Hiemis – Zothique (Album – Noctivagant)
Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Dark-Ambient.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Spanish Hiemis project has released an impressive number of works in a few years. After the album “La Chose” released earlier in 2021, “Zothique” was released during the last days of the past year. It’s the third full-length album released on Noctivagant.
Content: “Zothique” holds on to the Cinematic and Dark-Ambient inspiration this artist has mainly dealt with. But where “La Chose” was more intimate and even into Neo-Classic music, this one sounds more ‘classical’. This work is made by dark buzzing sound waves, a few bombastic arrangements and field recordings while I also noticed passages with mystical-like chants.
+ + + : I like the fusion between the more dreamy Cinematic influence and the obscure Dark-Ambient elements. The darkest part of the work emerging at “Ornava” is driven by a hostile atmosphere creating a strong visual appeal. I also like the more detailed passages of the work mainly accentuated by little noises and field recordings.
– – – : A bit more diversity here and then would have been a bonus.
Conclusion: Hiemis has accomplished a fascinating work, which also is the best production I’ve heard from this project.
Best songs: “Ornava”, “Xylac”, “Uccastrog”.
Rate: 7.
Artist: www.facebook.com/hiemisband
Label: www.navagant.com / www.facebook.com/nvagant
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