Stars & Embers (Avantgarde Music) is the third album from Sweden’s ISON. The project is led by Daniel Änghede, who writes and produces the music. For this release, he is joined by new full-time vocalist Lisa Cuthbert, plus guest singers Mikael Stanne, circle&wind, and Dimming.

The music is based around droning ambient synthesiser soundscapes that recall classic electronic music luminaries such as Tangerine Dream and Vangelis. The influence of metal — especially the doomy, gothic kind — is also notable; heavy distorted guitar chords often augment the climactic segments, and chiming clean arpeggios make atmospheric contributions. The tempos are slow and contemplative, and the songs are generally long and drawn out. The textures are spacious, meditative and dreamlike, dominated as they are by lush synth pads and hypnotic lead lines. The electronic drums, whilst clearly synthetic, owe more to Rock aesthetics than to dance-based electronica.

Perhaps the most striking element of Stars & Embers is the vocal arrangements. Often multilayered with rich harmonies, they glide above the melancholy synth atmospherics with an effortlessly beautiful flow that conveys deep emotion. The melodies perfectly complement the cosmic musical auras, and the delivery is both sombre and hopeful. The varying timbres of the guest vocalists eloquently dance around Cuthbert’s ethereal phrases, emphasising the different moods that the pieces pass through.

Whilst the tempos keep within slow and languorous confines, Stars & Embers makes inspired use of dynamics. The energy of the music ebbs and flows as different parts enter and leave and drum sounds change in timbre and intensity. At times the record feels like darkwave or trip-hop, but at others, such as the cathartically euphoric climax of ‘Foundations’ or the grinding intensity at the end of ‘Beings of Light’, it reaches gothic metal territory reminiscent of Type O Negative.

It is difficult to categorise Stars & Embers, because it so seamlessly and cohesively fuses the lexicons of ambient electronica and heavy rock. Few artists have managed to successfully pull off this type of fusion with such vigour and clarity. ISON should also be commended for managing to create a seventy-three minute record that doesn’t feel overlong.

Stars & Embers is a unique, deep, and emotionally potent record that allows the listener to get lost in its dreamy atmospheres but also makes use of visceral and fierce sonics. It will no doubt resonate with anyone who appreciates experimental music that fuses the light with the dark.

Buy the album here:

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/stars-embers

8 / 10

DUNCAN EVANS