Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient.

Content: Out of the ashes of Psychomanteum, Robert C. Kozletsky set up the solo-project Apócrýphos. Kozletsky can already look back at a respectable career being previously involved in Shock Frontier and Kerrstillingskozletskynyströmpetrus, both known from productions released by Malignant Records.

“The Prisoners Cinema” was announced as the continuation of Psychomanteum, while the album was inspired by two themes. ‘The first path revolves around sensory deprivation, isolation and the frightening, yet spiritual aspects of these experiences. The second path is that of a personal nature, bearing a literal interpretation of the title “Prisoner’s Cinema” where you play the prisoner locked away in the confines of your own conscious mind standing alone against your own darkness’. You have to admit that Apócrýphos doesn’t exactly invite us to join the brighter side of life!

From the very first apocalyptic notes and torturing electronic atmospheres, you feel like you are entering the antechamber of hell. The tracks have been composed with a judicious progression in sound. It all makes me think of a predator patiently waiting to catch his prey. Dark buzzing sound streams empowered by field recordings are progressively leading you to reach a climax of sonic terror called “Phosphene.” I literally got blown away by the heavy sound treatments and evil manipulations moving from deep sounding waves towards an absolute loud climax. There’s another real masterpiece called “Vestige”, which again impressed me for its intelligent sound creation and visual strength. This is dark-ambient music in its purest form.

The track “Neolithic Hypnagogia” reveals a little surprise as label owner Frédéric Arbour contributed to the composition. It’s not my favorite cut although it is another chilling experience. I personally prefer the more poignant and intriguing, “The Furthest Sanctuary” and “The Language Of Isolation” which is carried by a heavy blast of sound.

Conclusion: Psychomanteum is death, hurray for Apócrýphos! This debut work directly reveals the strong potential of this experienced musician unleashing 8 impressive compositions.

Best songs: “Phosphene”, “The Furthest Sanctuary”, “Vestige”, “The Language Of Isolation”.

Rate: (DP:8½)DP.

Band: www.facebook.com/apocryphosdrone

Label: www.cycliclaw.com / www.facebook.com/cycliclaw