Here are the dark ambient albums that we at This is Darkness have been listening to this month – some are new releases, but a few are older gems we’ve just (re)discovered.
Please check these out by clicking on the Bandcamp link next to each review (or by clicking on the BNDCMPR link at the bottom of the page), and please consider supporting the featured artists. Enjoy!
Apocryphos – Atrementia
The latest album from Apocryphos – released on the ever awesome Cryo Chamber label – is an absolute gem of an album, with warm, analogue noise and looped pedal drones expertly blended together to create something rather special. I’ve had this on repeat play since I first heard it, and have found its deep otherworldly depths perfect for losing myself in. This is one of the albums that draws you in, again and again. Simply stunning!
Harvestman – Triptych: Part Two
The latest release from Harvestman (the psych/folk/ambient project of Neurosis’ Steve Von Till) is the second in a three-album series titled Triptych, and has been released to coincide with July 21st’s Buck Moon. With elements of dark ambient, drone, folks, and sludge at play, this is one of those wonderful albums that provides the listener with something different each and every time it’s played. This is an album that is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something more experimental within the genre. Gorgeous!
Neon Noodle – Desolator
Desolator is an album of alternative rock inspired ambient drone that those who enjoy guitar based dark ambient will really enjoy. True, strictly speaking this isn’t dark ambient as such, but it’s dripping with atmospheric tones and dark undertones, and there is a healthy use of drone / ambient / noise elements to draw you in. A must listen for those who are looking for something a little different. Awesome!
Fail – Live at Apartment Music 46
Now this is very cool! A live track of noise / drone that doesn’t pull any punches, and at first feels like the audio equivalent of a naked spin inside a washing machine with a collection of sharp and heavy objects. And yet there are a multitude of subtleties at pay here, and the more I listen to this the more I discover. On the strength of this remarkable track, I will definitely be checking out more from Fail – and the thirtyfive label this has been released on. Wonderful!
Richard Bégin – State Of Control
I was intrigued by this album as soon I started reading the blurb… “Richard Bégin is a professor of media and film studies at the University of Montreal and a researcher-creator in art and sound design. “Phase 5” is the result of his research on disaster as a medium of perception.” The resulting music does not disappoint – with multi-textured tones and skilful combined elements of dark ambient, drone, and noise, the end result is an album that stays with you long after you’ve finished playing it. For fans of dark ambient with an electronic / industrial edge. Remarkable!
Substak – Consciousness
Inner Demons Records continues to be one of my favourite labels, consistently releasing albums of the highest quality. The latest release from Substak is no exception – with 3 eerie, otherworldly tracks guaranteed to give you nightmares. This is the soundtrack to the dystopian future on our doorstep, with experimental electronica and slowly evolving drones working together to create music that is as rewarding as it challenging. Amazing!
M.B. & Sonologyst – Forme
The latest release on the wonderful Unexplained Sounds Group label is this delightful album from M.B. & Sonologyst in which playful electronic music is blended with dark ambient undertones. The end result is absolutely gorgeous and reminds me in places of early 19070’s Tangerine Dream. This is one of those albums that reveals something new with each and every listen, and deserves to be listened to as you lie back in a darkened room and lose yourself to the unfolding music. Stunning!
Mount Shrine – The Mount Hibiki Tapes
Mount Shrine (Cesar Alexandre) was an incredible musician, and the world is a sorrier place without him in it. This latest release from the Cryo Chamber label, compiles all of the currently known underground albums, singles and EPs produced with the Mount Hibiki project. The music here is simply gorgeous – with warm, masterfully crafted drones complimented beautifully be subtle field recordings. This is a wonderfully relaxing, meditative collection of tracks, and highly recommended if you’re looking for something soothing and contemplative in nature. Spectacular!
The Grave Dominion – Landscape of Lost Dreams
New from the fantastic Sombre Soniks label is the second album from The Grave Dominion, featuring collaborative efforts from his friends The Spirit Dies, Dr. Gloom and The Saint. The music here combines classical music elements with unnerving field recordings, drones, and disturbing undertones – resulting in a something akin to a disturbing otherworldly funeral dirge, or the soundtrack of a horror film set in a haunted forest. Wonderfully dark!
Various Artists – Anthology of Experimental Music from Canada
Anthology of Experimental Music from Canada is the 41st release in the Sound Mapping series from the Unexplained Sounds Group label, and – as the name suggests – features music from Canadian artists. With a delightful range of musical styles, the 15 talented musicians each offer something different – from dark ambient to drone, to experimental electronica, and even abstract dance – and yet the album retains a single sense of identity and sound… testament to the skill of Raffaele Pezzella (Sonologyst) who curated and mastered the album. Superb!
A Thousand Reasons – Fragments
Fragments is one of those albums that had me hooked right from the start – blending post-industrial tinged dark ambient with electric guitar riffs to create an album of wonderfully dark and mesmerising music. It’s great to discover an artist who is doing something exciting and different – especially when it’s done as well as this. Very highly recommended for those who like their dark ambient with added guitars. Fantastic!
ULVTHARM – 7 Uthras
The second release from ULVTHARM (MZ 412 co-founder Jouni Ollila) is this amazing album that combines dark ambient, drone, and industrial music together, resulting in an audio experience akin to being dragged down to hell by ritualistic demons. It’s dark, disturbing, and heavy as hell… and absolutely wonderful! This is a must buy for fans of the heavier side of the dark ambient genre. Magnificent!
Melkor – Udkraxsha
Udkraxsha, the latest release from Melkor, is a 10 track album of stunning cinematic dark ambient / drone. And with each track doing something a little different, listening to this album is a truly rewarding experience, in which you’ll find yourself discovering something new each time you play it. This is an album that will be enjoyed by all fans of the dark ambient genre – and I strongly recommend you check it out. Glorious!
Die Sonne Satans – Omega
Now this is very cool indeed – a remastered and reissued collection of tracks from one of the masters of the Italian electronic scene of the 1990’s! Die Sonne Satans blends extensive field recordings with evolving drones and dark ambient soundscapes, creating music that is multi-textured and unique. This is one of those albums that is impossible to categorise, but that’s what makes it so wonderful to listen to – there is so much going on that you can’t help but drawn in. Sublime!
A°🄳+S/P°₂₃ – Monolith V
Monolith V the fifth instalment in the series of collaborations between A Demon Sheen (Grist) and P23 (Akoustik Timbre Frekuency), and features a two hour drone / processed guitar soundscape. The music starts off gentle with slow evolving drones, but then things step up a gear and things become more intense! This album is perfect for losing yourself in – just switch the lights off, settle back, and let yourself drift away for 2 hours. Incredible stuff!
Click on the below image to go to this month’s This is Darkness playlist on BNDCMPR, which features 1 track from each of the above albums:
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