ALWANZATAR – Den Glemte Dalen
- Posted on 19-04-2021
Here is a sloppily written review of a rather interesting and intriguing synth-driven record masterminded by the skilled musician known as Krizla (Tusmørke), and what we are dealing with here is essentially a collection of otherworldly and surreal-sounding tunes that will serve your current need for escapism perfectly.
By means of analogue-sounding synthesizers, flutes, and various electronic gadgets, Alwanzatar guides us through a psychedelic and occasionally unsettling musical terrain that is as unpredictable as it is engaging. I would deem its five lengthy compositions neither ethereal nor beautiful: instead, they possess a cosmic vibe but also a strangely medieval feel that makes them pretty unique to these ears. In addition, there is a subtle sense of something dark and raw to the material without it necessarily being harsh or unpleasant to listen to, and moments of respite, joy, and tranquility do appear from time to time. However, check out "Byen Legges i Grus" if you want something unnerving and moody (or gloomy, if you prefer) to immerse yourself in.
"Den Glemte Dalen" is arguably the best and most entertaining output by Alwanzatar so far but do keep in mind that this is an acquired taste and that it can be a somewhat challenging listen unless you are in the right frame of mind to absorb this particular batch of synth-heavy madness. If Rick Wakeman (ex-Yes)had gone to some dystopian realm back in the 70s and simply went ape-shit (musically speaking, that is), the resulting sounds that would emanate from something like that would probably be akin to some of what you will find on this particular disc. Fans of Tangerine Dream, Conrad Schnitzler, and weird synth LPs from the 70s (as well as lo-fi ambient in general) ought to add "Den Glemte Dalen" to their wish list. Old-school yet timeless stuff, really.