Midnight Odyssey

This is one of those records that could be described as "otherworldly." Uniting the intrinsic melancholy of black metal with the hypnotic drone and beauty of ambiance, Midnight Odyssey are an example of what can go horribly right in ambient black metal. Desolate, echo-y vocals emerge from the forlorn backdrop, while the thick, warm distortion of the guitars and lapses into ambient synth passages wash over the listener. The production is also outstanding ― although everything is audible and distinct, an overall haze gives the illusion of all the instruments being a single, haunting, despondent entity (perhaps this effect comes from Midnight Odyssey being a one-man band). Firmament is like walking around in your head and finding forgotten fears, dreams, beauties and nightmares lurking in dusty corners. Even for fans of black metal without an ambient bent, Firmament is definitely recommended.