V/A Visions Of Darkness In Iranian Contemporary Music (DCD Album – Cold Spring Records)

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, minimal-electronics, cinematographic, experimental, ritual.

Background/Info: Italian label Unexplained Sounds Group is a small but fascinating releasing original productions if you’re in search of new- and unexplored sonic paths related with dark-ambient, industrial, experimental music and other related genres. I earlier this year discovered this sampler featuring 21 bands from Iran. Cold Spring now re-released the compilation on CD format, which will for sure give a wider exposure to this compilation.

Bands: Xerxes The Dark, Hossein Rangchi, Idft, Alphaxone, Limen, Crows In The Rain ao.

Content: If you’re not familiar with the Iranian underground scene, which is mainly based in the biggest cities of the country, this compilation is an opportunity to discover several unknown bands active in a fascinating underground scene. From pure dark-ambient mixed with mystic elements to obscure cinematographic experiences to pure ambient reverie to more ritual music to minimal electronics carried by a slow tempo, this sampler reveal a real huge diversity in sound and influences.

+ + + : The main strength of this compilation for sure appears to be its diversity. Next to some more familiar and established names such as Alphaxone and Xerxes The Dark, we get a serious amount of ‘new’ names. I discovered the fascinating universe of Limen, the mysticism of Saint Abdullah, the experimental and somewhat noise-inspired Hossein RangChi, the mysterious sound universe of PooYar and the more into ritual-sounding Mehdi Behbudi together with Vahide Sistaani.

This release is exactly what I expect from a compilation, which is discovering new bands!

– – – : Despite of the diversity, this is not the kind of accessible music for a wider audience. You really have to like dark-ambient, experimental music and related genres to enjoy this work. The most famous and/or familiar names aren’t delivering the best cuts.

Conclusion: I’m progressively getting more familiar with Iranian projects dealing with underground electronics and this sampler only confirms the huge number of talented artists active around Tehran.

Best bands: Saint Abdullah, Mehdi Behbudi & Vahide Sistaani, PooYar, Limen, Mehdi Behbudi.

Rate: (7).

Label: www .coldspring .co .uk / www .facebook .com /coldspringhq

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