Tag Archives: dark ambient

Cousin Silas & Eisenlager – Absentia (The Cousin Silas Emporium)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

It was a few years back that myself and Eisenlager created our first collab album. We always promised ourselves we would do another one, hence the title of the last track from the original release: “Believe Me, More Is Coming.”. Sadly he passed away before we managed it, but he did send me several pieces to consider. I thought it was time to dust off those pieces, add my bits, and refit some of his solo tracks he sent for the various Emporium Projects.

I guess this resulting album is both a tribute to the man, and a promise upheld that indeed more did come.

For Nobby, a good friend, supporter and above all, the man behind one of the best compilation series, Midnight Radio. It was these that helped me gain a little self confidence back in the day. I miss the guy.

{AN} EeL and Steven Leak – the wholly other (M I S T)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

Introducing the collaboration between {AN} Eel and steven leak. Meditative and epic drones meet visceral, emotive vocals and an unusual combination of instruments in this beautiful musical work from the duo.

credits

released April 25, 2025

Track 1 “ Monday sky”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: paino. vox

Track 2 “the magic mothswarm”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: handclaps, vox, piano

Track 3 “rusted petal chains”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: vox

Track 4 “the wholly other”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: accordion, vox

Track 5 “dark-framed shimmering endpoint”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: gamelan, guitar, vox

steven: I asked Neal if he’d be interested in sending me some music that I could deconstruct, reconstruct and treat as I saw fit. Neal is a truly generous spirit and so I received two packages of stems of music incorporating a variety of instruments as well as Neal’s voice.
The result is “the wholly other”.
I love this music.
I hope you do also.

Neal: This Music in particular resonates with the season for me – It is, the beautiful area we both live in Peterborough /Nogojiwanong ( Nogojiwanong = Translates as ” place at the foot of the rapids ” ) but it has been a particularly difficult winter – And also, we are in a particularly difficult time. However, I find great comfort in being able to come out of the depths of winter ( Literally, Figuratively, Whatever ) and make what at least counts as a gesture in the direction of hope, if not an actual healing balm. So enjoy these lovingingly crafted sounds, as we look forward to a warm future

Steven Leak made his part of this music with an Arturia Minifreak, Red Panda Tensor and Particle pedals, a TC Infinite pedal, cutlery, tuned wine glasses, a stainless steel water bottle, and a Zoom multiplex pedal.

Composed and produced in Peterborough, Ontario Canada by steven leak and Neal Retke
Mixed and Mastered in Denmark (with additional treatments) by Erik Emil Eskildsen

Ivan Black – Concrete Island (Petroglyph Music)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

“Concrete Island” is a novel by J.G. Ballard, first published in 1974. The story explores themes of isolation, survival, and the impact of urban environments on human psychology. It is often classified within the genre of speculative fiction, reflecting Ballard’s keen interest in the relationship between humanity and the modern world.

Main Themes

1. Isolation and Alienation: The setting of the concrete island serves as a metaphor for modern urban life, where people often feel disconnected despite being surrounded by others. Maitland’s isolation forces him to reflect on his life and the choices that led him to this predicament.

2. Survival and Adaptation: The novel delves into the human instinct for survival. Maitland’s journey showcases his physical and mental struggles, highlighting the lengths people will go to endure and adapt to extreme situations.

3. Urban Decay: Ballard’s depiction of the concrete island reflects a critique of modernity. The stark contrast between the vibrant city surrounding the island and the desolation within it underscores the neglect and decay present in urban settings.

4. Psychological Exploration: As Maitland grapples with his circumstances, the narrative explores his psyche. The isolation prompts a deep introspection, raising questions about identity, purpose, and the nature of reality.

Colossloth – The Harmony Knife (Cold Spring)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

The fifth album from industrial / esoteric electronic alchemist Colossloth is a concept album based on the writings of professor Ted Kaczynski AKA the Unabomber. It is not about his terror campaign against the industrial society and the rise of technology – but his manifesto “Industrial Society And Its Future” and in particular the elements of “The Power Process”.

“With “The Harmony Knife”, Colossloth is cutting through to the bone and sinew of Man’s chronic, species-specific dissatisfaction, and the causes thereof. He is laying bare humankind’s inability to solve its own, self-created problems, to meet its basic needs, and to achieve even those goals clearly within its reach.

What is the fundamental nature of the human condition? Is it one of misery and failure in the face of blissful possibility? Is it the contrary unwillingness to accept that we can become fully realised and contented beings through the success of actualised, idiosyncratic, and often basic goals?

In defining and describing The Power Process, the twisted mind of Ted Kaczynski saw mankind’s primal need to struggle for a goal, however small, as necessary for a meaningful life. Indeed, without this elemental piece of the evolutionary struggle, he saw terminal atrophy as the inevitable result.

With “The Harmony Knife”, Colossloth seizes these ideas and sonically extrapolates the implications of humankind’s failure to satisfy even our most rudimentary needs. He creates an auditory landscape examining our repeated inability to focus our efforts on fundamental goals to ensure even a measure of happiness or contentment. Humanity’s inability to live rather than merely exist” (Jake Shell).

credits

released February 28, 2025

All Music by Wooly Woolaston
Produced by Tom Reynolds (Foul Body Autopsy)
Colossloth Photo: Ash Walker

Mastered by Martin Bowes (The Cage Studios)
Graphic Design by Abby Helasdottir

In Slaughter Natives – Still Just Only Still (I.S.N. Media)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

1. Released on Machinenfest 2017 [pflicht 075]
2. Previously unreleased, Featuring Shane Beck [The last American Poet]
3. Previously unreleased
4. Previously unreleased
5. Released on Machinenfest 2006 [pflicht 028]
6. Released on Electroanschlag V & Recollection II [ISNM-12]
7. Released on !Krrrbrrrtzkrrrbrrrtztz! Vol.4 [SRB awake001 CD]
8. Released on The Absolute Supper [CMI.50]
9. Released on Recollection II [ISNM-12]
10. Released on Melt [NET002]
11. Made for a compilation
12. Released on Machinenfest 2012 [pflicht 050] Originally from 1985
featuring, R.I.P Robert [Synth Robban] Säfstöm
13. Released on Ashes of Angels [SIP001]

My credit and gratitude to
my son Sebastian Skattung and
Shane Beck [The last American Poet]
And to the memory of May Sun Beck and
Robert [Synth Robban] Säfström

I.S.N MEDIA ISNM-15