“Haute” by Oblivion Beats

Over the course of nearly 30 years, Desiderii Marginis’ Johan Levin has established himself as one of the preeminent figures in the dark ambient genre thanks to such albums as Songs Over Ruins, That Which Is Tragic and Timeless, Hypnosis, and most recently, Bathe In Black Light.

His recently announced Oblivion Beats side-project doesn’t stray too far from Desiderii Marginis’ evocative and highly atmospheric sound. But the project’s first song, “Haute,” is perhaps a bit brighter and less ominous in tone than Desiderii Marginis classics like “Night Grasping at Day,” “The Fog Closing In,” and “Worlds Apart.”

Regardless, it’s a lovely bit of soundscaping — as one expects from Levin — and it has me very excited for Oblivion Beats’ full-length debut, which will be released sometime in early 2025.