The unknowing of what the future holds is like an obsession. Whether we continue to advance in technology and expand physiological boundaries or descend into a foreseen doomed planet, the outcome is an exotic mystery. Given the current state of the world with the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, a futuristic apocalypse is not so far fetched. With millions of people becoming effected, hundreds of thousands of people dying, supplies running low, economies crumbling before our very eyes, we are in the early stages of a possible apocalypse. This is the perfect environment for Dark Ambient music, as this is the setting that is conceptualized the most. Imagine a full-on decimation of the world with no means of viable recovery and after several centuries, a group of survivors begin to investigate the cause of this total annihilation. That is the concept behind the latest cinematic Dark Ambient adventure by New Risen Throne called, ‘The Outside’. Containing seven monumental tracks of bleak and gloomy Dark Ambient, New Risen Throne sets the bar for theatrical and atmospheric music. As a bonus, there are an additional eight tracks of older New Risen Throne material that has been deconstructed by some of the most reputable artists in the Dark Ambient genre.
“The Outside (I)” sets the grisly scene many centuries in the future as profound and despotic drones create a slow, dark grind of unknown discovery. As the tone increases, narrative samples of someone appearing to be in distress adds a horrific texture to the track. Multi-layers of synths and pads resonate evil intonations as malevolent discoveries are imminent. “What We Have Seen” is like a nightmare all in itself, starting calm and increasingly adding soundscapes that will agitate the dead. The background, hollow drones play a key role in this track as they are not overly aggressive, but make their presence felt in a frightening way. About halfway through, a discordant riff can be heard, boasting the despondency of the emotional landscape that is being portrayed. Additional guitar tones and vocalizations add layers of empathy and dread which sends this blistering track into realms of the unknown. “The Outside (II)” begins with alluring drones that slowly increase with the introduction of industrial soundscapes. As the protagonists in this story rummage through the wastelands in search of the answer that ended the world centuries before, one has to wonder if they are fearful for what may be found. As thunderous percussions hammer out a distorted beat in a rhythmic pattern with manufactured sounds, the intensity grows, creating an anxious feeling. This combination comes to an abrupt halt as bizarre and inhuman vocalizations are heard explaining a possible truth of the past. “Corrosion Of Pillars” wastes no time sounding the alarm as abysmal siren-like tones emit a harsh warning. Creepy drones are brought forth along with booming percussive beats, making it obvious that the answer may soon be found and an unsettling reveal is about to be told. “The Outside (III)” continues with the industrial influenced Dark Ambience with mechanized soundscapes and eerie atmospherics layered with haunting drones. “The Outside (IV)” begins with various field recordings and echoed effects, as the climactic ending to the story begins to unfold. The sinister vibe on this track is what nightmares are made of and may also result in a negative ending while the search for answers comes to a close. “Birth Of A New Disciple (II)” is the malevolent conclusion to ‘The Outside’ and a multitude of profound sounds and textures are brought together as a new world order is in formation. From tribal drum sounds, choir-like chants to hollow drones and ritualistic undertones, this track has all of the key elements to become a soundtrack for the post-apocalyptic dawn of a new civilization.
It doesn’t stop here though. Although ‘The Outside’ is the complete package for a Dark Ambient masterpiece, the bonus material is equally as mesmerizing. These eight additional tracks are previously recorded material that have been remixed by some of the top Dark Ambient Artists in the genre to include: Sysselmann, Visions, Taphephobia, Phantom Ship, Vestigial, Apocryphos, TeHÔM, as well as New Risen Throne. If I had to pick a few stand out tracks amongst these, they would be, “A Vision Of The Hidden (Sysselmann Remix)”, “Sigh Of The Soul (Apocryphos Remix)” and “Withered Regions (TeHÔM Remix)”.
Without a doubt, New Risen Throne is one of the leading Dark Ambient artists in the world. By adding a relevant, theatrical story line to his cinematic brand of music, the creativity of his craft sets him miles apart from most others in the genre. ‘The Outside’ is a visionary album and one of the best Dark Ambient recordings of this year so far. I highly recommend checking out this extremely addictive album, so show your support by downloading it from the link below.
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