Over the past couple of years, the Cryo Chamber label has added quite a few new artists to their lineup, broadening the spectrum of Cinematic Dark Ambient music with fresh ideas and the incorporation of other musical styles. One of these new projects is the acutely exquisite, Void Stasis. Three musical talents join forces in this modular blueprint to deliver a soothing array of dystopian soundscapes that transcend the realm of Dark Ambient music. Combining hypnotic beats, Berlin School and cold effects, ‘Ruins’ is quite the spectacular, debut release.
The insanely hypnotic album opener, “Frozen Fire”, begins like so many other Dark Ambient pieces; slow, brooding drones at an attentive pace, anticipating a transition into other domain of sorts. Once the listener gains comfort in this initial expression, profound adjustments are introduced, producing a retrospective atmosphere that is massively transfixing. Slow, Berlin School sequences begin to coil around the main droning sound and then a fixed cadence begins to take shape. There is a lot going on in this opening track but it’s completely suppressing, in a good way. Looping effects create a hypnotic effect as this song become more pleasing by each passing second. “Lung Fibrosis” continues on with the lavish energy of the first track and adds even more melody and dense atmospherics. A calm, static sound plays out in the background as a thudding bass line mingles with obscure sound effects. Various bits of haunting soundscapes completes this alluring piece and perfectly paves the way for one of my favorite tracks on the album. “Blood Eclipse” is a dark electronica journey through reflective Euro beats and gothic undertones. Looping vocalizations are simply mesmerizing with a calming essence. Nothing is out of sequence here, as even the simplest of sounds are synchronized perfectly, alluding to a rhythmic performance that could easily be executed in an underground Deconstructed Club. Up next is the title track, “Ruins”. Commencing with a ghostly piano chop, there are some particularly eerie soundscapes and samples playing in the background. As the track continues, an apocalyptic beat presents a slow tempo in order for the various pieces to all come together in an enigmatic fashion. The overall sound is very dreamy with a lot of reverberation, but that just adds to the mystique of everything that is being offered. “Clockwork” is a grandiose oblation with a huge orchestral sound and it could easily be a part of a Science Fiction movie soundtrack. The keys produce elongated, harmonious notes that are ethereal and reminiscent of classic synthwave sounds. Although the drum beats add a nice flare to the overall mix, they aren’t overbearing and are very enjoyable to hear. “There Is No Life Here” begins with a bleak tone and crescendos into a sonic space ambient texture that is greeted with the right amount of reverb and chaotic effects. Once the percussive element kicks in, it’s business as usual, as you’ll be nodding your head in unison with this superb offering. What sounds like short blasts of guitar riffs, it match the flow of the beats, producing another enjoyable intonation. The final track, “Vision Of A Dead Planet” begins with a piercing drone, with almost an industrial sound to it. Sonic keys begin to deliver another modulated performance with a pensive intonation that is melodic and inviting. Various effects create a dystopian vibe while melancholic keys offer a farewell message that won’t soon be forgotten. Finding a way to include a captivating beat, this track remains in a dark place, ending this album on a high note.
Three exuberant musicians have joined forces to conceive the entity known as Void Stasis and their debut, ‘Ruins’, is one of the most impressive albums I’ve heard this year so far. Combining tranquillizing synths with impressive beats and the incorporation of other electronic genres, this album is an exotic, one-of-a-kind auditory experience for the ages. Hypnotizing and addictive, this collection of songs is monumental and unequivocally belongs on the Cryo Chamber label. Sure to please more than just fans of Dark Ambient music, I can’t recommend this album enough. Please click on the link below and get ready for a breathtaking adventure through the past and future of electronic music.
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