1000 Schoen/ Ab Intra — Split CD Earth-Air-Water-Fire
1000 Schoen get the release under way with Cerbo Universe. At over 16 minutes this is a long piece which is built around a steady motorik beat. Layer upon layer of drones, found sounds and samples build as the track grows and morphs from its ambient beginnings into something almost kosmische like in its hypnotic qualities.
Dead Shadows is up next and whilst this is still evidently the same band, there are differences. Firstly, melody plays a much more important role, the track builds slowly and whilst it again uses drones and samples to create atmosphere there are distinct distorted synth lines in the mix, giving a different, albeit, similar feel to the track.
When the Shadows Fall, feels stripped back in comparison to the first two tracks, relying less heavily on layers of synths and drones, it creates a slightly more laid back sound, rounding off the Earth segment in a fairly grounded way.
Ab Intra’s Air represents the next segment in the chain. Opening with Entelecheia I, we are almost immediately bombarded with sounds that feel designed to represent gale force winds. Quite harsh as it is, it represents the sound of wind perfectly. Second track Entelecheia II follows in similar territory, the sound is bigger, with more lush string samples and gives a more ethereal feel than the first part. Parts III and IV takes us through more permutations on a theme as we experience more sounds reminiscent of air rushing and undulating through ravines and canyons.
The second disc is made up of just two pieces of music, the first Entelecheia V is Ab Intra’s take on water. This is one of my favourite pieces on the album and reminds me a little of the beginning of The Orb’s wonderful Earth (Gaia). This is a beautiful slice of dense, ambient darkness.
Final track Turnanta Stalo from 1000 Schoen represents Fire. The track begins with looped bell samples, before distorted feedback and a ritualistic drum beat are introduced to the mix to give the track real menace. Noisier and heavier, the track perfectly encapsulates the inherent danger that is often associated with fire, A great way to finish the second disc.
This is a really interesting split, which perhaps is a little longer than it needs to be, this is especially evident during Ab Intra’s section representing air, however it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment too much. The tracks are well thought out and act as suitable representations of the different elements. The concept is interesting and appropriate and both artists complement one another’s style. This is another good split from Zoharum, a label that are beginning to develop a name for their collaborative works.