Papangu - Celestial (2026) Hi-Res

Brazilian prog wunderkinds Papangu return to the fray with their highly anticipated third studio LP, CELESTIAL.

A sprawling, layered concept album divided in ten parts, CELESTIAL sees the João Pessoa band weaving retcon prog, MPB, black metal, zeuhl, ciranda, and forró into a multicoloured tapestry of superstition, doubt, and self-affirmation that is both earthbound and otherworldly.

Taking a bold stance against the usage of AI tools in art, Papangu rejected all digital shortcuts: CELESTIAL was recorded and mixed to magnetic tape, with no computers whatsoever, and mastered fully analogue at the renowned Emil Berliner Studios.

Recorded mostly live in the studio over the course of nine days, the band’s second collaboration with Berlin psych producer Richard Behrens (Elder, Kadavar, Earth Tongue) makes heavy use of vintage instruments and legendary recording gear from the 60s and 70s.

Aiming at the future while evoking echoes of Lô Borges, Alceu Valença, and Hermeto Pascoal all the way to Blind Guardian, Gentle Giant, and King Crimson, Papangu’s third record makes no compromises and reaffirms the Brazilian band as generational mavericks of experimental rock.