Ulrich Krieger - Aphotic I: Hadal [Room40 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via the Australian Room40 imprint on June 16th, 2k23 is "Aphotic I: Hadal", the latest album piece by German-born, now US-based artist and composer Ulrich Krieger who, inspired by his fascination for the aphotic, lightless depths of the oceans and own experiences of the effects and sensory changes coming with recreational diving presents three versions of the title track "Hadal" on this one, fusing bass clarinet and electronics alongside contributions by Ben Richter on accordion and Alkis Nikolaides on electric guitar. With "Hadal (Acoustic)" Mr. Krieger explores a regular swell of yearning, sustained and surely maritime drone signals alongside microtonal air flows and subdued harmonic layers whereas the "Hadal (Delay)" version emphasizes aspects of maritime melancholia and the obvious change of time perception under subaquatic circumstances whilst cold sonic fumes are seeping in from the Dark Ambient x Death Ambient outerworld. Furthermore the final variation, "Hadal (Electronics)", weighs in on a slightly smoothed out, all comforting, yet not less melancholia-inducing level for a closing and therefore presents a more organic, warmer alternative for fans of Kallabris, Tarkatak and like-minded artists. Check.