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Band: Taphephobia
Album title: Taphephobia
Release date: June 2012
Label: Greytone
Tracklisting:
01. Cult
02. Butterflies With Needles
03. Middle Of The Night
04. Entering The Woods/Green River
05. The Garden Of Fire
06. When It's Dark Enough
The word "taphephobia" comes from the Greek "taphos" meaning "grave" and "phobia" from the Greek "phobos" meaning "fear", what is literally, fear of the grave, or fear of being put in the grave while still alive. And fear is the key for this artist who hears on the name Ketil and is responsible for this sonic darkness, crafted under the name I described its meaning before. Ketil is not a new name in dark ambient music, this maestro was part of the first line-up of Norways Northaunt, who are one of the most recognized dark ambient projects. Taphephobia is not that far away from what Northaut were doing, but still with a different approach and atmospheres that are even more addictive. The album in question is already the fifth full lenght from Taphephobia and second one released by Italian label Greytone.
The atmosphere which occupies your mind while listening to six tracks present on this release are astonishing. Almost meditative, cinematic song structures can push your mind in such places that is at least to say horrifying, but not in a bad way, contrary. Taphephobia is a voyage, dark, icy cold, sometimes suffocating, sometimes serene and calm and yet beautiful in its core. It's pretty amazing that those sounds came out mostly from manipulated guitars, with some spoken words that even additionally increase the fear hidden in the darkest corners of listeners soul. Just listen to "Middle Of The Night" where acoustic guitar, cold sounds and some psychedelic speech, forms one of the most thrilling atmospheres on this product. The themes for this album are mostly inspired by dark thematics, serial killers, the occult and personal experiences. So, when we are "Entering The Woods" within the fourth song the inner fear is immense and we can only hope that the shelter we find in "The Garden Of Fire" is not just an illusion, but rather a warm place to rest our soul. Unfortunately this was just a dream, since Ketil is a master of thought manipulation. This comes evident in the last, 17 minutes long adventure through the obscure wastelands where no light leaks through the sky on the landscape. "When It's Dark Enough", now certainly is and the main goal is reached. Don't wake up..., this dream can bring hope, but please go easy with everything when you do, because hate and regret can tear you apart at the end.
Taphephobia's fifth self-titled album is a product that makes listener able to dream away with music. It's dark ambient with drone encounters, a scent of post indrustrial adds some depth to this soundtrack for your fears. Taphephobia is for those who want to experience isolation in the pure nordic shining coldness. Note, that you shouldn't be distracted by anything while listening to this, avoid the light and all other sounds. It could be a difficult listen and certainly it's not for yours everyday relaxation. If you are new to this kind of music, then proceed with caution, but if you are a fan of dark ambiances then this could be a masterpiece that you are searching for.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 8,5/10
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