The Dark Ambient community is such a prodigious one, consumed with brilliant artists that release some of the most diverse albums in – what is widely considered – one of the most minimalistic spectrums in music. That being said, I’m proud to present round two of my Dark Ambient summary reviews, that finds many of these artists broadening that spectrum with some of the most divergent tunes I’ve heard in a long time. I hope you enjoy reading these and please support these amazing artists as the continue to progress their musical achievements.

1. Aldebaran’s Nebulah – Deep Form Of Cosmic Signals

Cosmic, Lo-Fi dark ambience that depicts a cold and callous realm beyond the reach of any civilization. Soothing and minimalistic, each track portrays the bleakest depths of space with hints extraterrestrial effects and soundscapes. Although just two tracks, this is a very enjoyable outing and I’m looking forward to more by this artist.

2. Veinte 33 Records Compilation – From Perihelion To Aphelion

Veinte 33 Records has quite the impressive lineup of artists and releases, producing stellar ambient and obscure efforts on a consistent basis. For those that are not familiar, can start with this amazing compilation album that showcases some of their most incredible talents. From nominal soundscapes to bizarre discordance, these fourteen tracks provide a massive eighty minutes of impressive music. Some of my favorite artists on here include Colonial Skyway, Trucking To Tokyo, ExistenZ & WhaltHisney. I highly recommend this collection!

3. Sabled Sun – 2149

When it comes to Sabled Sun, I honestly prefer the ‘Signals’ space ambient series over the ‘21xx’ post-apocalyptic ambient series. However, I still love the ‘21xx’ series and ‘2149’ is the perfect addition to the dystopian storyline. Everything about this album is just perfect – the field recordings, desolate piano chops, soundscapes, and even the tape hisses & vinyl scratches gives it a wonderful nostalgic feeling. One of my favorite Dark Ambient albums of 2021 so far!

4. Taphephobia – Blue Hour

Cyclic Law continues their unfathomable streak of enthralling releases with the captivating sounds of Taphephobia. ‘Blue Hour’ provides a slow-motion listening experience of ethereal proportions and the magnitude of the soundscapes expand beyond the grand sphere of audial bliss. If you close your eyes and really absorb this album, you’ll find yourself having a euphoric out-of-body experience.

5. Anastasia Vronski – In The Dark

If atmospheric chaos and turmoil is your thing, look no further than ‘In The Dark’ by Anastasia Vronski. With two tracks of industrialized black ambience decimating the inner ear cavity for over thirty one minutes, there is no room for recovery and little chance of survival – if your mind is not prepared for this raw and austere journey. This is a very impressive release and hopefully this sonic creation is just the beginning of a string of amazing albums.

6. MNZKRT – MNZKRT

What’s better than thirty five minutes of heavily distorted drone tunes suffused with deep modulations, glitches and eerie soundscapes? Not much, if this sort of audio terror is your thing. ‘MNZKRT’ is an unusual recording but surprisingly captivating with spacious atmospherics of the highest order. I highly recommend checking this out.

7. Material Loss – EP

This is an amazing recording that borders the dimensions of harsh black ambient and minimalistic soundscapes with hints of industrialized madness. These four tracks take the listen to an alternate reality, where escape from apocalyptic terror is imminent but highly unlikely. At times bleak and consoling but the remainder of the aural duration is spent with glitches and disturbing sound resilience. This one is best played with the lights down low and a few lit candles to set the mood.

8. BECKAHESTEN – Vattenhålens Dräpare

This album is the result of the fortunate collision of nature and a dystopian future of another dimension. These soundscapes are purely cinematic and chronicle an intriguing story of world hereafter. Chanting vocals, haunting narrations and tribal drumming add to the mystique of this adventure and it is sure to garner many repeat plays.

9. Shedir – Finite Infinity

‘Finite Infinity’ is the perfect blend of dreamy space ambience and cinematic soundscapes, fused with elements of both light and dark ambience. Shedir capitalizes on these strengths and creates a bold style of synth-based music that is inductive of trance-like repercussions as well as a sense of ambiguous emotions. Although I wasn’t previously familiar with this artist, it’s safe to say that these songs will continue to be in heavy playlist rotation.

10. Aegri Somnia – Nusquam

If I had to pick at least one artist on the Cryo Chamber Label that consistently gave me a sense of strained settlement with each release, it would be Aegri Somnia. These are some of the most well-crafted dark ambient songs that have been released by the artist and there is a steady flow of cinematic quality that can’t be overlooked. One thing that particularly stands out is the excellent use of field recordings and how they extend the listening experience through various cosmic realms.

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This is my second Celestial Ephemerides posting but the first one that dives into the Dark Ambient genre. Like I mentioned previously, I’m hoping these summary reviews will tide you over while I plow through my endless list of review requests with the hopes of getting caught up one day soon. All of these albums are incredible and it would be awesome if you would show your support for some (or all) of these amazing releases.

1. Cryo Chamber – Tomb Of Wights

Cryo Chamber Label’s Tomb Series, is one of my favorite collections of Dark Ambient releases. Instead of the typical collaboration effort, the Tomb series brings together many artists and allows them to provide their own cinematic input based on the theme. ‘Tomb Of Wights’ is an exceptional addition to the series and features some of my favorite Dark Ambient artists. The majestic quality of these tracks flow effortlessly, while magnificent drones and soundscapes provide a groundbreaking experience in audial sub-harmonics.

2. Deus Ex Lumina – Summoning

‘Summoning’ is a very unique album and is not typical of the Dark Ambient genre. Monolithic drones and callus soundscapes lay the foundation for vibrant orchestrations and symphonic melodies. Additionally, beautiful female vocals and worldly musical intonations can be heard throughout this recording, adding a delicate layer of harmony and variety. This is one that you can definitely go back and listen to over and over again.

3. Hiemis – Radix

Hiemis is the real deal when it comes to introspective Dark Ambient. Taking a minimalistic approach, Hiemis builds upon dreamy drones that border warm and dark ambient variances and instead of relying on heavy use of field recordings and sonic soundscapes, rich synth textures creates the dynamic and robust atmosphere. ‘Radix’ epitomizes all of these qualities and delivers an auditory masterpiece that is equally soothing and appealing to the depth perception of a cinematic music imagery.

4. The Oracle – Hypogeum

‘Hypogeum’ is way more than a Dark Ambient album; it’s a visionary conquest in experimental & electronic music in general. Although robust drones are used through this recording, it’s the excellent use of percussion, industrial soundscapes and the variety of synth tones that makes this such an adventurous outing. This is an audial experience that must be heard to be understood and thoroughly appreciated.

5. Harrogat – Ignotvs

When I’m in the mood for indisputable drones of the highest order, I usually look no further than Harrogat. ‘Ignotvs’ is a deep dive into the bare essence of Dark Ambient music and focuses on elongated drones and extremely bleak atmospherics. One advantage of this style is the complete embodiment of mind over matter and the ability of the listener to submerge themselves into a deep state of relaxation and remission from reality.

6. Sydalesis – Dark Beam

Although not quite Dark Ambient, this is some of the most exhilarating ambient music that I’ve heard in quite a while. I can sense a huge Max Corbacho influence on these tracks as ‘Dark Beam’ has an effervescent quality about its tone and overall seamless flow. The Space Ambient quality that can be heard throughout is like an emotional ride through an euphoric realm. Very high-quality ambient music here.

7. Vortex – Helioz

‘Helioz’ is a daring Medieval adventure told through experimental musical and divine vocal narrations that will transport the listener back to ancient times. From whaling guitars, galloping tribal beats and engaging drones to foreboding soundscapes, this albums is the complete journey for the wandering mind. I guarantee that you won’t find many albums of this kind, that are completely enthralling and mesmerizing. Good luck waking up from this mystical expedition once the final song finishes.

8. Undirheimar – Heljarrúnar

This album is beyond amazing! Undirheimar sounds like a cross between Wardruna, Phurpa & Ashtoreth and ‘Heljarrúnar’ is a result of that fantastic fusion. This is ritualistic Dark Ambience at its most imposing stance. The overtone singing chants are the sustenance of these tracks, but the deep drones and primal percussive parts play a huge factors in creating an over-the-top cinematic experience. This is a must-listen for fans of ritualistic music.

9. Desiderii Marginis – Departed

The variation of musical compositions on ‘Departed’ is beyond compare. From subdued drones and alluring soundscapes to astonishing vocal effects, this album has quite the mixture of Dark Ambient components to invoke various emotional states. In addition, evidence of synthwave can be spotted in several tracks, broadening the scope of sound to a more satisfying level.

10. Cernichov – The Mold Legacy

Pulsating, industrialized noises, distorted modulations and a conglomerate of obscure drones make up the bulk of the landscape on ‘The Mold Legacy’. These trance-like compositions are as crushing as they are mesmerizing. Although every track offers something a bit different, don’t expect smooth soundscapes and translucent textures. This album is a maniacal platform for agony relief, yet at the same time the listener will feel totally enthralled with the spacious vibes of each arrangement. This is not one to be overlooked.

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