Svartsinns — Elegies For The End

Elegies For The End is Svartsinns’ fourth album.  Released in 2009 (in conjunction with their 10th anniversary), the 2 disc set (in limited editions of 1000 copies) features one disc of songs and another of remixes (containing remixes by Triarrii, Letum, Gustaf Hildebrand and Tenebrious among other).

The themes within contain sadness and melancholy; the difficulties in life’s journeys and the enduring strength and transcendence to see through it all.  Heady stuff for a dark ambient/electronic musician, yet Svartsinn makes it feels likes childs’ play.

There are many moods within; from cold to isolated, from wicked and dark, to delicate and peaceful.  The one aspect that underlies every song here; with no distinguishing if it is remixed or not, is that of vastness and depth.  The magic that lies within Svartsinns’ ability is that he can make sound have physical weight.  By that I mean that even by hearing it you can almost touch it and feel it.  It is immense in its sound aurally.  The sounds we hear have definite influences from Northaunt to Ulver, yet Svartsinn uses those influences to create his own unique pieces.

We find so many moods here exquisitely displayed from times sparse to dramatic and melodic.  He can evoke memories of quiet star-lit nights with an endless sky above to the overwhelming feeling of aloneness in a stark unforgiving world.  The end result is a dark ambient aura tinged with metallic industrial touches and moments of gentle quietness.