Here are the dark ambient albums that we at This is Darkness have been listening to this month – some are new releases, but a few are older gems we’ve just (re)discovered.

Please check these out by clicking on the Bandcamp link next to each review, and please consider supporting the featured artists.

Enjoy!

If you have a Bandcamp release you’d like to be considered for inclusion as one of our picks of the month , please email richdodgin-tid@virginmedia.com. Bandcamp download codes for albums to be reviewed are always very welcome, but are not essential.

Caldon Glover – Eternal Night Radio

 

I absolutely love Caldon Glover‘s previous releases – in particular Labyrintia and Metrophagy – so I was thrilled when I heard they had another album on the way, hoping for another cracking album of eerie otherworldly dark ambient… and I’m delighted to say I wasn’t disappointed, because I think Eternal Night Radio may well be their best release yet! With a dark, brooding undercurrent, discordant drones, and disturbing soundscapes, this is one of those dark ambient albums that is quite simply stunning from start to finish. Very highly recommended. Incredible!

Sonologyst – Planetarium

 

Now this is very cool! Planetarium, the latest release from Sonologyst, is “… an aural exploration of the solar system, using data from NASA’s probes….”. What that means is a sublime album of space ambient / drone, created from cosmic non-audible signals (like radio waves, electromagnetic waves, and plasma wave fluctuations) that were recorded by NASA and then converted into audio frequencies we can hear using a process called data sonification. The end result is jaw droppingly good, with each and every track carrying in it in the wonder and mystery of the Universe. Absolutely amazing!

Erik Wøllo – Gateway (2025 remaster)

 

Originally released in 2010, this wonderful ambient album has been remastered by its creator, Erik Wøllo, to produce an enhanced sound with a more detailed, transparent and wider audio spectrum with greater sonic cohesion. In a word, this is breath-taking. Bridging grand harmonic realms and gentle, serene environments, and featuring soaring synths, evolving drones, and gorgeous soundscapes, this is one of those albums that just keeps drawing you back again and again. This is a definite must-buy for those who like tranquil ambient music with a soothing vibe. Beautiful!

Substak – Motion Of The Deep Sea

 

Regular readers will know I’m a big fan of Athens-based musician Substak, and his latest album, Motion Of The Deep Sea, is another awesome release. Featuring field recordings of the ocean, this is an album of contemplative ambient drone, that does an amazing job of transporting the listener to ocean realms. This perfect for chilling out to, and for getting away from things, or for closing your eyes and convincing yourself you are adrift at sea. Wonderful!

Audible Masticators – String Theory 2

 

Inner Demons Records continues to be one of my favourite labels – because of the consistently high quality of their releases. String Theory 2, the latest album from Audible Masticators, is a perfect example. Made with a minimalistic approach using bass guitar and effects only, the music here is original, noisy, brooding, and deliciously different – being rewarding and challenging in equal measure. This is a must have for those who like their music to be unafraid to be doing something different and experimental. Spectactular!

Aconis – Forged

 

Forged, the latest release from UK based musician Aconis, is Forged, a deliciously dark album of dark ambient / ambient drone. With a sinister undertone, dark ambient soundscapes, and unfolding drones, this is an impressive album that fans of atmospheric dark ambient will absolutely adore! I’ve had this album on repeat play since I first heard it, and it gets better and better with each and every listen. Stunning!

Substak – Motif Tracks

 

Our second release from Substak this month is a collection of tracks created for the monthly motif radio show on grey clay radio (in which experimental electronic music producer Dogs versus Shadows invites the community to submit recordings based on their personal interpretation of a theme). The tracks here vary somewhat in style and tone, but on the whole are minimalistic and best described as experimental electronica. Each and every track offers something different, and yet they fit together wonderfully on this album, creating a marvellous audio journey for listeners. Superb!

Pestzone – Mi-Go

 

Oh. My. God. This album is incredible – sounding like it has been dragged from the deepest depths of hell itself. The first time I played this I was genuinely stunned at what I was hearing – because it was so so dark and disturbing, and yet so undeniably damn good! Pestzone continues to push the boundaries of what constitutes “music”, and this is another fantastic album that is the exact opposite of ‘easy listening’. But that’s the point. This is dark music for a dark world, and it is everything we deserve. Thoroughly, unreservedly, glorious!

Various Artists – The Eraserhead. Music Inspired by the Film of David Lynch

 

The latest release from the ever awesome Unexplained Sounds Group label is this impressive album tribute to the ground breaking 1977 movie, Eraserhead. Featuring tracks by 13 different musicians, there is something here for everyone – for fans of dark ambient, drone, experimental electronica, and noise. As always, Raffaele Pezzella (aka. Sonologyst) has done an incredible job of curating and mastering the album, with each track offering something different, but with the album working beautifully as a whole. Gorgeous!