Artist: Judgehydrogen
Release House: Rising Oculus Recordings
Genre: Dark Ambient
One Sentence Synopsis: Ceremonial awe with dark, beautiful male vocals
Type of Release: Album
Release Date: March 25, 2015
Running Time: 48 minutes
MSRP: $8.99
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 4.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
I’ve followed Judgehydrogen since his first release, Atheistic God, in 2007. In this album he forges a new apocalyptic mythos that foreshadows his future works. Sonorous female vocals and lush atmospheres, music that seems to take you on a mental journey. Printed in a handsome slip case and a few surprises. His deepest album to date.
Theme
In his latest release, Judgehydrogen continues to focus on apocalyptic mythology, and the music really sets the mood and scenes, even when there are no lyrics. Compared to his previous releases, this album sounds much more ceremonial and there is more of a focus on the music telling the story rather than the lyrics. His song “The Witch” could really sum up the entire album in regard to story and musical expression, probably because it’s the track with the most spoken words.
Presentation
As a lover of dark ambient music it’s very hard to not enjoy this album, especially if you’re by yourself, burning incense and just trying to relax. His vocals do a great job of complementing the music, and when there are no vocals the music still takes you on a journey. Although it’s mostly electronic you get a couple surprises here and there, like a random strumming of a guitar near the end of a couple of tracks. But the guitar does not distract or disturb the mood; it truly deepens it. I enjoyed it for its running time, but I felt it could have lasted a little longer. I’m more used to his previous albums that go on for an hour or more and also contain more spoken word. This was a different approach so I was taken aback, but I was not disappointed. In every album he presents and emphasizes a different aspect of his musical abilities.
Gothic Fit
Any Goth that is a lover of dark ambient music or artists such as Dead Can Dance and Coil would love this album. Not only is the atmosphere very dark and peaceful, but his focus on apocalyptic themes and mythology causes the music to convey a lot of interesting imagery.
Closing Thoughts
Sacrificial Acts of Transcendence truly transcends the mind to different times and places.
Theme: 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 4.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 4.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
