Album Review: Darkspace - Dark Space -II
Reviewed by Patrick O'Reilly
Space... a cold, desolate void that is unforgiving and impossible to fathom. All these adjectives could be used to describe this album by Swiss Black Metal soundscape artists Darkspace. Following the release of three cult albums in the mid to late 2000's the band have returned, still a trio but with new member Yhs replacing the departing Zorgh. This new release comprises of one mammoth 47 min long track of dark ambient black metal, strange voice samples mingle with ambient drones to usher in the album, a dark melancholy atmosphere is prevalent, until harsh distorted guitars power in and a drum machine starts pounding.
Riff builds upon riff as the music is brought together, layer upon layer of droning then harsh, howling vocals are added to the mix, bringing yet more complexity and depth. The album follows in this pattern with peaks and troughs of intensity and volume, the quieter more ambient moments contrasting nicely with the power and energy of the louder sections until finally the drums and guitar tail off, leaving as we began, with ambient synth and eerie samples to lead us out.
This album is incredibly atmospheric, bringing to mind the vastness and coldness of space, it is an intimate and solitary journey, one feels alone on this trip across the galaxies, the crushing weight of the universe bearing down on you, making you feel insignificant and small. If you are a fan of more traditional black metal, you may not appreciate this album, a lack of riffs and structure may leave you feeling lost, if however, you are a fan of the more avant-garde then this journey will be compelling and memorable, so strap in tight and set controls for the heart of the sun.
For fans of – Sunn O))), Blut Aus Nord, Wolves in the Throne Room, Paysage d’Hiver
