Genre/Influences: Dark-Ambient, Ambient-Noise, Experimental, Electro-Acoustic.

Format: Digital, 2 CD.

Background/Info: Swedish artist Erik Jarl is already active for numerous years now and has released an impressive number of productions on very different labels such as Reverse Alignment, Autarkeia, Malignant Records ao. “Inner Domain” is a selection of tracks that were originally composed between 2007 and 2009 and originally meant to get released on cassette. Zoharum brings these forgotten stuff back to light as a double disc featuring a total amount of 13 tracks.

Content: The first disc features 5 tracks taking off with a kind of ambient-like Noise creation. Deep vibrating sounds are getting the listener in their grip till heavier Noise waves are coming through. There are some variations in the songwriting while both last pieces are heavier and even create a true Noise wall.

The second disc sounds different and I should say more inhibited. The artist reveals a more Ambient-orientated creation with a visual appeal. The writing is more subtle like showing an intimate side of Noise music.

+ + + : The three first cuts of the album left me rather breathless; I experienced an obscure and poignant sound animated by some little variations and extra sounds joining in. It’s a perfect osmosis between Ambient and Noise carried by deep, vibrating waves. But there’s also something to say about the second disc revealing a sophisticated and even very personal side of an extreme music genre. I’m not saying that the second disc has something visionary and yet the unique approach is fascinating.

– – – : Speaking for myself I was less convinced by the heavier Noise waves from the first disc, which sound more common and without real sophistication.

Conclusion: I think it has been a great idea to support these somewhat lost and forgotten tracks from dust; “Inner Domain” being an exciting experience in progressive Noise music.

Best songs: “Hypnagogic Domain Part 3”, “Hypnagogic Domain Part 1” + “Hypnopompic Domain Part 2”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Jarl.main

Label: www.zoharum.com / www.facebook.com/zoharum