Purgate – Transcend (Digital/CD Album – Aesthetical / Opal Tapes)
Many know Frederic Arbour as the owner of the Dark-Ambient label Cyclic Law, as well as for his own musical projects like Stärker and Visions. However, he has also released several productions under the Purgate moniker. This latest release features eight tracks that blend his various influences into a cohesive musical synthesis. A clear affinity for Dark-Ambient is present, initially mixed with slow rhythms in the background, later evolving into more obscure Techno elements toward the album’s final part. The music also carries an experimental edge, combined with a dreamy, dark, Cinematic quality. The songs build slowly, with dynamic sequences that give rise to an evolving sound. The shift to a visionary, obscure Techno ending is unexpected yet fascinating. This work is surprising, subtle, and undoubtedly innovative, transcending several genres. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Mist”:
About Purgate
Purgate is a solo project of Frederic Arbour, the founder of the dark ambient label Cyclic Law, who also records under the Visions and Stärker monikers. The project describes its sound as an exploration of “purely analog circuitry through dense layers of treated modular systems and sparse, pulsing rhythmic structures”.
Purgate released “Elemental” on 3 June 2020 and “Hæresis” on 31 May 2022. “Transcend” followed on 17 May 2024 on digital and CD formats through Aesthetical / Opal Tapes and is the release reviewed here. The album “Leavings” appeared on 3 July 2026.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
