“Open Upon” by Deaf Center

“Open Upon,” as it turns out, is a rather fitting title for the opening track of Deaf Center’s upcoming album. Listening to its dense, slowly spiraling drones and sparsely ominous piano melodies feels like you’re stepping through a portal into some otherworldly space filled with both mystery and danger.

Of course, Erik Skodvin and Otto Totland are no strangers to creating soundscapes that are both captivating and harrowing, as evidenced by dark ambient masterworks like 2011’s Owl Splinters and 2005’s Pale Ravine. The upcoming Through Time is the duo’s fourth studio album, and features the first guest musician of any Deaf Center title, with British composer Simon Goff lending his string arrangements to the album’s final song, “Further.”

Through Time will be released by Sonic Pieces on May 1, 2026. The album will be available as a digital download as well as limited CD and vinyl editions that feature handmade textile sleeves.