – issued on the same day, confirming its dual-catalogue presence within XKatedral’s current output. Earlier in the year the label issued three anthology 2×12-inch sets that showcase a breadth of experimental voices, providing a contextual backdrop for Horn’s orchestral-electronic blend. Side A begins with “SCYTHE OF SATURN”, the record’s lead single that features a guest appearance by Michael Gira. The piece unfolds as a narrative-driven composition, drawing on the album’s literary inspiration and establishing a contemplative atmosphere that can serve as a deep-set entry point for a set. “MELTING PILLARS OF SNOW”, the title track, expands the sonic palette with a chamber ensemble of contrabass flute, sho, percussion, electric guitar and electronics, weaving a spiralling spectral tapestry that moves through the full frequency range. The third A-side cut, “THE GRAND OAK / TIDENS TRO”, continues the thematic arc, juxtaposing contrasting timbres and maintaining the strict metric structures that underpin the work. Side B opens with “OVERSHADOWED BY MORTALITY”, a composition that deepens the reflective mood, offering a slower tempo and spacious arrangement suitable for late-night transitions. The record closes with “A HANDFUL OF DUST”, a concise finale that distils the album’s textural richness into a succinct statement, providing a clean resolution for DJs looking to end a set or cue a new direction. Within Maria W Horn’s discography, MELTING PILLARS OF SNOW follows the 2023 “Celestial Shores” LP on B.A.A.D.M., marking a continuation of the artist’s exploration of algorithmic synthesis now merged with an expanded acoustic ensemble. The involvement of Anna Petrini, Mattias Hallsten, Magdalena Meizner and Mats Erlandsson adds a collaborative depth that distinguishes this release from earlier solo-focused works. For DJs and collectors, the record offers a versatile set of moods: the opening single works as a deep, narrative-rich entry; the title track provides a broad, evolving soundscape for building tension; the B-side pieces supply atmospheric closures and transitional material. Its experimental leanings and rich instrumentation make it a compelling addition for sets that value texture and conceptual depth. The pressing is a 12-inch vinyl featuring the “STARLIGHT SPARKLE VINYL” finish noted by the label, presenting the music in a format that highlights the nuanced dynamics of the ensemble and electronic layers. Maria W Horn – MELTING PILLARS OF SNOW, XKatedral, catalogue XK034LP-C2, 12-inch vinyl, 5 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Maria W Horn – SCYTHE OF SATURN A2. Maria W Horn – MELTING PILLARS OF SNOW A3. Maria W Horn – THE GRAND OAK / TIDENS TRO B1. Maria W Horn – OVERSHADOWED BY MORTALITY B2. Maria W Horn – A HANDFUL OF DUST