Skrika Delivers a Strong Narrative Debut on Cryo Chamber with "Fifth Nature"

High concept narrative and dark ambient soundscapes compliment the imagination like no other pairing, honestly, and the latest offering from Cryo Chamber is a testament to this statement. 

Bass hits, somber pads, rain, “glassy” synth inflections that give the impressions of the far future as envisioned in the luscious album artwork. Much akin to how I levy impressions with movies and games, album artwork in music is often as integral as the music contained within. The artwork is the listener’s first impressions for what they are being offered musically, and just like the old movies we rented as children, it is important that the movie delivers what we are shown on the artwork. Granted, music is far more broad in concept, and yes, relative to the listener’s own  imagination, however - 

This album delivers. Timbre is of the utmost importance in presenting new music, and Fifth Nature conveys exactly the mood presented in the artwork. A debut album for Cryo Chamber, the artist, Skrika, seamlessly blends synth textures and thrumming bass pads with “glassy”, reticulated synths draped over a bed of field recordings evoking rain and a forlorn wasteland of the far future - one that rarely sees sunlight; of cavernous mountains of stone and science, laced together in amalgamation, but whose purpose has been lost to history. Mournful vocals soar into the horizon at times - solo refrains, or even choirs chanting into the aether, giving the album a foreign, alien feel which only adds to the presentation of the story. 

The narrative itself is inspired, distant future science fiction, certainly for fans of authors Jack Vance and Terry Brooks, or even the tabletop role playing game, Degenesis. Fifth Nature is the first in a series of sound concepts from Skrika, and with such a strong debut, this is certainly one to be enjoyed by dark ambient enthusiasts. Should you not have already pressed the “play” button, just read the delicious, thought-provoking narrative, and any stalwart fan of science fiction will no doubt be intrigued.

Cryo Chamber has had a consistent year of solid releases, and this album will certainly add a weighted vanguard to any collector’s CD tower. You can pick up Fifth Nature by Skrika in CD Digipak and digital format on the Cryo Chamber bandcamp page.