Yet, I've always found the soundscapes from (black) metal acts the most intreguing. Why? Well, they showcase a certain atmosphere, more than any black metal act has ever succeeded in. Burzum's 'Hliðskjálf' & 'Dauði Baldrs' for example, which were recorded in prison and became a dark ambient albums because Varg wasn't allowed to use a guitar in prison. There's a Burzum cover on this album too by the way, and I guess that's the link I needed to finally get writing about this album by Russian one-man act Astarium.
On 'In The Nebulous Sky' Astarium comes up with an array of soundscapes and synths. The compositions are gloomy and atmospheric but nudge more towards deep space ambient than icy dark ambient, or "black ambient" as some people like to name it. I kinda like it that way, and I have been enjoying this album quite a lot since it came in a week or so ago. There are six tracks, plus the Burzum cover in 'VII'. Each of them pretty much tells its own story in a journey through the vastness of space.
So, rather than mentioning a heap of black metal bands with epic ambient passages, I'd like to refer to people like Steve Roach, John Serrie and perhaps acts like Cold Womb Descent or even Klaus Schulze. Yet, even better, instead of referring and comparing, I'd prefer to six back, relax and float along with these inspiring soundscapes, and I suggest you follow my example. This is a great album, period.
Serge