Empusae & Maris Anguis – Onryōtan (Digital/CD Album – Cryo Chamber)
“Onryōtan,” translated as “Tales Of Vengeful Spirits,” is a collaboration between the Belgian project Empusae (Nicolas Van Meirhaeghe) and Japanese composer Maris Anguis (Ryo Utasato). The album draws inspiration from Japanese folk horror and ritual traditions, resulting in seven tracks.
The album presents a well-balanced fusion of Dark-Ambient influences and Eastern—specifically Japanese—elements of Ritual music and atmospheric imagery. The sound is dark and perfectly complements the Eastern acoustic instruments, as well as the distinctive, Ethereal vocals of Maris Anguis. Beyond its darkness, the album exudes a sense of mystery that can deeply move the listener and even induce a trance-like state. Some pieces lean toward a meditative atmosphere, yet the overall experience remains firmly rooted in Ritualistic soundscapes. The first four tracks stand out as masterpieces in their own right—elaborate compositions enriched with stirring percussion passages. The authenticity of the album is heightened by the use of traditional instruments and the powerful vocal presence. The final tracks remain convincing, though slightly less impactful, making the opening section the clear highlight of the album.
“Onryōtan” is one of those collaborations one can only hope will be continued. Once again, Empusae demonstrates remarkable versatility and boundless creativity. (Rating:8½).
Listen to “Tename”:
About Empusae
Empusae is the solo project of Belgian musician Nicolas Van Meirhaeghe, also known as Sal-Ocin, active since the late 1990s. Over more than two decades he has combined dark ambient, industrial and cinematic elements, with releases on labels such as HANDS, Ant-Zen and Consouling Sounds, and live work alongside Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio and Triarii. “Onryōtan”, meaning “Tales Of Vengeful Spirits”, is his collaboration with Japanese composer Maris Anguis (Ryo Utasato), issued on Cryo Chamber as a seven-track digital and CD album rooted in Japanese folk horror and ritual traditions.
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