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04/04/2025
Earthly Delights Presents "Nemo" by Arsankhan
LIVE Album Premiere
"This album is a reflection of my personal path, my inner transformations. It traces a journey from the depths of my darkest, most anxious states to light and beauty. The final moments feel like a literal touch of the divine. And what could be closer to God than the raw, majestic beauty of nature itself?" - Arsankhan
The story begins with joining the Earthly Delights label, working closely with the team, the idea to write an album was born. The creative process underwent a long, emotional journey which lead us to recording a live video performance as a way to present the works in manner they deserve to be seen and heard. After exploring different options, we chose Dagestan— Arsankhans homeland, the place where he spent his childhood and formative years.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Dagestan naturally led us to the mountains. Finding the right setting, however, was no easy task. From popular tourist spots to remote, untouched corners of the republic, we scoured photographs and consulted local guides. Seeking a location completely devoid of people, we focused on ghost villages—abandoned settlements where only ruins remain, echoes of past lives. Our search took us to Southern Dagestan, a long journey from the capital.
We drove five hours through the villages, passed Akhty, near the border with Azerbaijan. Having already shortlisted a few locations, we needed to see them in person. Settling into a local guesthouse, we set out at dawn to explore our first option. With a local guide, we drove another half-hour off-road, then hiked another thirty minutes across treacherous mountain slopes. The village itself was hidden among the cliffs, perched on a steep mountainside. It was hauntingly beautiful—crumbling houses, an open view of the gorge—but almost immediately, we realised the logistical challenges of filming there. The terrain was too dangerous, the setup too complex.
That same day, we moved on to the next location... a village high on a vast plateau. From there, breathtaking views stretched across Dagestan’s iconic mountains and the Samur River. The moment we arrived, we knew this was the place. Completely deserted, save for a herd of cows grazing nearby, it exuded the solitude and grandeur we had been searching for.
We explored the area, selected the perfect vantage points, ran test drone flights, and planned the setup for the performance. Wanting to capture the scene at sunrise, we returned to our guesthouse to prepare. In the dead of night, beneath a sky heavy with stars, we set out again.
Arriving at the plateau in total darkness, we began setting up—adjusting sound, positioning cameras, preparing equipment. We draped a traditional Dagestani carpet with national patterns over the table, placed antique jugs, and as the first light of dawn broke over the mountains, we began filming.
It was an intense yet deeply rewarding experience. Over the course of three exhausting days, we immersed ourselves in this journey—not just in capturing the performance, but in the quiet, powerful presence of these landscapes.
“Nemo” comes April 24: https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlnCYvWlxaH1A
Music written, produced and performed by Arsankhan
Executive Producer Gene E.O.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQQ04qtPhvA&t=54s
Earthly Delights Presents "Nemo" by Arsankhan LIVE Album PremiereGet the Album here: https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlnCYvWlxaH1A"This album is a reflection of...
