[reviews] afe055lcd
ovum: eld

Originally recorded back in 1999 for a project about the four elements, which eventually fell through, this 51-minute track finally sees the light as a co-production between Afe and Blade (and if I'm not wrong, this is one of last releases of the latter, if not the very last one).

Coming in a glossy cardboard packaging, elegantly designed by Thomas Ekelund (Nullvoid Design/Fukkgod label), the work was allegedly created "using recordings of fire as the only sound source" - which you really couldn't tell.

Funnily enough, considering the initial input, Ovum's huge drones reminded me of Thomas Köner's early "polar" works, not really for their specific sound, but for the barren landscapes they evoke: immense frozen territories inspiring awe rather than horror or fear.

Midholm's skillful blending of deep meditative drones, cavernous echoes and corrosive ambiences makes "Eld" a perfect work for late night listenings. It'd have been a real shame not to be able to listen to it.

[Eugenio Maggi]