September 22, 2026

Vatican Shadow – Persian Pillars Of The Gasoline Era (Album – 20 Buck Spin)

Vatican Shadow – "Persian Pillars Of The Gasoline Era" album cover
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Genre/Influences: Electro-Ambient, Industrial, Technoid.

Format: Digital, Vinyl, Cassette.

Background/Info: Dominick Fernow has already been active for numerous years now and has released an impressive number of Productions; mainly released on Hospital Productions. He joined hands together with 20 Buck Spin to unleash his latest opus featuring six new tracks.

Content: The sound universe of this artist is bringing different Electronic styles together. The Ambient side of his work is ruling, but he takes care to achieve his creation by the addition of Industrial atmospheres and metallic noises while the last track is clearly more rhythmic, mixing influences of Trance, Techno and Industrial together. The album takes off in a rather ‘sweet’ way, but things are getting more interesting when the rhythm becomes more dynamic. “Taxi Journey Through The Teeming Slums Of Tehran” is the start of a great second part of this work.

+ + + : I like the progression of the tracks, both last cuts being sonic jewels! “Moving Secret Money” reminds me of Benestrophe and the dreamy ambient approach of this song is absolutely accomplished. The last cut “Ayatollah Ferocity – The Refinery At Abadan” is for sure a cool danceable piece leading the album towards a brilliant and transcendental end. I think it’s not a coincidence both cuts are the longest ones from the album and definitely the most elaborated tracks. Vatican Shadow has something of a visionary artist, avoiding clichés and trends, but transposing different influences into a new approach and higher musical vibes.

– – – : The first part of the album sounds cool and enjoyable, but definitely not reaching the high-tech level of the second part.

Conclusion: Vatican Shadow is the kind of artist that might appeal for a wide, but open-minded Electronic audience.

Best songs: “Ayatollah Ferocity – The Refinery At Abadan”, “Moving Secret Money”, “Taxi Journey Through The Teeming Slums Of Tehran”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Dominick-FernowVatican-Shadow-Fans-137270940302715

Label: www.20buckspin.com / www.facebook.com/20buckspin

About Vatican Shadow

Vatican Shadow is the ambient industrial and techno project of Dominick Fernow, who also records as Prurient and runs the label Hospital Productions. He launched Vatican Shadow in 2011 with releases including “Pakistan Military Academy” and “Kneel Before Religious Icons”, building a prolific catalog largely issued through Hospital Productions before “Persian Pillars Of The Gasoline Era” appeared on 20 Buck Spin.

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