Atrium Carceri and Kammarheit Return with Apparatus

Atrium Carceri and Kammarheit are two of the most prominent names in the dark ambient and sound design genres. Both hailing from Sweden, and sharing roster space on the Cryo Chamber label, their individual composition styles are distinct, yet complementary: Atrium Carceri creates cinematic soundscapes that evoke dystopian sci-fi and dark fantasy scenarios, while Kammarheit focuses on deep and atmospheric drones that convey a sense of isolation and mystery. The two artists have collaborated before, on the 2015 album Onyx, where they blended their sounds into a cohesive and immersive experience, and most recently on their collaborative effort, Colossus in 2022. Their sonic commonalities include the use of analog tape reels, haunting electronics, pulsating basslines, and controlled, massive reverbs.

Apparatus is their newest collaborative album, a dark and cavernous underground ambient album that explores both the barren surfaces of enormous structures and ancient underground passageways that wind beneath, evoking a sense of mystery, dread, and even wonder for the imagination as the sonic landscapes unfold to the listener. Consisting of nine tracks, each with its own mood and atmosphere, all share a common theme of desolation and decay; not meant to be a linear narrative (at least, according to this author), but rather a collection of snapshots of that linear narrative, perhaps in media res, that invite the listener to imagine their own stories and interpretations, to paint their own narrative timeline in their imaginings. Rich in detail and texture, with subtle variations and layers that reveal themselves with repeated listens, this album once again displays a natural chemistry of sound which the two acts compliment between each other.

Apparatus is a highly recommended album for fans of dark ambient music, as well as for anyone who enjoys immersive and evocative soundscapes. Atrium Carceri and Kammarheit have once again proven their mastery of the genre, and delivered another sonic journey that continues their challenge of what is considered “music” and forging ahead with their own designs in aural landscapes. Apparatus is available for purchase and streaming on the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page.