Mathias Henriksson has been crafting sonic landscapes under the Lẹtum pseudonym for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he has released numerous works on renowned labels, earning a respected place in the select circles of Dark-Ambient and Cinematic music.

At the end of last year, he unveiled his latest opus—an album that, as its title suggests, draws inspiration from the enigmatic vastness of the universe, with its dead stars and black holes. A fitting theme for crafting unsettling soundscapes, which Henriksson does with remarkable subtlety. With a little imagination, you can almost feel yourself being drawn into the abyss. His deep, resonant sound waves instill an eerie unease, gradually intensifying with layers of ominous effects and overwhelming sonic textures. Occasional floating passages offer a fleeting sense of reprieve, though they, too, remain shrouded in darkness.

Lẹtum continues to be a conduit for obscure, introspective journeys—driven by an unwavering passion for the art of dark sound. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “When Worlds Collide”:

About Lẽtum

Lẹtum is the dark ambient solo project of Swedish musician Mattias Henriksson, based in Lindesberg. He debuted in 2001 with “The Entrance to Salvation” on the Swedish label Cold Meat Industries, followed by “Broken” in 2006. After a long gap, Lẹtum returned with “Dreams And Illusions” on Cyclic Law in 2023, mastered by Frederic Arbour.

The follow-up, “Distant Dead Stars”, was released on Cryo Chamber on October 15, 2024.

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Ambient, Cinematic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info:  Mattias Henriksson strikes back with a new album of Lẽtum. “Dreams And Illusions” is the sixth full length by the Swedish project and the first one released by Cyclic Law.

Content: Henriksson invites the listener to visit dark sound atmospheres which are moving in between pure Dark-Ambient and Cinematic music. Low sound resonations and overwhelming, monstrous, sound treatments create the illusion of an imaginary horror universe from which you can’t escape.

+ + + : Lẽtum remains faithful to its intimate sound universe where you sometimes get the feeling to become the witness of a sacred rite created by the power of music. The tracks sound like sonic collages with a strong visual appeal. The atmosphere supporting the work is menacing which is accentuated by some overwhelming sound blasts. The work is polished by dark strings. 

– – – : I no longer experience the same magic as on the early works released on Cold Meat Industry. That was already back in the early millennium years.

Conclusion: Lẽtum remains a true sonic experience for lovers of Dark-Ambient music although there’s no similar climax as in the early years.

Best songs: “Dreams And Illusions”, “The Roar Of Death”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/mintm.mintman

Label: www.cycliclaw.com / www.facebook.com/cycliclaw Read the news on ‘Dreams And Illusions’.

Listen to “Dreams And Illusions”:

About Lẽtum

Lẽtum is the dark ambient solo project of Lindesberg, Sweden-based musician Mattias Henriksson. The project released its debut album, “The Entrance to Salvation”, via Cold Meat Industry in 2001, followed by “Broken” in 2006. “Dreams And Illusions” is Lẽtum’s sixth full length, issued by Cyclic Law in an edition of 300 copies in a 4-panel digipak, holding seven tracks mastered by Frederic Arbour.

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.

www.side-line.com