Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, cinematographic, experimental.

Background/Info: “Ur Djupan Dal” resulted from the common efforts between Simon Heath (Atrium Carceri and Cryo chamber owner) and  Frank Merten plus Henry Emich (Herbst9). Both projects are long-time renowned artists active in the wider fields of dark-ambient music. “Ur Djupan Dal” will take you away on a mysterious sonic journey of 9 tracks.

Content: “Ur Djupan Dal” clearly reveals familiar dark-ambient components, but it still reveals an experimental touch. I get the impression some ideas have been worked out, which both artists never dared to fully integrate in their respective projects. The writing is pretty delicate, now and then driven by a down tempo cadence and progressively getting darker and darker. Whispering vocals emphasize the spooky side of the composition.

+ + + : Atrium Carceri and Herbst9 are used to work with other artists. It might explain the complementary achievement of this opus. But it first of all is an interesting and original work revealing a kind of dark-ambient ‘free-style’. It sounds like a work without real compromises, but just an exit to exorcise different ideas. I like the diversity of the work while the writing process features a great progression resulting in a few outstanding cuts. It’s an obscure opus with a strong visual appeal reinforced by the whispering passages. Last, but not least want to point out the gracefulness of the composition.

– – – : The last few cuts of the album aren’t my favorite ones. The sound formula becomes a bit repetitive and the magic is a bit gone there.

Conclusion: It all feels like both protagonists have already worked together on different productions. There’s a real chemistry between both bands and that’s why this album is absolutely accomplished and a must have!

Best songs: “Blott Den Vet Som Vida Reser”, “Vida Jättars Väg”, “Mot Främmande Land”, “Ur Evighetens Pipa”.

Rate: (8).

Artists: www.atriumcarceri.com / www.facebook.com/Atrium–Carceri-376509390774 / www.herbst9.de / www.facebook.com/Herbst9-117885473622

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

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

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