Psyclopean Guides Us Through Infinite, Cosmic Realms On ‘Into A New Dark Age’

The amount of releases put out by Altrusian Grace Media is incessant. From full audio books covering a myriad of subjects and esoteric music collections to ominous dark ambient recordings from the distinguished project, Psyclopean, the assortment of output is sure to grab anyone and everyone’s attention. In addition to all that, patrons are graced with a number of exclusive releases for those that join the Starry Wisdom Cult. One of the latest audial offerings is, ‘Into A New Dark Age’ by Psyclopean, a dismal single track that spans almost thirty minutes, and presents a nightmarish spectacle of retro synth impressions with Berlin School sequences and foreboding drones.

Opening with a cold, dark drone sound that slowly fades in, presenting an anxious catapult into unknown sounds and mythical panorama. Layers of Berlin School progression and soothing synth chops begin to play with ethereal results, drawing the listener into an extended realm of endless audial possibilities. As if playing on a loop, this section has a hypnotizing effect and then slowly fades out to a tranquilizing drone. At around the six minute mark, an eerie spoken word bit is summoned, followed by a harmonized chant passage. This is soon accompanied by a thumping bass effect and continues on for a few minutes, emitting a grandiose and ritualistic effect. Soon after, a retrospective acoustic guitar melody begins to play a smooth riff and is backed by a synth lead that takes us back to a 70’s progressive rock synth tone. This segment presents a heavily reverberated soundscape that is sonically monumental. At around thirteen minutes in, heavy industrial effects emanate a dystopian theme of chaos and darkness. Hollowed drones and elongated synths take over and allow for an echoed synth lead to pervade through. This slowly crevasses into a more somber piece but with a melodic synth tone of mythical proportions. At just under the nineteen minute mark, space ambient drones become the dominant texture with immense, planetary elements. The last five minutes of the track returns to a retrospective synth sounds, removing the sense of claustrophobic sensations and abrupt panic. Instead, alleviating synth patterns provides an elegant yet caliginous desire. Haunting chants and spoken word bits return to close out the track as if concluding a reverent journey through space, time and harrowing mythos.

‘Into A New Dark Age’ is the 22nd official release from Psyclopean and the audial luster still shines through with nostalgic ambient precision while exuding modern soundscape elements that submits the listener into ravishing sonic realms. Having one epic-length track – especially in the ambient genre – is the perfect environment for the listener to escape reality and embed themselves into the track and experience the music as intended. Just in case the music doesn’t fully satisfy that reality withdrawal, check out the full length video below and experience the visual representation of this magnum opus. Psyclopean remains consistent with delivering immersive electronic music and ‘Into A New Dark Age’ just may be one of the projects best releases yet. Highly recommended for fans of space ambient and ritualistic drones.