Biography
Amarok is a handpan artist and composer exploring the space between rhythm, melody and atmosphere.
With a background in percussion and a strong interest in mathematics, physics and music, he often draws inspiration from the world around him when composing. He approaches the handpan as both a melodic and rhythmic instrument, combining layered rhythms with evolving melodies and space.
His first album, «A Journey Through Time» (2019), explored the story of the universe through five compositions, taking the listener from the Big Bang to its eventual dissolution. «ASCENSION» (2022) turned inward, exploring personal growth, transformation and the search for something beyond the self, while continuing to expand the possibilities of handpan solo.
Amarok's work with the handpan also extends beyond performing and composing. In collaboration with Manik, he designed the Nordlys, a scale that has since been adopted by handpan makers and musicians around the world. He also designed and developed the Manik App, an interactive virtual handpan that lets players explore different scales, instruments and musical possibilities.
His music is now growing beyond the boundaries of the handpan. His upcoming album brings together handpan with a wide range of instruments — electric, acoustic and Spanish guitar, tagelharpa, flutes, drums, piano and synthesizers — while keeping the handpan at the centre of the music.
He also performs as part of Korama, a duo with Mar Loi, and has collaborated with Maja Wlazły and Wojciech (Wojtek) Grochowina. Through handpan classes and workshops, he shares his approach to the instrument, combining technique and musicality with the freedom to find your own voice.
At its core, Amarok's music turns concepts and sensations into sound, finding the instruments and textures that best fit each idea — from a single handpan to a full orchestra.
An album in two parts.
Currently in composition and productionThere are places, moments and people we can't return to. This piece is an attempt to reach them anyway — not physically, but through sound. It's bucolic, luminous music, rooted in landscape and memory, occasionally catching fire with unexpected energy, as if for a moment those places and moments were within reach again.
This piece descends into another world. It takes as its starting point the Rúnatal from the Hávamál — the passage where Odin hangs from Yggdrasil for nine nights, wounded by his own spear, to gain the knowledge of the runes — and carries it into a dark forest, surrounded by a cold, almost hostile Nordic nature: runes, ash, bones, dead trees. A ritual made of tension, force and an almost physical energy.
Expanding the sound
The handpan remains at the heart of Amarok, but the music is no longer limited to it. Guitars, tagelharpa, piano, marimba, oboe, flutes, percussion and synthesizers become part of the palette. Sometimes an idea needs a single handpan; other times, a full orchestra. The aim is simply to find the sounds that fit the music.
Follow the process
The album is still taking shape. Subscribe for occasional updates as it comes together, and stay up to date with its release.
Discography
Explore Amarok's albums, singles and latest releases on Bandcamp.
Listen & buy on Bandcamp
Album · 2022
Album · 2019