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Artefactum is the dark ambient project of Merissa d'Erlette from Poland. This can be considered her second full length release, following the album Chaos Elements from 2004. Artefactum has a very strong emphasis on the themes of esotericism and hermeticism, and this is expressed in every aspect of the project. The excellent artwork contains old drawings of roses, and scans of old letters and envelopes - all put together by Merissa herself, by the way, making this a self-release of exceptional quality.
The music is also esoteric in nature, as most dark ambient tends to be to some degree. Obscure drones and synth waves are blended with samples (speech, instruments, sounds) and Merissa's own whispers and vocals, all heavily treated. The first two tracks in particular invoke images of a secret alchemical ritual, as suggested by the dark incantations, dripping sounds, and misty waves. "Misterium Magnum" is different, a repetitive but captivating track based on dark drones, percussion fading in and out, and bells and chimes. "Rosenkrieg" is my favourite track of the album, featuring Merissa's lamenting spoken word over a simple synth melody, which is eventually supported by a gloomy pulsating rhythm. It reminds me a bit of the music by Aghast, that pioneering 'witch-ambient' project by Andrea Haugen and Tania 'Nacht' Stene from the mid-90s. Very dark and powerful. Sadly enough, the last two tracks don't really add much to the album, which shows its best moments earlier.
Despite the lesser end part of the album, I think Rosarium Hermeticum is a good album with a strong sound of its own, not to mention a very expressive theme and image. The general sound is pretty bleak and obscure, but that will appeal to a significant part of dark ambient lovers out there. For them, this release is certainly recommended, especially if you are interested in a little feminine element in the music, like with aforementioned Aghast, or, more remotely, The Gray Field Recordings. This self-release is limited to 111 numbered copies and almost sold out, I believe, so you'd have to be fast.
O.S.
The music is also esoteric in nature, as most dark ambient tends to be to some degree. Obscure drones and synth waves are blended with samples (speech, instruments, sounds) and Merissa's own whispers and vocals, all heavily treated. The first two tracks in particular invoke images of a secret alchemical ritual, as suggested by the dark incantations, dripping sounds, and misty waves. "Misterium Magnum" is different, a repetitive but captivating track based on dark drones, percussion fading in and out, and bells and chimes. "Rosenkrieg" is my favourite track of the album, featuring Merissa's lamenting spoken word over a simple synth melody, which is eventually supported by a gloomy pulsating rhythm. It reminds me a bit of the music by Aghast, that pioneering 'witch-ambient' project by Andrea Haugen and Tania 'Nacht' Stene from the mid-90s. Very dark and powerful. Sadly enough, the last two tracks don't really add much to the album, which shows its best moments earlier.
Despite the lesser end part of the album, I think Rosarium Hermeticum is a good album with a strong sound of its own, not to mention a very expressive theme and image. The general sound is pretty bleak and obscure, but that will appeal to a significant part of dark ambient lovers out there. For them, this release is certainly recommended, especially if you are interested in a little feminine element in the music, like with aforementioned Aghast, or, more remotely, The Gray Field Recordings. This self-release is limited to 111 numbered copies and almost sold out, I believe, so you'd have to be fast.
O.S.