seven

The release features a split combination of black ambient noise and black metal artists. Some providing some very nice compositions that are definitely worth mentioning, while others, mainly the black metal material, didn't interest me just as it never really had.

Anapthergal from Finland opens this release with gregorian chants that are swallowed by mysterious and cold currents of apparitions and foreboding sounds that envelope and fade in the distance. BAAL presents one of the strongest tracks on this release titled "extinction" that pulls charred threadlines of derelict terror and horrific pulsations that build with enormous intensity. A strong representation of what this musician can yield, very surreal approach to dark ambient/noise. Subklinik presenting "Dawn of Desekration", blends slow evolving thick sub-bass drones and very shallow yet warm distant meanderings. Murderous Vision of Live Bait Recordings Foundation provides a dismal and disjointed ambient/noise piece that uses subtle sample manipulations, lo-fi drones, and shallow walls of mechanical textures titled "awaken dommiel." Ontario Blue gives a transitional piece that combines efforts of air choirs progressions that gradually are overcome by subtle atmospheres, Eastern influenced rhythms, and quick synthetics. Darkness Enshroud also from the United States provides a very CMI-driven track that uses haunting bass organs and string progressions that slowly wander into tunnels with bleak feminine ritualistic chants and shadowy rhythms. And Veinke ends with a very solemn and shadowy track that uses soft drones, subtle vocals, and frozen alluring melodies that fade away.

This a very tough release to recommend to many, especially if you are not into black metal (the part of this compilation which I did not bother mentioning). I understand the intentions of the label presenting black ambient projects with black metal, but it simply distracts me from listening to the music that is full of dark atmospheric textures when suddenly it bursts into speed riffs and pretentious vocals. I'm sure this material would work great by itself, but it interferes too much with the moods evoked by the ambient artists. However, if you want to hear some different dark/black ambient/noise artists mainly from the US, there are some interesting ones here. The BAAL track alone is very intense and may make it worth your while.