Ambient Selections .

One of the strangest and most fascinating aspects of ambient music is the way it can sometimes morph from sonic wallpaper -where it basically functions as a soundtrack- into an agent of transformation, allowing the reshaping of the perceived world around the listener. Some of Mathias' albums have had this effect on me before, and the Darklight Quest definitely falls into this territory. gterma is happy to shine a light on this now mostly forgotten treasure, originally released as a DIY CDr in 1998.

Tracklist:

1. Prelude (5:09)
2. The Abyss (33:23)
3. Unseen Worlds (29:25)
4. Beyond Nothingness (9:21)

The Darklight Quest

[gterma047] : Mathias Grassow - Unseen Worlds

This sketch is based on some field recordings that I made during a recent hike. Noisy frogs make up the bulk of the track with some poorly played, heavily processed glockenspiel featured as well. This was a bit of a quick, "improv" arrangement and this is essentially the first take of the arrangement with some very light EQ and volume adjustments but little else beyond my initial layers. I like the immediacy of it, and it certainly captures the feel of my walk. I will probably revisit it at some point, but until then, enjoy.

Field Recording Drone Sketch 5/20/17

Divinations is a new chapter in the Alchemy Suite, inspired by man's quest for higher knowledge and his taking to mysticism and obscure practices to find it. The album is sourced from Mathias' archival recordings and has been compiled and mixed by 121. Anders has done the mastering and Nina also returns with some more of her thoughtful images.

Tracklist:

1. Servitude in Solace (12:59)
2. Fields of Fragrance (7:52)
3. The Palace of Tears (11:47)
4. Spiralling Entities of Light (31:09)
5. The Stars Cry in Silence (16:01)

[gterma054] : Mathias Grassow - The Stars Cry In Silence

[gterma054] : Mathias Grassow - The Palace of Tears

The two bearded Swedes join forces on this collaborative album. Black Corner Den is the result of long winter studio sessions separated by the atlantic ocean but made possible by the internet. Lonely moments in the company of the night lamp, overlooking the messy pile of tape loops while the machines hummed and the piano played until the morning. 

Exploring the opium dens at the end of the 19th century this album takes you deep into the soothing dreams of dead poets. 

"The streets lay silent as the floor creeks under your bare feet. The old loft lit by a wax candle, it's light dancing over your oak desk. You grab the vial of black ink and the leather bound book as you scurry out the door into the humid night. You pass trails of fire as the lamplighter tends to the myriad lanterns adorning the bridge. A left turn leads you down a set of stone stairs where the satin clad lounge welcomes you in. 

Sweet smoke lingers in here where gentlemen gather to dream about the black sea. Your booth at the far end stands prepared. A pipe, tinderbox and purple pillow for a tired head. You have a friend tonight and it calls itself the Black Corner Den." 

Pär Boström’s dreamlike soundscapes combines with the careful melodies and elegant structures of Simon Heath. The perfect soundtrack for decadent nights or introverted reading sessions, preferably combined. 

Available in 24 bit & Vinyl 

Written, Produced, Performed: Simon Heath & Pär Boström 
Artwork & Mastering: Simon Heath

Field Recording Drone Sketch 5/20/17

Towers Of Silence