cryostasium - xasthur - split 7 inch - 2007

label: ?

this split 7 inch brings together two ambient black metal artists.

being new to this scene i was surprised by the sounds i heard, starting off with cryostasium's 6. immediately, menacing (and monotonous) guitar work is present, backed by what sounds like a drum machine. the drums sounds aren't punchy enough to put your brain in a blender but provide enough variation to offset the trace-like effect induced by the guitars.

the eye upon the throne (part II) by xasthur is even more moody, atmospheric and droning. the dead pan vocals are used as a texture to put you into a very dark, subterranean place. the piece goes through a few movements over the course of more than seven minutes, which keep the listening experience surprisingly fresh.