It’s not enough that Chaigidel and Neraterræ have already established themselves as prominent musicians within the Dark Ambient genre, but to come together to produce one of the most daring ritualistic experiences in recent years, is a refreshingly bold statement. ‘Lamaštu’ is not your typical Dark Ambient offering, as it relies less on extended drones and dreamy soundscapes but builds it’s captivating sound around ceremonial instrumentation, haunting vocalizations and eerie nuances that give it a completely bleak listening experience. The eight tracks contained within, will take the listener on a ritualistic journey through barren darkness and meditative atmospherics that will result in the ultimate Dark Ambient listening experience.
This enveloping ritualistic encounter begins with the ceremonial, “Da’at”. Deep, grumbling drones ascend from the silence and embark on a malevolent path for us all to descend upon. A caressing ring from a singing bowl creates a grim encounter and sets the tone for darkened ride through chaotic atmospheres. Layers of drones continue to sway in and out of the mix as the looping soundscapes present a mesmerizing adventure. “A’Arab Zaraq” commences as a soothing but gloomy celestial encounter. However, whisper-like narrations present an inaudible storyline that is complimented by industrialized, harsh ambient tones and textures. As if traveling through an bludgeoned wasteland, this track presents an angst-riddled mission through the psyche, filled with unfathomable implications. About halfway through, haunting vocalizations made by throat singing techniques and mild percussive patterns are introduced, adding more frightening textures to this sinister soundscape. “Entrails Of Souls” begins with theatrical modulations and soft noise field recordings while successfully enriching the sound with ritualistic endeavors. Alluring chants are added in with hypnotizing results while tribal-like percussive patterns can be heard throughout. This track presents a bit more melody than some of the others, but it’s done in high-quality and fits in well with some of the more darker tracks. Next up is the ominous offering, “Mac Benach”. Leaning more toward an industrial ambient experience, this has to be one of the coldest tracks on the album thus far. Deep chants resemble the stark grumbles of heavy machinery and the sound couldn’t be more apocalyptic than this. Bits of frantic noises create moments of chaos as the drones will have you pinned down, unable to move at all. Slight orchestral variants create a horror-like ambience that is normally heard in horror films. There is no turning back, as this tracks continually increases in volume and discord. “Purson” stars with a blissful white noise that resembles the perpetual crashing of ocean waves on soft shores. However, it slowly fuses into a turbulent mix of industrial soundscapes and celestial drones. There is a sense of derangement in this track as clashing samples of heavy machinery and chains perpetuate a chilling picture of complete destruction. “Satariel” commences calmly, with minimalistic drones and hollow tones. As the modulations slowly grown more intense, a barrage of instruments and harsh samples begin to take shape, presenting an isolated vibe buried deep in the trenches of ritualistic voids. Even as the music remains embellishing, deep throat-singing chants fuses seamlessly, producing a stellar ceremonial tone. “Eloi Eloi Lama Sabacatni” is the shortest track on the album at a little over three and a half minutes long. Not a filler by any means, it uses cold winds, chants and industrialized noises in a molecular way to promptly lead into the final track, “Malkuth”. Beginning with cosmic drones and eerie soundscapes, this is the beginning of the end for this completely satisfying ritualistic endeavor. Reverberate narrations and ethereal ambient textures create an undefined space of dreary awareness. As pulsating drums get louder, unhinged white noise crescendos in unison, producing a blasphemous breadth of chilling sounds. Although this track builds and ends abruptly, it supremely represents closure for this ethereal listening journey.
Chaigidel and Neraterræ have done an amazing job of creating an ambient album that incorporates elements of Industrial Ambient, Ritualistic and Dark Ambient, intertwining them all into a chaotic but controlled sonic environment. ‘Lamaštu’ is the ultimate soundtrack for ceremonial destruction or life in a dystopian universe filled with possessed heavy machinery in endless industrial wastelands. Every track is masterfully pieced together to provide ups and downs, sensations of calmness and fear, as well as a sense of involuntary meditation. I can’t recommend this one enough so click on the link below and enjoy this truly compelling Dark Ambient album.
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