Reviews of Self-Released Titles

A mercurial album that offers fresh spins on various genres thanks to its eclectic instrumentation.

The latest from Johan Levin’s long-running dark ambient project is a harrowing, exhilarating journey through desolate places.

The latest release from the anonymous one-man band uses searing blackgaze to confront chronic illness.

The band’s latest transcendent cosmic metal journey features contributions from members of Oceans of Slumber, Aeonian Sorrow, and Lycia.

The prolific ambient composer presents a more condensed and structured version of their style.

Arguably the finest release yet from the prolific and enigmatic ambient composer.

When I think of my ideal ambient music, I imagine the sort of tones and atmospherics that drift through this album.

The electro-funk duo tackles the pandemic and quarantine life with their trademark grooves and cheekiness.

One of synthwave’s finest concludes his Blade Runner-inspired series of EPs with a tribute to Rutger Hauer.

Knight Sabers’ future funk is the perfect music for relaxing after a hard day of fighting rogue mecha on the streets of Mega Tokyo.

This four-hour collection of improvised ambient/electronic music is as spacious and expansive as its cosmic cover art suggests.

Originally released in 1997, these eight ambient pieces put much of modern dungeon synth music to shame.

A dreamy, contemplative release existing at the liminal space between synthwave and vaporwave.

Ogre’s latest EP pays tribute to the world — and soundtrack — of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.

The Swedish duo evoke the universe’s vastness with a spell-binding blend of metal, shoegaze, goth, ambient, and electronica.

Johnathon Ford’s instrumental rock outfit enters its third decade with its heaviest and most assured album to date.

The prolific French producer has released some of the year’s best dark ambience.

The “chill-hop” producer blends hip-hop beats, melancholy atmospheres, jazzy riffs, and other elements for supreme chill-out material.

The album’s blurred washes of ambience conjure a sense of growing dread — but there’s beauty to be heard, as well.

There’s nevertheless something fascinating about the Belgian trio’s music, raw as it may be.