protoU &#8211; SIDE-LINE

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.

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/track/peripheral-happenstance

ProtoU – The Voice Of Serenity (Digital/CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Ukrainian artist Sasha Puzan has built an impressive discography in under a decade. Alongside a prolific series of solo albums, Puzan has participated in numerous collaborations, enriching an already remarkable body of work. “The Voice Of Serenity” is another solo endeavor, featuring guest contributions from Skrika and Fractalyst on one track each. As ProtoU, Puzan delivers a signature sound that seamlessly blends Cinematic, Experimental, and Dark Ambient elements. The album is, at its core, a deeply immersive Cinematic experience -a sonic journey where field recordings, low-frequency tones, and occasional whispered voices keep the listener on edge. The final tracks crescendo into a climax of eerie and surreal auditory imagery, a testament to the album’s evocative power. This balance of atmosphere and storytelling solidifies “The Voice Of Serenity” as a standout work in ProtoU’s repertoire. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Periperal Happenstance”:

ProtoU & Oljus – Mørketsland (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Dark-Ambient, Ritual.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This collaborative work features Ukrainian Sasha Puzan aka ProtoU and Swedish Stefan Sandberg aka Oljus. ProtoU is a familiar project from the Cryo chamber roster while Oljus released a few self-released works and the CRyo Chamber collective work “Tomb Of Ordeals” (2019). This work has been introduced as inspired by Vikings. Mattia Giovanni Accinni (Chaigidel) and Thomas Langewehr (Ager Sonus) contributed as guest artists.

Content: The debut track leads the listener throughout a ghost-like sphere featuring whispering voices. Quite progressively we discover heavy, bombastic, and uplifting drones creating a Ritual effect. Some passages are more inhibited but always haunting. The last part of the album has been accentuated by mysterious sounds. A very specific aspect of the work is that there are 7 songs each featuring a duration of 7 minutes.

+ + + : “Mørketsland” moves a step further than the ‘classical’ Cryo Chamber production devoted to Cinematic Music. This work sounds as the right offspring between Dark-Ambient, Cinematic, Ritual and even Drone. The production sounds ultra dark and ghost-like. I even dare to say it’s probably one of the darkest productions ever released by the Swedish label. “A Howling Gale” is a brilliant exposure. The bombastic effect of drones even creates a transcendental experience. The last part of the work sounds more mysterious because of the addition of flute sounds, strings, throat singing ao. Both artists are simply complementary while the guest artist inject a true bonus.

– – – : I don’t have true minus points but it feels like this duo can even do better.

Conclusion: “Mørketsland” is a great piece of music for dark souls.

Best songs: “A Howling Gale”, “Wall Of Thorns feat. Ager Sonus”, “Spirit Of The Water”, “The Summoning”, “Hall Of Serpents feat. Chaigidel.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/protoudrone / www.facebook.com/oljusbilder

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

ProtoU – Memory Alpha (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Dark-Ambient.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/info: Ukrainian female artist Sasha Puzan aka ProtoU has released an impressive number of productions -featuring numerous collaborative works, since 2015. Her newest work invites the listeners to embark on a new sci-fi inspired trip. “Memory Alpha” has been released a few days after the war started in Ukraine.

Content: This is probably the most diversified ProtoU album to date. The compositions feature the familiar and delicate Cinematic tracks next to a more Experimental approach which sounds like a pure sound-collage of noises and field recordings. ProtoU is switching from heavy overwhelming sounds to dark, tormenting passages.

+ + + : It’s great to see ProtoU moving on with a new solo-work -after having released different collaborative albums. I’ve always linked her sound with delicacy, kind of female touch, while this new work sounds more diversified. Sasha Puzan takes off with a blasting piece to next explore Experimental paths to progressively reach a darker and even tenebrous universe.

– – – : I’m missing the delicate side of ProtoU which in a way has been replaced by a more Experimental touch.

Conclusion: It feels bizarre listening to Ukrainian artists while knowing their country is on fire, but there’s no better way than music and the sound universe of ProtoU to feel connected with their citizens.

Best songs: “Waves Of Coma”, “Landing”, “Capsule Of Decaying Dreams”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/protoudrone

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

Dronny Darko & Ajna – Radioactive Immersion (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Ambient, Cinematographic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This is the third collaborative album between Ukrainian Oleh Puzan (aka Dronny Darko) and American Chris F (aka Ajna).

Content: “Radioactive Immersion” takes off with a track illustrating the title of the work; kind of Geiger noises mixed with deep, breathing sound effects and space signals. Quite progressively we’re entering a sonic universe featuring field recordings, slow linear drones, abyssal atmospheres and monotones passages. One of the tracks features Dronny Darko’s partner in crime ProtoU.

+ + + : Dark-Ambient and Cinematographic influences are in perfect harmony with each other. The work is a fascinating sonic puzzle, which you better listen to by using headphones to distinguish some little noises and sound details. Both debut tracks reveal a scary universe reminding us of nuclear danger, but “Plutonium Clouds” featuring “ProtoU” is a brilliant, relaxing abyssal experience.

– – – : Both last cuts are somewhat disappointing compared to the rest of the album.

Conclusion: A familiar theme and concept for an enjoyable experience in dark music.

Best songs: “Plutonium Clouds”, “Bottomless Gorge”, “Anomalous Gravity Distortion”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/dronnydarko

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

Alphaxone & Protou – Back To Beyond (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 19:30:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, Dark-Ambient, Experimental.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Back To Beyond” is the second album composed as a collaboration between Iranian Mehdi Saleh (Alphaxone) and Ukrainian Sasha Cats (ProtoU). The album has been released four years after “Stardust”, both artists also have worked with countless other artists while releasing their own solo-albums.

Content: I experienced “Stardust” rather as a soundscape while the new work sounds more diversified. It remains a dark Cinematic journey carried by obscure tones, buzzing sound waves and field recordings, but I also noticed droning effects and Electronic sound manipulations reflecting a true minimal approach right at the final part of the work.

+ + + : Both artists became experienced musicians who’re used to working with other artists and especially label mates. There’s a true symbiosis between both sound universes, but I think this album goes much further than “Stardust”. It’s different and incomparable, but I prefer this album’s diversity. I like the surprising minimalistic sound treatments running through “Myriad Disguises”, which sounds like an unexpected finale. Another great cut is “Dreams Of Solace” carried by drone effects and repetitive sequences.

– – – : Collaborative efforts between label mates resulting in albums make the particularity of Cryo Chamber, but there isn’t always a true chemistry. It sounds like there’s something special between Alphaxone and ProtoU so move on working together guys instead of other collaborations.

Conclusion: This album makes me think of a dark and contemporary approach of Wim Wenders.

Best songs: “Myriad Disguises”, “Dreams Of Solace”, “Future Underground”, “Through The Golden Dust”.

Rate: 8.

Artists: www.facebook.com/alphaxone / www.facebook.com/protoudrone

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

Hilyard – Division Cycle (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:30:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Ambient, Cinematographic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Over the past eight years Bryan Hilyard has released an impressive discography. He was already familiar with Cryo Chamber, having released an album together with ProtoU (cf. “Alpine respire”) in 2017. “Division Cycle” is the American’s artist newest creation.

Content: “Division Cycle” perfectly matches with the sound approach of Cryo Chamber; a sonic trip throughout Cinematographic and Dark-Ambient fields. Mixing buzzing sound waves together with field recordings, the composition has something inhibited and mysterious. The last track was achieved together with Dronny Darko and ProtoU.

+ + + : I like the intimate approach of the composition. It feels as a sonic voyage through dark, imaginary places. The album has a strong visual appeal; at least some passages have this magic strength to stimulate your fantasy, facing images and feelings of despair and solitude. “Abandoned The Ramparts” is a perfect illustration of this vision.

– – – : A little bit more diversity would have been a bonus.

Conclusion: “Division Cycle” stands for a dark, chilling experience in Ambient music.

Best songs: “Abandoned The Ramparts”, “Of Hatred And Wrath”, “Altars Of Warfresh”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/hilyardmusic

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

Cryo Chamber Collaboration – Yig (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 23 May 2021 18:30:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, Dark-Ambient.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: Since 2014, each year we get a “Cryo Chamber Collaboration”-album. It always consists of a collaborative- and conceptual production between label artists paying tribute to the work of H.P. Lovecraft. This latest production has been released at the end of 2020 and features the following artists:Neizvestija, ProtoU, Dronny Darko, RNGMNN, In Quantum, Dead Melodies, Atrium Carceri, Keosz, Northumbria, Beyond The Ghost, Wordclock, God Body Disconnect, Randal Collier-Ford, Hilyard, Council Of Nine, Dahlia’s Tear, Lesa Listvy, Creation VI, Aegri Somnia, Ager Sonus, Ruptured World and Alphaxone.

Content: The work features two extended pieces from 70 and 69 minutes. “Yig 1” is more diversified featuring buzzing noises, passages with slow rhythms, vocal effects, dreamy atmospheres, and field recordings. It’s a pure Cinematographic sensation, which becomes even more explicit on “Yig 2”. We here get an abyssal sensation featuring low sound resonations and progressively evolving into a total ‘film music’ approach refined with piano parts.

+ + + : This collaborative concept remains a unique experience, but also a true tour de force set up and masterly lead by Cryo Chamber’s owner Simon Heath. The common thread of this work is the dark atmospheres reflecting a pure Cinematographic style. It’s a collage of different parts, which all together create a sonic osmosis. I personally prefer the first disc “Yig 1”, which is more diversified and also a bit darker. You don’t really get the feeling listening to tracks of one hour; there’s enough variety resulting in different passages, which are now refined and then rougher. This is the perfect release to accompany a visual performance.

– – – : Even if the production is diversified, there however is a monotonous sphere hanging over the work. I’m missing highlights.

Conclusion: This album once again stands for the true spirit of Cryo Chamber; Cinematographic music around a conceptual theme accomplished by the artists of the label roster.

Best songs: “Yig 1”.

Rate: (7).

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

Dronny Darko & ProtoU – Metta (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:30:50 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Ambient, Cinematographic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Ukrainian partners in crime Oleg Puzan (Dronny Darko) and Sasha Puzan (ProtoU) strike back with a new collaborative album, which comes five years after the “Earth Songs”-album. Both artists like collaborations and still are very prolific artists.

Content: “Metta” features 5 compositions; 3 tracks from each 10 minutes followed by an 11 minutes track while the last one holds you in its grip for 20 minutes. Dronny Darko and ProtoU created an evasive sound, which is going throughout dark passages accomplished with numerous little sonic details and field recordings. Some passages are crescendos that build up till leading the listener into stupor.

+ + + : Both artists have already released poignant and creative productions. This collaboration has something intimate, like the listener slowly becomes a voyeur. But the sound has something relaxing; darkness becomes evasive, which is accentuated by the slow progression of the tracks. “Secret Skin” is a very efficient cut revealing the real nature of this album: a kind of sacred sonic fusion between the creative minds of two talented artists.

– – – : Even if there’s a progression throughout the songwriting, some passages are a little bit monotonous. I especially refer to the last cut of the album.

Conclusion: “Metta” let us feel the connection between those Ukrainian artists; a kind of intimate ambient voyage.

Best songs: “Secret Skin”, “Energy Forms”.

Rate: (7).

Artists: www.facebook.com/dronnydarko / www.facebook.com/pg/protoudrone

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

Alphaxone + ProtoU + Onasander – Shadows Of Forgotten Legends (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 20:00:29 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: We’re used to hearing collaborative efforts from Cryo Chamber artists. This new opus, which is a conceptual release inspired by the legendary Kraken has been accomplished between Alphaxone (Mehdi Saleh) and ProtoU (Sasha Puzan), who both are familiar artists from the Swedish label plus Onasander (Maurizio Landini). The Italian project Onasander is less renowned while the Iranian Alphaxone and Ukrainian ProtoU projects both gained some recognition.

Content: The Kraken was a creature living in the water, which might explain the numerous ‘aquatic’ field recordings running through this work. It has been supported with an intimate, cinematographic atmosphere, which I recognize in the work of Alphaxone and ProtoU. Both projects share a very personal approach in sound, but they also have this subtle touch you don’t find in other projects. It’s hard to say what has been the input of the different artists, but their common efforts resulted in a compact, ghost-like sonic voyage.

+ + + : I like the intimacy of this production, but also the coherence of the work. You can’t feel at any single moment that this is a collaboration between different artists. The album reflects maturity and stands for a great work. There’s a strong visual appeal emerging, diving the listener into a tormenting and haunting atmosphere. “Thoughts Of Ancient Gods” is a brilliant exposure, but I also have to mention the somewhat more into ritual sounding “Northern Waves”.

– – – : This album is probably my favorite collaboration among the numerous Cryo Chamber collaborations. I didn’t hear real minus points and I can only encourage this trio to renew the experience.

Conclusion: “Shadows Of Forgotten Legends” is a great work and totally stands for the style and influences of Cryo Chamber!

Best songs: “Thoughts Of Ancient Gods”, “Northern Waves”, “Dusk Wings”, “Scourge Of The Seas”.

Rate: (8½).

Artists: www .facebook .com /alphaxone / www .facebook .com /protoudrone / www .facebook .com /onasander

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

ProtoU – Anomalies (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 20:00:03 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Sasha Puzan has released an impressive number of productions since her debut back in 2015. The Ukrainian female artist likes collaborating with other artists, but she now strikes back with her fifth solo-album. Notice that all of her work has been released by Cryo Chamber.

Content: “Anomalies” sounds like it is in the purest tradition of the Cryo Chamber label, but also is an easily recognizable album for all of those familiar with the music of ProtoU. She again walks on the edge between dark-cinematographic and –ambient music. The tracks have been progressively built up, reflecting feelings of sadness and loneliness. Some passages are pretty anguished while others have been accomplished with subtle melodic tones.

+ + + : The main characteristic of this artist is the intimate sphere she creates. It became a kind of trademark symbolizing the work of ProtoU and that’s precisely what this work stands for. The songs have something modest and inhibited, but also mysterious and with some visual strength. The field recordings are sometimes accentuating the visual appeal of the work.

– – – : I always enjoy listening to the work of ProtoU, but the albums became more and more predictable like an artist abusing the sound formula she has created.

Conclusion: ProtoU remains a fascinating experience in dark-ambient & cinematic music. The work is always touched by grace and refinement.

Best songs: “Chamber Of Visions”, “Electric Grounds”, “The Escape”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /protoudrone

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

Shub-Niggurath / Cryo Chamber Collaboration (DCD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 21:00:21 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, dark-ambient.

Background/Info: This album is not a compilation, but a collaboration between numerous Cryo Chamber artists. Atrium Carceri, God Body Disconnect, Dronny Darko, ProtoU, Kolhoosi 13, Neizvestija, Northumbria,
Apocryphos, Randal Collier-Ford, Dead Melodies, Flowers For Bodysnatchers, Ager Sonus, Council Of Nine, Kammarheit, Gydja, Creation VI, Darkrad, Aegri Somnia, Ugasanie, SiJ, Alphaxone and Keosz have all contributed to this work, which took them over a year to accomplish “Shub-Niggurath”. It’s a conceptual work inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Cryo Chamber already released previous Lovecraft tributes as a collaboration between label mates on “Cthulhu”, “Azathoth”, “Nyarlathotep” and “Yog-Sothoth”.

Content: “Shub-Niggurath” features 2 albums. It’s impossible to know what has been the real contribution of each artist, but one thing becomes rapidly evident: it’s a truly Cryo Chamber work. The influences and especially the dark-cinematic approach are easily recognizable. Each disc features a long duration track. The work is driven by the strength of the dark atmospheres and their visual appeal. From nihilistic landscapes towards cellar music, the work is joined by passages with drones, slow rhythms and an impressive arsenal of subtle noises, scratches and other sound effects.

+ + + : This kind of album featuring an endless list of artist is a real ‘tour de force’. It’s a fascinating concept, which I think would be interesting to realize how this album took shape and what have been the inputs of the artists. Next to the way it has been accomplished the album also reveals exciting passages and I here especially refer to low sound vibrations, the detailed format of the work with its endless number of sounds and noises, but most of all the baleful atmosphere recovering this tribute to the Master of fantasy and fiction.

– – – : Some passages are a bit long in duration and monotonous, but globally speaking there’s a real flow running through his work. I personally prefer the first disc although the final part of the second disc sounds pretty cool as well.

Conclusion: I don’t know other labels other than Cryo Chamber releasing this kind of conceptual work. It’s not only about a conceptual theme, but also about a label, which seems to be a real ‘family’.

Best songs: “Shub-Niggurath 1”.

Rate: (7½).

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

Hilyard – Furthermore (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 20:00:06 +0000

Genre/Influences: Soundscape, cinematographic, dark-ambient.

Background/Info: American solo project Hilyard (Bryan Hilyard) has already released several productions, but this new work is his first solo-album released on Cryo Chamber (he previously released the “Alpine Respire”-album together with ProtoU).

Content: The sonic of universe featured at this album is a rather familiar ambient experience, creating a sonic bridge between soundscape and dark-ambient music. The dark atmospheres are rather quiet, but definitely hostile. You feel like you are surfing on a dense, dark sound-wave where little noises are constantly emerging at the surface.

+ + + : “Furthermore” has something monotonous and inhibited; it’s composed with low sound resonations creating an intriguing and mysterious atmosphere. I can’t say that the album has been composed with an impressive canvas of sounds, but the power and efficiency emerge from numerous little fragments and details. This work has something paranoiac; like the impression ‘big brother’ is watching you.

– – – : The monotony of the work makes its strength, but also its only weakness. But that’s what you often will experience with these kinds of productions dealing with soundscape-inspired work. Speaking for myself I think a little bit more diversity would have made this work fully successful.

Conclusion: “Furthermore” is an enjoyable album giving me goosebumps, but I think there’s more potential in this work than what came out.

Best songs: “Airflows And Airlocks”, “Inverted Horizon”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/hilyardmusic

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

ProtoU – Echoes Of The Future (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 20:30:52 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, cinematographic.

Background/Info: Ukrainian artist Sasha Puzan is a very prolific musician. Since her debut album in 2015 together with her partner in crime Dronny Darko, she didn’t stop releasing new material. This is her fourth solo-work while she also released other albums together with Hilyard, Alphaxone plus the “Tomb Of Druids”-album together with other Cryo Chamber artists.

Content: “Echoes Of The Future” deals with the imaginary concept of leaving the earth. It’s an astral voyage towards an unknown destination, maybe a better world for our civilization. This theme has been remarkably adapted into a sonic voyage, which remains dark-like, but still characterized by a feeling of evasion and freedom. The tracks bring the listener into a progressive sonic storm, some of the final tracks being a little bit more hostile. Spoken samplings are accentuating the mystery around this obscure odyssey while enigmatic field recordings only reinforce the atmosphere.

+ + + : Especially the first part of the work reveals an intimate atmosphere and I even felt like an intruder entering into the secret world of the musician. But music is made to get shared with people and quite progressively I experienced the visual strength of this epos. Quite progressively the work moves into darker and overwhelming passages. “Hounds Of The Void” is the freakiest part of the work.

– – – : The single reproach I could figure is that Sasha Puzan is not exactly evolving in her approach. The influences and format remain the same-old, but at the other side she clearly has a very own sound DNA.

Conclusion: ProtoU remains one of the most delicate and subtle artists from the contemporary dark-ambient scene. This album is a real noticeable production illustrating and confirming her talent.

Best songs: “Hounds Of The Void”, “Vessels Of God”, “Transmissions”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /protoudrone

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

ProtoU – The Edge Of Architecture (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 18:30:05 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-soundscape, experimental.

Background/Info: Ukrainian female artist Sasha Cats is a real prolific artist who unleashed her third full length album since 2015 while she also released some more productions in collaboration with other artists. The picture from the front cover revealing a futuristic image of an unknown city stands for ProtoU’s interest into the future of the modern age.

Content: The work sounds pretty soundscape-like. Sasha Cats takes her listeners by the hand to visit an imaginary universe of dark reverie. The dark sound waves and multiple field recordings don’t exactly reflect a vision of terror rather than a paranoiac sensation. It all feels relaxing and yet you can feel an invisible presence. So in the end you can’t really relax, but you remain on your guard. Low, resonating sound treatments are quite progressively reaching their ultimate point symbolized by the track “Hidden City”.

+ + + : ProtoU isn’t the kind of artist who repeats itself. There still is this delicate flavor of reverie supporting the tracks, but this album is more into a soundscape approach. The composition is slowly built up like a dream and progressively reaching a climax on a few cuts. The field recordings accentuate the visual side of the work. It’s hard to say if this project has something more sensitive because it’s been composed by a female artist, but ProtoU always has had a more refined and subtle approach in sound.

– – – : When ambient music moves towards the edge of soundscape experience it also sounds more similar. I’m missing some diversity between the tracks.

Conclusion: Sasha Cats constantly explores new ideas each time again revealing a different side of her creative brain. I can’t say this is my favorite ProtoU album although it’s a captivating creation deserving your attention!

Best songs: “Hidden City”, “Falling Home”, “Fracture”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .facebook .com /protoudrone

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

Shedir – Falling Time (CD Album – Cyclic Law)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:30:20 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-soundscape, dark-ambient.

Background/Info: This is the debut album of Shedir. Behind this name is hiding a solo-project set up by the female Italian artist Martina Betti.

Content: “Falling Time” is characterized by a sound that moves in between dark-ambient and the soundscape genre. The tracks create a sensation of evasion, which is comparable to the picture on the front cover revealing a bird wafting in a grey sky. That’s precisely symbolizing the work of Shedir, which is also accomplished by more industrial- and drone-like passages.

+ + + : “Falling Time” is an album I’ve listen to several times. It has something atypical and that’s probably of the dreamy side, but behind this relaxing sensation is hiding a dark and anguished sound. It’s a sensible composition. I don’t really know if it’s because it has been composed by a woman –which is rather unique for this kind of music, but it’s different from the ‘usual’ releases in the genre. That’s already a sensation I had when discovering Protou (another dark-ambient project driven by a female artist). The tracks are well-crafted and I especially want to recommend “Reverse Thrust” and “Skyness” as most noticeable and accomplished cuts.

– – – : The unique style is the reason why I need several listening before I really get into this album. Some of the tracks are a bit similar and that’s maybe an element that can be improved on further work.

Conclusion: I’m intrigued by Shedir, which offers the listeners a dark and meditative opus. It’s relaxing, but you always can feel an invisible presence like a nearby danger that can hit you by surprise.

Best songs: “Reverse Thrust”, “Skyness”, “Nowhere To Be Found”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www .facebook .com /martina .betti .60

Label: www .cycliclaw .com / www .facebook .com /cycliclaw

Tomb Of Druids by ProtoU, Aegri Somnia, Dead Melodies, Ager Sonus, Creation VI (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 19:30:29 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, experimental.

Background/Info: This is what I would call a typical release on cryo Chamber featuring several projects from the label roster. It also is the third chapter in the “Tomb”-series based upon druidic history.

Content: You can hear each artist took care to accomplish a poignant piece of music. It’s maybe hard to find back the ‘druidic’ concept, but the dark-ambient and experimental approach is rapidly coming through. Field recordings and dark sonic vibes have been mixed. From the sophisticated and experimental work of ProtoU to the dark abyssal universe of Aegri Somnia to the pure haunting cinematographic world of Dead Melodies to the overwhelming sound treatments of Ager Sonus and the nasty sound darkness of Creation VI this opus has a lot to offer.

+ + + : I have to admit this is the kind of work you have to discover in the right circumstances. You’ve to relax and simply listen to the music without being occupied with something else. It’s the perfect way to catch the real depth of this work. It doesn’t sound like a compilation, it’s more like a conceptual release around one single theme. All tracks make sense, but I maybe have a little preference for the final track by Creation VI revealing a kind of sonic web that is progressively possessing you. I also have to mention the opening cut by ProtoU, which is the most sophisticated one.

– – – : My single regret is that I can’t find any single link with the conceptual theme of the work. I think it would have been more appropriated to find some ‘ritual’-minded bands.

Conclusion: This is not a regular compilation and yet it’s a kind of compilation. Here already starts the confusion, which will be only accentuated by the work of the artists.

Best bands: Creation VI, ProtoU.

Rate: (7½).

Bands: www .facebook .com /protoudrone / www .facebook .com /Aegri –somnia -489456297863916 / www .facebook .com /thedeadmelodies / www .facebook .com /agersonus / www .facebook .com /sixcreationsix

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

Alphaxone & Dronny Darko – Forsaken (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 19:30:41 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, cinematographic.

Background/Info: Iranian artist Mehdi Saleh (aka Alphaxone) joined hands together with Ukrainian composer Oleg Puzan (aka Dronny Darko) to unleash this album featuring 8 tracks. Alphaxone also released an album together with ProtoU… the partner in crime of Dronny Darko.

Content: I consider Alphaxone as one of the ‘new’ dark-ambient masters so I’m always fascinated to discover what this artist has accomplished. But Dronny Darko also is one of the growing talents in the dark-ambient and drones genre so “Forsaken” could only, but become a noticeable work. Both artists are moving exploring the darkest corners of dark-ambient music resulting in humming, vibrating cellar tones reinforced with field recordings creating a visual appeal. Lost voices are haunting these corridors of despair, which only accentuate the vision of despair and angst.

+ + + : The visual aspect of the album definitely works well on a few cuts. The power of the music directly incites the listener to figure the most anguishing visions and that’s for sure one of the main strengths of dark-ambient music. Some field recordings have a real important impact in this global sensation and I regret –even if it’s a bit cliché, there are no more passages with these voices.

– – – : I was pretty confident about this work and even if it clearly reveals great passages I prefer to hear both artists separately. Working together became a kind of ‘trademark’ between Cryo Chamber artists, but it sometimes affects the original spirit of each artist. I heard great releases between label mates, but I’m maybe missing some chemistry between Alphaxone and Dronny Darko.

Conclusion: If you like the work of both artists, this album will for sure awake your curiosity, but maybe not your fascination… I expected a bit more out of this work.

Best songs: “Immersion”, “Outlying”.

Rate: (6).

Bands: www .facebook .com /alphaxone / www .facebook .com /dronnydarko

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

ProtoU & Hilyard – Alpine Respire (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 19:45:35 +0000

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

Background/Info: “Alpine Respire” resulted from the common efforts between Cryo Chamber artist Sasha Cats (aka ProtoU) and Bryan Hilyard (aka Hilyard). It also is a collaboration between artists from different continents. Ukrainian based ProtoU has already released two previous collaboration albums together with Dronny Darko and Alphaxone while Hilyard just released a split work with Elam.

Content: “Alpine Respire” leads us throughout familiar dark sound spheres accomplished with numerous field recordings and some impressive blasting tones. The field recordings definitely are one of the most essential and noticeable elements of the work.

+ + + : If you’re into visual music, the field recordings running through “Alpine Respire” will for sure bring your imagination into action. It creates an experimental exposure, which has been joined by dark-ambient atmospheres. I here especially enjoyed the impressive, vibrating and overwhelming dark tones. The final cut is more into harsher noises and is a great final cut.

– – – : The field recordings have a real important impact on this work and that’s why it sounds maybe a bit too into experimentalism. The tracks are missing a climax and feel a bit monotonous after a while.

Conclusion: ProtoU and Hilyard invite their audience to embark for an obscure trip on an endless sonic ocean, which will appeal for all of your senses.

Best songs: “Alpine Respire”, “Elwha Snowfinger”.

Rate: (6½).

Bands: www .facebook .com /protoudrone / www .facebook .com /hilyardmusic

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

Alphaxone & ProtoU – Stardust (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 18:30:29 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, soundscape.

Background/Info: “Stardust”-album resulted from the common efforts of Mehdi Saleh (Alphaxone) and Sasha Cats (ProtoU). It also is the meeting between one of the Iranian masters of dark-ambient and the Ukrainian Princess of dark-ambient & space music. The work reveals 7 tracks.

Content: “Stardust” comes closer to a dark soundscape format instead of traditional dark-ambient music. Mixing echoing noises and fragmented voices lost in a surreal space, the tracks reflect dense and obscure sound layers although mixed with some evasive passages.

The tracks have been meticulously built up, creating a fantasy-like sonic cataclysm characterized by compelling sound waves. A few iron-like noises empower the icy flavor recovering this opus.

+ + + : Alphaxone & ProtoU is a real interesting match between the oppressive dark-ambient style of Mehdi Saleh and the more evasive approach of Sasha Cats. Alphaxone became an established and renowned artist while female artist Sasha Cats definitely is becoming one of the newest sensations in a genre dominated by male musicians. “Stardust” is one more release between label mates, which becomes a trademark of Cryo Chamber. Musically the debut part of this work is absolutely worthy of examination and definitely an interesting experience, which I hope will be renewed.

– – – : My only reproach is that Cryo Chamber became a real prolific label –which is a positive evolution, but the releases are progressively sounding a bit too similar to each other. I’m missing a real climax on “Stardust”.

Conclusion: “Stardust” is an interesting meeting between artists hailing from different cultures, but sharing similar sonic interests. The album confirms the talent of Alphaxone and the growing potential of ProtoU.

Best songs: “Planemo Dreams”, “Observing Quasars”.

Rate: (7).

Bands: www .facebook .com /alphaxone / www .facebook .com /protoudrone

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

Stardust by Alphaxone & ProtoU

Cryo Chamber launches a true Space Ambient Sale – listen to what is on offer!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 19:00:14 +0000

This week the dark ambient label Cryo Chamber is focusing on space ambient and for the occasion you can save 50% on the following digital downloads:

“Stardust” by the duo Alphaxone (Iran) & ProtoU (Ukraine)

The album mixes Alphaxone’s spacey synthesizers and ProtoUs’ filtered noise. The result is recommended for lovers of space ambient and old school science fiction soundtracks. Listen to it below.

“Locus Arcadia” by Council of Nine, God Body Disconnect, Flowers for Bodysnatchers and Randal Collier-Ford

“Locus Arcadia” is a split album between 4 artists: Council of Nine, God Body Disconnect, Flowers for Bodysnatchers and Randal Collier-Ford. This album focuses on a horror theme set on an abandon space station. For you who enjoy “Event Horizon” and similar space horror.

Locus Arcadia by Randal Collier-Ford, Flowers for Bodysnatchers, Council of Nine, God Body Disconnect

“Echoes from Outer Silence” by Alphaxone

This is the 4th album for Iranian Mehdi Saleh on the Cryo Chamber label. This space mystique album revolves around the interception of unknown signals from space. Field recordings from earth meet vibrations from deep space.

Echoes from Outer Silence by Alphaxone

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil.

‘Click Interview’ with Dronny Darko: ‘I Like The Drone Side Of Things; Something That Keeps You Immersed And Consumed’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 19:15:48 +0000

Based in Kiev (Ukraine) Oleg Puzan aka ‘Dronny Darko’ set up his drone-ambient project in 2014. In a short lapse of time he released an impressive number of productions on different labels. His newest album “Spira Igneus” released on Cryo Chamber reveals the growing genius of this musician. Time for some more information about Dronny Darko.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: How did you get interested in dark-ambient music and what have been your main references in the genre?

Dronny Darko: I think it all started with a more traditional side of ambient. As a teenager I was growing up on metal music, but always had this interest in electronics. I liked blending of genres a lot. Eventually it was mathcore and breakcore that sculpted my music vision and had a great impact on what I do today. Those genres sorta taught me to think from an artist perspective since they are so abstract and represent this tasty juice of inspiration that is endless. Of course they are too far from ambient, but then I needed something as a contrast.

Of course at that time I knew who Lustmord was, but it was not my cup of tea. In a few years though I remember I discovered Red Fog on SoundCloud and his music completely blew me away. I’m not actually that much into dark-ambient really. I like the drone side of things. Something that keeps you immersed and consumed. Drone-ambient was definitely a perfect thing at that moment. I think I just needed something like this. Something meditative, calm and inviting. I still have that Red Fog’s track on all of my phones. I think it never left my audio library from that day. The impact was really huge. For now I can say that Red Fog, Lustmord, Thomas Köner, Mathias Grassow, Alessandro Cortini, Steve Roach, Sabled Sun, Yann Novak and protoU are the main characters that influence my music.

Q: I can imagine the band name Dronny Darko reveals some of your main influences, which are drones (Dronny) and dark (Darko) music, right? What is it all about?

Dronny Darko: As you might have guessed, it all started from the movie. I really enjoyed it and at the time I watched it, I was into drone and this film kinda reflected this whole idea of it. I thought it would be an interesting nickname. Although now once I got introduced to this many different styles of experimental music, I just think one project will simply not be enough. I already start to blend elements from different sub-genres of ambient and electro-acoustic music into my creations which is not always a good thing. Thought I still have a lot to say as Dronny Darko.

In the future I will split my sound within a few projects so that fans could embrace the esthetic they prefer more easily.

Q: You’re a prolific artist who has released an impressive number of productions in a rather short lapse of time. How do you explain this productivity and what means music for you?

Dronny Darko: I really am not sure how to explain why I produced that much. I don’t even think it’s a lot actually. Sometimes I stumble upon artists that create one album every season. That’s what I call fast 🙂 But mostly all these albums were made long time ago. All the tracks were just remixed in a way they reflect my present tastes and then it’s an album. This year there will be 2 collaborations released that were made 2-3 years ago, but for random reasons were not published. I also try to release a healthy amount of music to make my fans happy.

Q: What is your newest album “Spira Igneus” all about?

Dronny Darko: Mostly it’s like a continuum of “Outer Tehom”. Same vibes, same theme, but more focused on an individual. This burning spirit. Huge as a spire, passionate as fire! It’s also about having this spire inside of you and not let any events to destroy it. Seek it out and be rewarded with a sense of oneness, and that’s really one of the best rewards of art and music in general —connection with something timeless.

Q: I experienced this new album as your most accomplished and simply ‘best’ album to date. What’s your own perception and especially your evolution as artist/composer over the years?

Dronny Darko: Thank you! This album is also a mix of tracks that I composed around the same time I was working on“Outer Tehom”. Only 2 new tracks are on the album. All the rest are the ones that passed the test of time. And yes I like it as well 🙂

As for the evolution, it’s something inevitable I would say. If you’re serious about what you do – you will be growing no matter what. You’ll engage a broader vision of things that will challenge you. That said, it is good to focus on specific disciplines and develop your skills. Learn the rules, stay free in your mind, and know when and why to break them. It gives you power.

Q: Do you have a specific way of working/procedure when composing an album and what are your favorite studio tools?

Dronny Darko: In terms of ambient music, being calm and having a proper quiet surrounding works the best for me. I also noticed that my best sketches are created when it’s either night or almost morning when I just cannot fall asleep. I have this weird state of mind when you’re supposed to be in bed, but you just got sick at staring at the ceiling for 2 hours. Then something magical happens. I love this process. Making music. I still cannot figure out how it all floats out of me. I never had any tuition in any instrument or musical theory. I just feel it. This abstract glowy energy that fills my head when I create drones. Like a connection. And isolation. At the same time… Luckily now I have protoU around and she can tell me where is the wrong note if I want to create a musical piece for example haha. She’s a very talented and lovable alien. Probably she indeed is my favorite ‘tool’ in the studio 😉

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Stardust by Alphaxone & ProtoU

Alphaxone & ProtoU see joined ‘Stardust’ album released on Cryo Chamber

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 19:45:51 +0000

Fresh news from Cryo Chamber, Alphaxone (Iran) and ProtoU (Ukraine) have joined forces on the space ambient album “Stardust”. “Startdust” thus combines Alphaxones spacey synthesizers with the iconic filtered noise by ProtoUs.

Released as a HQ audio download, the album can also be gotten hold of on CD (packaged as a 6-panel digipak) via the label’s Bandcamp page.

If you are into space ambient and old school science fiction soundtracks, then this is a must have for you, as you will notice by listening to the 7 album tracks album below.

Do also check the below video:

ProtoU – Khmaoch (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 19:10:44 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient.

Background/Info: Sasha Cats aka ProtoU was revealed in 2015 releasing an album together with her partner Dronny Darko (cf. “Earth Songs”). Both artists are based in Kiev (Ukraine) and seem to be inspired and prolific. ProtoU last year released her debut full length (cf. “Lost Here”) while “Khmaoch” was unleashed at the end of 2016. ProtoU claims to explore Eastern esoteric traditions and old civilization.

Content: When albums have been released in a rather short lapse of time it’s normal to make comparisons. The style and influences running through “Khmaoch” aren’t that different from the debut album. It remains an ambient experience accomplished with some field recordings and mixing dark passages with more evasive fields. The dark-ambient input however became denser and more mystical as well.

“Khmaoch” makes me think to a kind of ritual meditation on, which anguishing sound vibes take the listener away to a secret world of inhibited fantasies. This sensation is only reinforced by the sudden playing of a flute. Some of the sounds are a bit astral-like, which reinforce the evasive element. It however always remains an obscure exploration of sounds and aquatic noises. A few electronic sequences can be heard as well.

+ + + : I liked the debut album for featuring a more diversified ambient work, like an imaginary sonic bridge between darkness and more dreamy sound fields. “Khmaoch” definitely stands for the darker side of ProtoU, which is for sure more stereotypical although more poignant. This is exactly how dark-ambient music has to sound and the extra mystical elements only increase the visual strength.

– – – : I don’t see it as a reproach, but ProtoU in a way became more ‘classical’-like by embracing only dark-ambient influences reducing the ‘softer’ and less darker passages of “Lost Here”. I think it really was the main characteristic of her debut.

Conclusion: “Khmaoch” is an exciting opus revealing an accentuated obscurity in sound resulting in a few cool cuts. There for sure is a noticeable evolution in the global production process.

Best songs: “Skar Mekh”, “Voices Of The Water”, “Bridge Of Storms”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www .facebook .com /protoudrone

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

Dark Ambient of 2016 by Cryo Chamber

Cryo Chamber releases 1-hour free ‘Dark Ambient of 2016’ track

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:30:09 +0000

Cryo Chamber has released a special Christmas gift to all of those who support the label. Continuing their yearly tradition, the label picked some interesting releases released this year and made an hour track out of it. Some of the tracks fall well within the dark ambient borders, while some other tracks scratch at the surface extending it’s inky tendrils all over neighbouring genres.

On this 1+ hour album you get to explore God Body Disconnect, Apocryphos, Sabled Sun and many other bands:

Here’s the tracklist:

Here’s a video that accompanies this free download:

Nyarlathotep : A Cryo Chamber Collaboration (3CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:33:34 +0000

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

Background/Info: Cryo Chamber definitely appears to be under the influence of H.P. Lovecraft. The label already released the “Cthulhu”-collaboration featuring several label artists working together and achieving a great opus.

“Nyarlathotep” is a new collaboration between an impressive number of label formations. The story is about ‘A season of political and social upheaval. Mankind felt as if the world was at a breaking point, but no one wanted to speak of this. Seasons grew hotter. Our faith in the known gods faltered. The timing was ripe for the arrival of Nyarlathotep.’

It has been transposed into music by Kammarheit, God Body Disconnect, Dronny Darko, Ugasanie, Kristoffer Oustad, Alphaxone, Svartsinn, SiJ, Gydja, Atrium Carceri, Darkrad, Flowers For Bodysnatchers, Aegri Somnia, Randal Collier-Ford, Neizvestija, Metatron Omega, Wordclock, ProtoU, Northumbria, Sjellos, Sabled Sun, Council Of Nine, Cryobiosis, Apocryphos, Enmarta and Mystified. Three albums were accomplished.

Content: “Nyarlathotep 1” takes us away for a voyage throughout industrial metal sounds rapidly joined by dark, buzzing noise waves. The sound reveals heavy vibrations and the magic of an Eastern-like flute. We progressively join an imaginary world of obscure reverie, like entering a tenebrous universe featuring spooky voices. It also sounds like a misty sound universe made of disturbing passages accentuated by impressive sonic blasts.

“Nyarlathotep 2” definitely sounds more into the soundscape format. It’s not as heavy, but more into a dense and constant chilling atmosphere. It quite progressively evolves towards harder passages like echoing thunder in the background.

The final chapter and album “Nyarlathotep 3” takes off with a kind of signals from an imaginary, distant planet. It’s pretty astral-minded while reinforced by great sweeps and new buzzing sound waves. It moves towards a crescendo until reaching an absolute climax while the final part sounds pretty oppressive and tormenting, somewhat reminding to the early work of Lustmord.

+ + + : The realization of this work is absolutely amazing and rather unique. This is the kind of concept that wouldn’t have been possible without an artist taking the responsibility to create an interaction between all contributors. Simon Heath has been probably the one that made this enormous project come true. You don’t really have the impression of listening to a mishmash created by numerous artists. The work is pretty compact and homogenous featuring a great 1^st and 3^rd disc.

– – – : The release stands for more than 3 hours of sound and music so you really have to take your time listening to this work in the right circumstances. I wanted to discover the work without interruption, which took me several takes.

Conclusion: “Nyarlathotep” is a great conceptual release based upon an original idea, but it also reveals the ‘family’ approach of Cryo Chamber to unite all bands under the same wings.

Best songs: “Nyarlathotep 1”, “Nyarlathotep 3”, “Nyarlathotep 2”.

Rate: (8).

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

Spira Igneus by Dronny Darko

Dark ambient act Dronny Darko has new album out, his 3rd one: ‘Spira Igneus’ (Cryo Chamber)

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 16:00:07 +0000

Kiev, Ukraine, based act the Dronny Darko has left the Black Room Studio looms (where also ProtoU project is recording) and today presents his brand new album “Spira Igneus”. “Spira Igneus” is the 3rd album Oleg Puzan releases via Cryo Chamber and seems to have more in common with his first album “Outer Tehom” than his second, “Neuroplasticity”.

So what can you expect? The 7-track release offers – and the label describes it perfectly – dark deep drone powered minimalist ambient, as you can hear below.

Note that the album is not only available as a download via Bandcamp, but also as a full color 6 panel CD Digipak. You can order it here, the release is shipped out immediately after ordering. Next to that there is also a 3 CD bundle available right here which includes the Dronny Darko albums “Outer Tehom”, “Neuroplasticity” and of course “Spira Igneus”.

You can preview the release below:

And here’s the video for the album track “Scriptures”.

ProtoU returns with 2nd album on Cryo Chamber: ‘Khmaoch’ – out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 19:56:55 +0000

Sasha Cats returns under the ProtoU moniker with her second solo album on Cryo Chamber: “Khmaoch”. Recorded in the Kiev high rise and the Black Room Studio the album explores the eastern esoteric traditions.

Collaborating on the release is flutist Ivan Ioanov playing along the deep drone summons. As with most of the Cryo Chamber releases Simon Heath took care of the crystal clear mastering of the 7 tracks present on this release. Note the extremely beautifully released artwork for this album, it’s just outstanding!

You can preview the album (which can be ordered on CD and as HQ download via Bandcamp) below:

Khmaoch by ProtoU

A videoteaser is also available:

190 minute dark soundscape album ‘Nyarlathotep’ available for pre-order

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 17:26:15 +0000

A 190 minute dark soundscape album recorded by 25 ambient artists to pay tribute to H.P. Lovecraft. That is in short what you can expect on the “Nyarlathotep” album which is going to be released September 27, 2016 as a 3CD album set (housed in an 8 panel full color digipak) and a high quality download via Cryo Chamber. Pre-orders for both formats are available now via the label’s Bandcamp page.

The release holds field recordings from the deepest dark corners of 4 continents. The release is a collaboration and huge undertaking involving 25 artists who linked their studios and sound for over a year so that they could work with each other.

Bands involved are: Kammarheit, God Body Disconnect, Dronny darko, Ugasanie, Kristoffer Oustad, Alphaxone, Svartsinn, SiJ, Gydja, Atrium Carceri, Darkrad, Flowers for Bodysnatchers, Aegri Somnia, Randal Collier-Ford, Neizvestija, Metatron Omega, Wordclock, ProtoU, Northumbria, Sjellos, Sabled Sun, Council of Nine, Cryobiosis, Apocryphos, Enmarta.

Cryo Chamber reveals the followup to ‘Cthulhu and Azathoth’: ‘Nyarlathotep’ – list of dark ambient artists revealed!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 19:13:04 +0000

In 2014 Cryo Chamber got some of the most prominent dark ambient artists together to synchronize their studios during a year of collaboration creating the album “Cthulhu” in tribute to H.P. Lovecraft. It was followed up by the “Azathoth” collaboration album in 2015.

Following “Cthulhu and Azathoth”, Cryo Chamber now announces “Nyarlathotep”. This time 25 artists (!!!) synchronized their studios to create this tribute to H.P. Lovecraft. The album comes as a 3CD set and will soon be available for ordering via Cryo Chamber’s Bandcamp page.

The album will be officially out September 27, 2016. And to wet the appetite (and we’re pretty sure that serious dark ambient fans will be craving for this release) here’s already the list of bands which collaborated on the upcoming release:

Kammarheit
God Body Disconnect
Dronny darko
Ugasanie
Kristoffer Oustad
Alphaxone
Svartsinn
SiJ
Gydja
Atrium Carceri
Darkrad
Flowers for Bodysnatchers
Aegri Somnia
Randal Collier-Ford
Neizvestija
Metatron Omega
Wordclock
ProtoU
Northumbria
Sjellos
Sabled Sun
Council of Nine
Cryobiosis
Apocryphos
Enmarta
Mystified

‘Click Interview’ with ProtoU: ‘Reflection Of Calm Mind’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:15:23 +0000

ProtoU is the solo-project of Sasha Cats. This artist is hailing from Ukraine and has released earlier this year her debut full length “Lost Here” on Cryo Chamber. Sasha thinks that the band name ‘sounds really alienesque’ while it is similar to her favorite ‘Protoss Race’ in “Starcraft” while it also is a digital name for some divices. The dark-ambient creation of this female artist features a fascinating twist between familiar dark-ambient elements and a rather relaxing and imaginary world of reverie.

Q: You seem to be a trained violinist and choir vocalist who grow up with music. What did you learn out of your ‘classical’ study and how did you get in touch with dark-ambient music and related styles?

Sasha: Classical music made me understand the principals of harmony; how sounds should go with each other. Dark-ambient came to me via my best friend and love Dronny Darko. He is my teacher and guide through the darkness.

Q: You last year together with your Dronny Darko released your debut work “Earth Songs”. How did this collaboration happened and what has been your very own input?

Sasha: Well, I gave you a hint in the previous question. Everytime Oleg and I are working together, we have some textures coming out of us. We understand each other very good. I think my personal input concerns the melodic structures and subtle sounds, Oleg made them work together with sound tissues.

Q: “Lost Here” is you real first solo-album, so what does it mean to you to have achieved this solo-work and how would you define this composition?

Sasha: Achieving means that now I can really show people what I feel and what I want them to experience. Now I know better how to work with concepts. I would define this composition as reflection of calm mind.

Q: What is “Lost Here” all about and what kind of sound did you’d in mind?

Sasha: I am, and always will be wondering about the world of dreams and how twisted in a good way it is. “Lost Here” is dedicated to a dream so every single part of the composition, tracklist, structure and sounds have been planned to be consistent and related to the topic.

Q: Do you have some kind of dark-ambient and/or industrial ‘references’ when it comes to compose music? Tell us a bit more about it?

Sasha: Well, I was listening to dark-ambient for the very first time 4 years ago now. I was listening Dronny Darko, Red Fog, etc. Ambient references are Steve Roach and Asc. But you’ve to know I came from the drum and bass scene so I think it influenced my music as well.

Q: You’re living in Kiev where a lot of political events happened during the past months. In which way have you been affected by this situation as a person and does it still have an influence on your music?

Sasha: There was a scary moment 2 years ago, when revolution started, but it came to a wide-world political mess now. But we’re safe now. We have some territory under fire, but we’re far from it and actually everything is great now. Our country and capital are changing, we have to adapt ourselves to the situation while music can’t be stopped by evil events or people. It was, is and will be forever.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

ProtoU – Lost Here (CD Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 21:15:02 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient.

Background/Info: Behind ProtoU is hiding a female artist from Kiev (Ukraine). Sasha Cats grew up with music and is a trained violinist and choir vocalist. She got fascinated by dark-ambient music and set up ProtoU early 2015. She last year together with Dronny Darko released the “Earth Songs”-album on Cryo Chamber.

Content: ProtoU’s official solo debut-work clearly sounds like an experienced artist in the genre. This is an efficient ghost-music production, which is leading the listener to explore the darkest places of his imagination. Filled with numerous field recordings and background drones, the sound atmosphere are filled with an obscure, powerful strength.

But the main characteristic behind this album is the wafting sensation emerging from the songs. It all remains dark and somewhat mysterious-like, but you never get this typical freaky sensation when listening to this genre of music. “Lost here” makes you feel comfortable although alert for what’s coming. Before you really realize what’s going on you are embarked on an astral voyage refined with a few and surprising space-like piano passages. The humming sound waves are there to remind you that this is not a kind of ‘new-age’-trip rather than visiting the ante-chamber of hell.

At the end I can say that this is a sound embraced by evil forces, but which never break through. “Lost Here” is progressively joined by relaxing sound fields, which remain colored by darkness.

+ + + : The main strength of this work is hidden in the imagination from the listener. There are not many dark-ambient releases featuring familiar dark and frightening sound waves mixed with a real relaxing sensation. This opus has been accomplished with subtlelity like revealing an intimate state of mind from the artist.

– – – : I can imagine pure dark-ambient lovers will maybe not find the typical freaky touch on “Lost Here”. It rather sounds like a sound bridge between classical ambient releases and dark-ambient music.

Conclusion: “Lost Here” is mixing different elements of ambient music together, but darkness has been never that enlightening! ProtoU has this little touch of magic transforming music towards a real artistic dimension.

Best songs: “The Sea”, “The Map”, “Unreal Symbols”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .facebook .com /protoudrone

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

protoU sees debut album ‘Lost Here’ released on Cryo Chamber – stream it here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 01:52:55 +0000

After her split debut “Earth Songs” with Dronny Darko in 2015, protoU (aka Sasha Cats) now returns with her solo debut album “Lost Here” holding 6 tracks which offer low key drone work accentuated with field recordings.

The album is available as download and on CD from the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page. Next to that you can also order a 2CD bundle right there holding the “Earth Songs” (protoU & Dronny Darko) CD and the new “Lost Here” album. All CDs come in a 6 panel full color digipak.

Sasha – also a trained violinist and choir vocalist – works out of her home in Kiev, Ukraine and is a promising young creative artist in the dark ambient scene.

You can listen to the release below. Keep an eye on this artist, she’s a stayer for sure!

Lost Here by protoU

Earth Songs by Dronny Darko & protoU

Dronny Darko and protoU release joined ‘Earth Songs’ album by end July – pre-orders up now on Cryo Chamber

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 20:17:24 +0000

protoU has joined up with Cryo Chamber to release the intriguing “Earth Songs” album on which she collaborates with Dronny Darko. The dark ambient album holds dreamy atmospheric drones and field recordings on a concept album that starts with – and we quote the band – “the Big Bang, leading us through a path of evolution from the first life below the surface to the connected consciousness of humanity and us finally leaving earth.”

You can order the album on CD and as a HQ download right now from Cryo Chamber’s Bandcamp page.

protoU aka Sasha is a trained violinist and choir vocalist whose first ventures into own productions were a strong mix of distorted electronics followed by a multitude of related genres like drum n bass, ambient and electronic music. Dronny Darko from his side is an ambient driven, drone influenced artist from Kiev, Ukraine who debuted with the “Outer Tehom” release on Cryo Chamber.

Below is a video teaser for the “Earth Songs” album.

You can order the “Earth Songs” album below.