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Back in 1997 Johan Levin, using the Desiderii Marginis moniker, released his debut album Songs Over Ruins on the Cold Meat Industry label. Stylistically this album is fairly typical of the aforementioned label: dark ambient is the name of the game; the mood is desolate and minimalistic, sad yet peaceful. Also, far from unusual for releases on the Cold Meat label, comparisons with Raison d'être can easily be drawn.
On the whole, the music is largely synth-based, melodic and tranquil, but on a number of occasions bells, march-like percussions, and more abrasive industrial-like sounds are used to a great effect. When it comes to production and sound quality, this album is nothing short of amazing, especially if you consider the fact that it was released almost ten years ago.
The album, however, unlike a release such as Raison d'etre's Requiem For Abandoned Souls, is not entirely consistent. Some of the tracks, such as the mesmerizing tracks "Scintillate II" and "Ephemeral", or "The Core Of Hell II" with its powerful ending, are simply outstanding. Less impressive moments, on the other hand, can for example be found in the track "Chrism", a repetitive and fairly directionless track with synths that sound just a little bit too plastic and artificial for my liking (think of old Mortiis!), or in the forgettable track "Embossed In Bones, Hidden..."
Although this album contains few surprises to those familiar with the genre, it is still worth noting: because it was released fairly early; due to the outstanding quality of some of the tracks; and thanks to an exceptional production. Despite this, however, it is simply too inconsistent to truly impress as an album, rather than as merely a bunch of tracks.
Joost
On the whole, the music is largely synth-based, melodic and tranquil, but on a number of occasions bells, march-like percussions, and more abrasive industrial-like sounds are used to a great effect. When it comes to production and sound quality, this album is nothing short of amazing, especially if you consider the fact that it was released almost ten years ago.
The album, however, unlike a release such as Raison d'etre's Requiem For Abandoned Souls, is not entirely consistent. Some of the tracks, such as the mesmerizing tracks "Scintillate II" and "Ephemeral", or "The Core Of Hell II" with its powerful ending, are simply outstanding. Less impressive moments, on the other hand, can for example be found in the track "Chrism", a repetitive and fairly directionless track with synths that sound just a little bit too plastic and artificial for my liking (think of old Mortiis!), or in the forgettable track "Embossed In Bones, Hidden..."
Although this album contains few surprises to those familiar with the genre, it is still worth noting: because it was released fairly early; due to the outstanding quality of some of the tracks; and thanks to an exceptional production. Despite this, however, it is simply too inconsistent to truly impress as an album, rather than as merely a bunch of tracks.
Joost