Celestial Ephemerides: A Collection Of Dark Ambient Summary Reviews, Part VI

From the distant reaches of the macrocosm, I bring you another planetary offering of Dark Ambient summary reviews. This batch of Celestial Ephemerides offers a copious selection of mystical performances that surges deep in the spheres of dimly lit voids. From noise and ritualistic to supernatural soundscapes and haunting field recordings, this is the most impressive gathering of Dark Ambient albums I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing in a while. Hope you enjoy!

1. Pillars Of Golden Misery – ‘Riders Of Misfortune’

‘Riders Of Misfortune’ is a majestic blend of discordant algorithms and resounding clamor in this abrasive but enjoyable offering. Served on a tumultuous platter of indignant ambience, this recording is not for the faint of heart or those with sensitive hearing. Piercing effects and elongated droning produce a disquieting pulse of audial horror that is as punishing as it is enthralling. Highly recommended for fans of harsh noise, glitch and transfixing avant-garde.

https://culturevomit.bandcamp.com/album/riders-of-misfortune-cult-vom-002

2. VSSP – ‘Modular Performances’

‘Modular Performances’ is such a fitting title for this massive collection of ambient tunes from VSSP. Innovative, tranquil, dreamy and calming are other adjectives that also accurately describe this seventy three minute offering that traverses the drone, space ambient and dark ambient genres. One thing that is predominant on this recording is the real sense of melody in each track. The emotional feeling is almost heartbreaking and sorrowful but extremely compelling to listen to. Highly recommended for background music on a cold, rainy day or while relaxing with the intent to cleanse the mind of negative thoughts.

https://kalaminerecords.bandcamp.com/album/modular-performances

3. Sana Obruent – ‘Aftoktonia’

To these ears, this is one of the most complete Drone Ambient recordings I’ve heard in a long time. Aside from a few other artists, Sana Obruent is quickly becoming my go-to artist for epic drone excursions due to the prominent foray into meditative resonance. Minimalistic & simple, yet effective and powerful, ‘Aftoktonia’ is over one hundred minutes of reflective musings that brings together powerful drones and circadian effects that is as relaxing as it is strident. This is one of my favorite Ambient albums of 2022 and probably will remain that way for many years to follow.

https://sanaobruent.bandcamp.com/album/aftoktonia

4. Underwater Sleep Orchestra – ‘The Night And Other Sunken Dreams’

Underwater Sleep Orchestra, the new, brooding collaboration between Cities Last Broadcast and God Body Disconnect is a seventy eight minute magnum opus of polarizing dark ambient music. From hypnotizing drones to warm soundscapes, this is a project that I cannot wait to hear more from. These songs are lethargic and melodic and are a bit different from the typical dark ambient setting. You can definitely hear the input of each artist as they bring their signature sound to this musical alliance. Can’t recommend this one enough, especially if you’re looking for something to listen to while drifting off to never never land.

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/the-night-and-other-sunken-dreams

5. Leila Abdul-Rauf – ‘Phantasiai’

It’s not often we get a fascinating album with trumpet and glockenspiel performances, but here we are. ‘Phantasiai’ is a spellbinding album of bleak expression with chilling vocals and dreamy production. Cyclic Law continues to recruit the finest artist that are ready to deliver the best of their craft. Thankfully we have Leila Abdul-Rauf to continue the flow and this album fits in with a long list of stellar releases.

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/phantasiai

6. O Saala Sakraal – ‘Heven’

The concept of improvisation by O Saala Sakraal is a must listen and ‘Heven’ is one of those albums that will draw the listener in based on the sheer amazement of the unknown. Although only 21 minutes long, this collection of spontaneous incantations is both ritualistic and engaging. Soothing vocal parts with sinister narrations coalesce with haunting atmospherics to provide a post-apocalyptic feel without sounding dilapidated. I can’t wait to hear more from this artist and thanks again to Cyclic Law for continuing to release amazing albums like this.

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/heven

7. Muhd – ‘Dilogia’

‘Dilogia’ is another prime example of hypnotic ambience that builds in layers to achieve a fusion of synthwave and dark ambient excellence. Warm, harmonizing drones go through an assembly of thickening tones and modulated soundscapes to produce emotion canticles that represent an exceptional blend of retro and futuristic synth virtue. Also from the Cyclic Law label, it’s no wonder why this album made it into the lineup as it sounds fresh, inviting and completely divergent.

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/dilogia

8. Yuko Nakai – ‘Me, And The Waters’

There is nothing more soothing than the blissful sounds of crystal bowls, harmonizing with natural soundscapes. Yuko Nakai excels in this area with a splendid three-track EP, ‘Me, And The Waters’. Fusing the sound of crashing ocean waves with extended hums of crystal bowls, beautifully arranged songs of scenic allure expel a magnitude of harrowing sequences that lure the listener in with unimaginable power. My only wish is that this album was about an hour long in order to fully appreciate its hypnotizing effect. Highly recommended for a deep, meditative experience.

https://kalaminerecords.bandcamp.com/album/me-and-the-waters

9. Gdanian – ‘Submersion’

Gdanian is a new edition to the Cryo Chamber label lineup and upon initial listen, I can confirm that it’s the perfect label to release an album as alluring as this one. An oceanic-themed outing, ‘Submersion’ pulls no punches with including aquatic soundscapes and sub-surface atmospherics. Beautifully produced, each track immerses the listener into a vast world of unexplored adventure. With the feeling of unimaginable depth, there is no choice but to sit back and soak in (no pun intended) the bleak soundscapes and minimalistic drones. An amazing recording that should not be overlooked.

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/submersion

10. Lētum – ‘The Face Of Life And Death’

Lētum presents a cinematic nightmare of an album with ‘Tue Face Of Live And Death’. A conglomerate of disturbing samples and soundscapes backed by malevolent drones and pads. Horrifying vocal sequences are enough to to disrupt your sleeping pattern and send you down a vortex of enraged evil and madness. Coupled with theatric production values, this is a highly professional offering from one of Dark Ambient’s independent achievers. Recommended for Dark Ambient fans that don’t mind being on edge during a whole albums worth of menacing intonations.

https://letum.bandcamp.com/album/the-face-of-life-and-death

The main article image is a unique creation from the WOMBO Dream APP.

Celestial Ephemerides: A Collection Of Dungeon Synth Summary Reviews, Part VI

Hope all is well and please enjoy this latest round of Dungeon Synth summary reviews. I know that many of these absolutely deserve a full review. However, being a one-man shop, periodically doing these Celestial Ephemerides articles is the best way for me to keep up with the high review demand. These ten albums are all very intriguing and different in their own right, but are still firmly planted in the mysterious genre that we all know and love.

1. Countryside Views – ‘Mountain Country Memories’

This comfy synth projects takes us to far away hills and farmland settings in this tranquil synth outing. Featuring field recordings of the peaceful endeavors of country living, this album will make almost anyone feel right at home in the serene setting of all things nature. Elongated droning keyboards and crisp, enjoyable synths complete this reposeful recording and provides the feeling of refreshment and undisturbed emotions. ‘Mountain Country Memories’ is perfect for creating a placid start to your day or just having a moment of calmness.

https://countrysideviews.bandcamp.com/album/mountain-country-memories

2. Ferrydor Archive – ‘Tale Of The Foolish Dreamer’

Another multi faceted outing that moves Dungeon Synth music beyond the blurred lines of tradition and incorporates a slew of other styles and techniques. From ambience, whimsical interludes to modulations composed of chip tune technique, ‘Tale Of The Foolish Dreamer’ is an impressive album that could very well be a soundtrack for a fantasy-based story. Sometimes cheerful and sometimes somber, it is unequivocally a meticulous synth recording that has superlative elements of classical compositions.

https://ferrydorarchive.bandcamp.com/album/tale-of-the-foolish-dreamer

3. Arcanist – ‘Poseidonis’

The purveyor of multi-genre greatness, Archanist, surpass all expectations on the darkly fantastic offering, ‘Poseidonis’. From lush, textured synths to Berlin school sequences, this album runs the gamut of soulful and emotional sounds that exclude melody and magnified feelings. Each track produces a unique vibe while maintaining a constant, bleak posture. A wonderful, modern take on Dungeon Synth aesthetics while brilliantly weaving in retro synthwave, this album is an instant classic and is sure to be a fan favorite for all.

https://yuggothrecords.bandcamp.com/album/poseidonis

4. Landstrykar – ‘A Walk Amidst The Cairns’

Over an hours worth of well crafted, beautifully orchestrated music, ‘A Walk Amidst The Cairns’ is an epic release that transcends any genre. Even though it’s rooted in Dungeon Synth, these soothing tracks emit an energy of classical instrumentation and exuberant scenes of endless landscapes and peaceful times. This is the perfect album to have for filling the void of background ambience, or slipping away into a meditative bliss. This is top quality synth music and is highly recommended.

https://landstrykar.bandcamp.com/album/a-walk-amidst-the-cairns

5. Lunar Cult – ‘Death Cannot Contain You’

‘Death Cannot Contain You’ is a hefty collection of quirky canticles with ominous undertones and endless exploration of synth madness. Watch what’s lurking around every corner, as these tunes provide the soundtrack for lurking evil and heinous ambition. Nearly forty five minutes of non-stop keyboard and percussive repose, these tracks offer an impressive melding of various instruments sounds and effects to bring forth a sense of gritty contentment. Don’t pass on this album as if offers an audial satisfaction like no other.

https://lunarcult.bandcamp.com/album/death-cannot-contain-you

6. The Sage Of Seers – ‘Watching From Within’

The Sage Of Seers hit the jackpot with this release as it’s one of the most momentous collection of tracks I’ve heard in a while. Heavy use of reverb give it a huge wall-of-sound feel and the instrumentation is performed in a flawless, mesmerizing way. Songs such as “As I Slept Upon The Ancient Barrow” and “The Path Leads To The Light” pay homage to quaint, Medieval settings, while “Under The Frozen Lake” contains Dark Ambient passages and idiosyncratic effects. Very impressive release that covers an array of genres without sounding fatigued or over played.

https://thesageofseers.bandcamp.com/album/watching-from-within

7. Thalmar – ‘Pried From Winter’s Frost Laden Grip’

Strident, lo-fi project from the Ithildin Tape Production camp, Thalmar epitomizes the despotic side of Dungeon Synth with epic, grinding tracks of looping discord. Creating an uneasy approach to layering with a consternation of bleak arrangements, ‘Pried From Winter’s Frost Laden Grip’ is a disturbing audial ride through chaos and the horrors of Medieval battles. Edgy production that borders on tense distortion and restive modulated impulses, this is the ultimate album for your dark inquisitions.

https://ithildintapeproduction.bandcamp.com/album/pried-from-winters-frost-laden-grip

8. Fantoma Sânge – ‘The Siren Of Black Lake’

Fantoma Sânge takes the listener on a colossal adventure that is part whimsical and part theatrical. From big sounds to quirky arrangements, this is a twenty four minute excursion that you don’t want to miss. Jubilant drums and massive synth tones pave a path toward eccentric oblivion while the lo-fi production maintains a tradition of Medieval spirit. Don’t pass up this dainty little offering and enjoy all the turns and twists along the way.

https://fantomasange.bandcamp.com/album/the-siren-of-black-lake

9. Chamber Of Sorrows – ‘Guardian Of The Realm’

Produced with a sense of isolation, this gritty offering presents a cloudless perspective of ancient times. Full of sorrow and melancholy, these tunes range from light-hearted dirges to jarring compositions that truly reflect life back in ancient times. With an array of synth effects and tonal changes, ‘Guardian Of The Realm’ is a complete listening experience and will surly meet all of your Dungeon Synth needs and desires.

https://chamberofsorrows.bandcamp.com/album/guardian-of-the-realm

10. Disemballerina – ‘Fawn’

Unofficially rooted in the aesthetics of Dungeon Synth, Disemballerina charges forth on ‘Fawn’, their latest EP of Medieval fueled orchestrations and discordant instrumentation. Nearly fifteen minutes of classical interpretations that dive into various genres of avant-garde liking. Subtle, smooth, and at times unconventional, this enticing release is worth multiple listens as well as a gander into their back catalog of impressive albums.

https://disemballerinapdx.bandcamp.com/album/fawn

The main article image is a unique creation from the WOMBO Dream APP.

Temple Of The Fractured Light Projects A Balance Of Psychedelic Fervor And Soothing Accents On ‘PSYOP Theory’

Since 2020, Temple Of The Fractured Light has gone above and beyond with their brand of psychedelic-infused Dungeon Synth music. Combining soothing anthems with whimsical instrumentation and vivid expression across five amazing albums, there is a sense of joyous wonder when experiencing these amazing recordings, especially since they get better and better with each new release. Last years ‘The Groovopolis’ A was met with high praise and amazement and it would be hard to imagine future recordings outshining this pentacle release. However, that has happened as ‘PSYOP Theory’ is an astounding effort into multicolored territories of consoling synth greatness. Six tracks and nearly thirty seven minutes of mind-bending synth compositions, this album contains a multitude of twists and turns and supremely weaves them into massive sounding arrangements so that audial transparency remains intact.

Tantalizing lead-off track “Circle Or Square::Black Or Grey” begins with a 70’s style synth effect, playing a catchy, melodic chop that is soon joined in unison with orchestral instrument sounds. With a very mellow vibe, this ghoulishly mixed track is a spectacular way to start off the album and sets a melancholic mood. Next, is the uptempo “Roswellian Waltzes”. A droning synth slowly crescendos just before a crashing symbol cascades into a histrionic percussive beat. Lush synth effects and mesmerizing echoing sounds maintain the psychedelic appeal while traditional Dungeon Synth melodies exude a tempting resonance. “Sacred Geometry And The Eye Of The Pyramid” is a hypnotic blend of clean synth arrangements and grandiose leads that are reminiscent of classic – and even gothic – intonations from 70’s and 80’s cinema. This is a very impressive track and one that I seem to return to the most often. Following this is a song of similar caliber, “That Which You Should Not Know”. Starting with a few single-note keys that are equally gloomy and ariose, this track maintains a serene prowess from start to finish. Even with additional synth leads that are slightly louder in the mix, this savory piece is a delicate treasure. “The Persuant Theories Of MK Ultra” is a proverbial nod to the illegal experimentation program designed by the CIA. However musically, whimsical keys and spacey synth effects are arranged in a slow looping pattern and become more mesmerizing with each passing. Sudden symbol crashes and sparse percussion add to the mystique of this track as it continues to build into a psychedelic frenzy all the while maintaining a beguiling Dungeon Synth essence. The final endeavor on the album is the alluring title track, “PSYOP Theory”. Beginning with beautifully modulated synths and charming leads, this inspiring track provides a haunting platform for a barrage of strange sounds and peculiar drum beats. I can imagine a group of travelers back in ancient times, escaping the grips of an invisible force while running through and endless, multi-colored forest. Eccentric and atypical, this is an intriguing piece and solid way to close out this magical album.

Another crowning achievement for Temple Of The Fractured Light, ‘PSYOP Theory’ is an exquisite addition to the Dungeon Synth community. From whimsical to battle-ready anthems, these tracks set a prescience for quality Dungeon Synth music while adding a stunning psychedelic aesthetic. In a category all of its own, ‘PSYOP Theory’ is an addictive listen and capable of cleansing the audial pallet for a new, fresh sound. Please click on the link below to support this exceptional artist and enjoy this amazing experience.

Please Like/Follow my blog so that you’ll get first hand updates every time I post a review. Thanks for visiting the Dungeon!!

Links:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/templeofthefracturedlight/psyop-theory

Ager Sonus Takes Us On A Journey Through Ancient Civilizations On ‘Niflheim’

Over the years, the Cryo Chamber label has become my go-to label for top-quality, cinematic Dark Ambient music. Not only that, the label has introduced me to – what would become – some of my favorite artists of the genre. One of those artists is Ager Sonus. One thing that sets Ager Sonus apart is the inclusion of ancient mythological themes for each album and contrasting musical sounds that present a deep dive into the theme at hand. On latest album, ‘Niflheim’, Ager Sonus incorporates hoary deities and recollections similar to that of Norse mythology and civilizations. This alone creates a dynamic atmosphere that is supremely backed up theatrical ambient pieces, telling an age-old tale through superior musical expression.

Starting the album off in a tribalistic fashion is “Going North”. After a brief descent into dark modulations, a rhythmic beat begins and a variety of instrumentations treat us to a theatrical composition that depicts the beginnings of uncharted civilizations. Concluding with a jarring ambient section, this track sets a high mark for what will follow. “Murky Waters” introduces an array of field recordings and soundscapes that thwart this mystical journey into undiscovered realms. Synth leads create a chamber of wonder as it produces a visually bleak setting. Haunting vocal patterns and percussive moments broaden the scope of this intense recording. “Bonfire Stories” takes us back to ancient times of Viking warriors and the fight for land and heritage. This song creates such a magnificent image of natural landscapes and dark times of an age-old civilization with its pulsating beat and emotionally charged instrumentation. “Tundra” commences with a dark ambient vibe and slowly incorporates a mid-tempo, pulsating beat with Middle-Eastern influenced arrangements. I can imagine this song playing while venturing through a narrow alley with a multitude of people selling goods and pacing relentlessly as if there is no where in particular to visit. There is a sense of tense atmospherics as some sort of evil may be lurking around every corner. “Decay” has a beautiful new age vibe as a slower drum beat sets a steady cadence for alluring melodies and soundscapes. As crows let out harsh, modulated caws in the background, a sense of tranquility plays on through elegant tones. “Ghosts Of Battles Past” is one of the more darker tracks on the album, as bleak drones and sinister vocal patterns are featured. The flute-like leads produce a harrowing moment as serene charm and cold decay begin to fuse for a mesmerizing output. “Dreamland” continues the pace and aura of previous tracks with industrialized samples and a huge reverberated sound that produces a huge space for maximum audial control and imagination. Toward the middle of the track, an assembly of resonance – previously heard – slowly make their way into the mix and the outcome is simply amazing and addictive to listen to. This is without a doubt, one of my favorite tracks on the album. The final track, “Journey’s End”, supremely summarizes this spectacular album with evocative drones, natural field recordings and pounding beats that are more bombastic and destructive than they are rhythmic. However, it showcases the abrupt ending that was expected on this ancient expedition. The drones intensify and build in layers as this is probably the most traditional sounding Dark Ambient track on the album. Nevertheless, it’s such a soothing way to end an excursion that is full of triumphs, struggles and alluring engagement.

Ager Sonus never ceases to amaze me with his brand of cinematic Dark Ambient music. Whereas many of his albums are rooted and themed in existing ancient cultures, this album – in my opinion – is more inline with the beginning of times and how certain ancient cultures began. This is yet another amazing album from one of my favorite Cryo Chamber label artists and I highly recommend checking out ‘Niflheim’ if your itching for a wondrous audial adventure into ancient civilizations.

Please Like/Follow my blog so that you’ll get first hand updates every time I post a review. Thanks for visiting the Dungeon!!

Links:

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/niflheim