Detailed Reviews [Sonisk Blodbad - 2019 - "Electric Mirror"]

Prolusion. Norwegian project SONISK BLODBAD have been around for just about a decade at this point, with three full length studio albums to their name so far. In 2019 they signed up with Norwegian label Apollon Records, who released their third album "Electric Mirror" towards the tail end of 2019.

Analysis. Sonisk Blodbad is a venture that exists within the relative confines of progressive electronic music, or perhaps experimental electronic music might be just as good of a description. The manner in which they use elements in their constructions makes them hard to define, especially as the years go by and they expand their boundaries and create material of a somewhat different character than previously. Many of the ingredients remain the same of course. Wavelike electronic undercurrents and surging overlays are staples, alongside drones, various kinds of rhythm and electronic effects, with a liberal use of both noise textures and cosmic sounds and effects. The compositions range from dystopian ambient slowly developing majestic creations to cuts with more of a noise oriented intent to material that aren't too far away from touching base with ambient techno. The differences are more subtle than the descriptions may indicate of course, and they are relative and quite possibly more subjective than straight forward factual at that. Some defining features of this particular album is the use of non verbal voice effects and effects oriented vocals. How many that are made by people and how many that are electronic or electronically treated I do not know of course, but they do make frequent appearances throughout. Another defining trait of this album is then use of the violin, be it the real instrument, the emulated one or, possibly, both types. The mournful sounds of the violin fits rather well with the dystopian, often futuristic sounding landscapes explored of course. The electric guitar is given room to provide some fine and gentle undercurrents as well, on the massive concluding creation 'The Shore of Oblivion'. A song title that pretty much indicates the overall moods and atmospheres of this production I dare say.

Conclusion. While not as bleak as some other electronic artists I know about by far, this isn't music that will transport anyone into their happy place either. At times these landscapes are rather challenging too, albeit mainly due to the moods and the atmospheres explored and not quite as often due to the arrangements and the sounds used in them. If ambient, dystopian and challenging progressive electronic music sounds like something you would enjoy, "Electric Mirror" should fill some of your cravings for this type of material quite nicely indeed.

Progmessor: May 2020
The Rating Room