Genre/Influences: Soundscape, dark-ambient.

Background/Info: German duo Martin Stürtzer (mainly known for his project Phelios) and Christian Stritzel are striking back with the third Sphäre Sechs-album. Previous work was released on Malignant Records while they now have joined another leading label of dark-ambient music. The title refers is ‘focused on the particle void of space’.

Content: The influences running through this new work remains pretty similar to previous albums although I experienced “Particle Void” as a step forward into the soundscape genre while the dark-ambient style is a little less more in the background. We feel like progressively entering and moving throughout an obscure odyssey where dark sound waves are taking control. The work has been meticulously built up featuring brilliant sound treatments to join an apocalyptical end part.

+ + + : I especially like the progression in the tracklist, which is coming to an overwhelming climax. Both last pieces are absolutely perfect, like the ultimate state of sound chemistry. “Particular Void” has been clearly composed by great sound treatments and I wasn’t surprised the duo used analogue gear to accomplish their work. It makes me think to a spider, which is patiently building its web to catch poorly victims. “Radiation Phase” is a little jewel illustrating this sound climax. Needless to say this album also has a strong visual appeal.

– – – : I know it’s a very personal point of view, but soundscape-minded productions often have something similar and a bit repetitive.

Conclusion: Sphäre Sechs remains an interesting project, which has never totally convinced me although never disappointed. This album sounds a little less different from their previous work, but still recognizable.

Best songs: “Radiation Phase”, “Cepheid”, “Multiverse”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/sphaere.sechs

Label: www.cryochamberlabel.com /  www.facebook.com/CryoChamber