SKAMBIDT – Ætsende Sjæl
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Lars Kivig is renowned as a longstanding member of the Danish post-rock band My Beloved. He is also the founder of Vicious Records and actively engaged in various projects, including Acorn Falling, which I previously reviewed. Now, he presents Skambidt, an electro-acoustic dark ambient endeavor that has recently unveiled its third album Ætsende Sjæl. While the dark ambient genre has often left me feeling a bit lethargic due to its tendency toward excessive darkness without much unfolding, Skambidt, Danish for "Savaged”, takes a different approach. Initially a solo project for Lars Kivig on the first two albums, this time he collaborates with a diverse array of guests, resulting in a surprisingly suspenseful ambiance. Handling the electro components with Eurorack modular synths, Lars is joined by notable contributors such as Kristof Hahn from the experimental noise rock band Swans on lap steel guitar, Thomas Wydler from Nick Cave’s The Bad Seeds on drums and percussion, John Contreras from British experimental rock band Current 93 on cello, Meagan Palmer of The Dream Lovers providing vocals, and Doula’s Lasse Vistisen on synth bass. The collaboration with such renowned talents enhances the richness of Ætsende Sjæl, translating to "Corrosive Soul" in English. The album's initial five tracks are relatively brief, ranging from four to five minutes. The opener Urodefekt starts serenely and gradually transforms into an apocalyptic nightmare featuring deep distorted vocals and a lap steel guitar evoking a sense of impending doom. Kryodrøm embodies a more typical dark ambient style, invoking a mental cinema with visions of a world devastated by nuclear fallout. Ekstravenøst introduces some rhythmic elements, at times erratic, exuding a nihilistic no-wave vibe reminiscent of the late seventies or early eighties. Noises like dentist drills and deep throbbing synth waves contribute to the fearsome atmosphere. Syrehud maintains a somber tone, with gloomy synth motifs underscored by a female voice repeatedly declaring “I had to be careful!” as if safeguarding survival in an inhospitable world. The percussive drumbeat brings to mind early Type O Negative before their gothic transformation. Inversiv begins with a beautiful, although certainly not optimistic cello intro, later revealing Skambidt's darker side with organic drums, concluding in a tribal manner. The final track Sjæledyb, at eleven minutes, is a more expansive composition that struggles to maintain the focus achieved by the preceding shorter tracks. Initially hesitant to assign a rating, repeated listens over the week allowed me to appreciate the shorter tracks while finding respite in the extended closure of this mesmerising album. Despite its brevity, Ætsende Sjæl stands out as a concise dark ambient offering, enriched by the diverse contributions of collaborators, making it accessible even to those not typically drawn to this genre. Close your eyes, and let the music conjure its peculiar images in your mind! |
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6 songs |
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34:05 minutes |
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***** *** |
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Genre: dark ambient Label: Vicious |
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