SFTHU Quick Reviews: Nepal Death - "Pilgrims and Psychonauts"
Nepal Death is a seven-piece band from Sweden who, under the guidance of Kali the Death Goddess, creates a hypnotic blend of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and kraut rock, with some whispers of post punk in the mix as well. The band has a keen fascination with the hippie movement of the 70s, an era that saturates their music with colorful storytelling, contagious optimism, and heartfelt equanimity.
I first happened upon Nepal Death when I heard their single Freak Street Blues in 2024. This song, vividly projecting the imagery and hippie outlook of the time while emanating the most jubilant, carefree tones, instantly filled me with a warm happiness, compelling me to move and sing along. This is a powerful feeling that inevitably bubbles up no matter how many times I listen to this track, something I couldn't fight even if I wanted to.
The official lyric video for "Freak Street Blues"
Nepal Death's subsequent singles, Ashen Pilgrim (2024), Shooting Star (2024), and Polychromatic Route (2025) had a similar effect on my heart and soul, so I was thrilled to learn that these spirited tracks and more would be released on the band's new album Pilgrims and Psychonauts (September 12, 2025 via Kali Psyche Records).
The official music video for "Polychromatic Route"
Nepal Death - Pilgrims and Psychonauts
This release excitedly grabs you by the hand, inviting you on an immersive journey along the Hippie Trail in 1972. It's a powerfully spiritual expedition, filled with "love" and "chaos", ultimately culminating in an explosive "cosmic rebirth".
My favorite aspect of Pilgrims and Psychonauts, besides the aforementioned infectious joy it encourages, is the beautifully authentic love and passion the band feels for this era of history, the geographic area along the Hippie Trail, and for the life-altering spiritual lessons that could be gathered along the way. This unbridled passion not only bleeds into Nepal Death's sound and live performances with an intensity that is strongly palpable, but it results in a mesmerically smooth, organic flow to the album. As each mystical song feeds into the next, you'll undoubtedly find yourself drawn deeper and deeper along the Hippie Trail as the majestic mountains of Kathmandu sharpen into clear focus.
More About Nepal Death
You can follow Nepal Death and listen to their music at the following links:
I highly recommend following this band on social media, as they're always releasing captivating live performance and music videos as well as providing detailed explanations as to the meanings behind their songs and inspirations.
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