Hogleone’s ‘Ancient City’ – A Sonic Tapestry Rooted in Memory and Majesty

Released as part of his ambitious solo project Many Waters, Hogleone’s latest single Ancient City stands as a testament to the musical depth, personal history and artistic independence of a remarkable musician.

Hogleone, born Jörgen Höglund in Sweden, is an American artist whose journey through the world of music spans continents, decades and genres. His early career saw him playing in groups such as Tres Coronas, Imperial Sounds, Jacarandas, and Gå Runt Show, the latter alongside Bernt Dahlbeck and Mia Adolfson. At just nineteen, he stepped into the spotlight as lead guitarist with Little Gerhard and his Rocking G-men, touring Mexico for a year. Upon returning to Sweden, he continued performing in the country’s folkpark circuit as part of Little Gerhard & Sunny Girls.

Later, he formed the group Tequila with his Mexican friends Renato Lopez, Rafael Sida and Pepe Ballote, joined by British drummer Sam Marsden. The group lasted four years, after which Hogleone emigrated to the United States. There, he released several albums before taking a long break from the music industry, closing what he refers to as the “ancient history” chapter of his life.

A few years ago, he returned to music with fresh inspiration and complete independence. Working from his own home studio, Hogleone began a new creative journey. This time, he handled every element of production himself. He wrote the music and lyrics, performed all the instruments and vocals, recorded, arranged, produced, mixed and mastered each track on his own.

The result is Many Waters, an album consisting of eleven singles released monthly in the lead-up to its full release on 3 October 2025. Among these singles, Ancient City stands out as one of the most powerful and personal.

The song is based on a true story, inspired by Hogleone’s experience of living through a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City many years ago. The track begins with a gentle indie rock vibe, gradually building in complexity as layers of rhythm and harmony are introduced. It evolves into a richly textured soundscape, with multiple interwoven themes that culminate in a grand, almost symphonic experience. A real recording of an earthquake is included, grounding the track in its historical and emotional context.

A soaring guitar solo drives the song toward a majestic and powerful ending. The result is a celebration of memory, place, sound and artistic freedom. It is a song that feels both intimate and epic, crafted with care and conviction.

A visually compelling video accompanies the release and is available to watch on YouTube.

Other singles from Many Waters include I Believe in Love (released 6 September), Leaving it up to You (3 October), A Melody (8 November) and the Swedish-language track Hoppas att du förstår, released on 5 July 2024. Each single offers a unique facet of Hogleone’s creative vision, with new releases arriving monthly until the album’s full release.

Hogleone’s return to music is more than a comeback. It is a masterclass in creative self-sufficiency and heartfelt expression. Ancient City captures both the chaos of a moment and the clarity of reflection, all wrapped in a lush, unforgettable sound.