Krister Bergman - Last Entertainmnt
With the latest bunch of stuff I received from Marbre Negre, one such artist (Unknown to me) was Krister Bergman. Not much info to find about this enigmatic artist, no website, and not much to read about him on Discogs. I can say a couple of things though, we´re dealing with a HIGHLY productive artist (presumably from Scandinavian), working within the fields of power electronics, industrial, and dark ambient. I have reviewed one of his releases some years ago, the Earthly Thoughts Be Silent Now album... a split between his project called V.O.E.R and another called P.O.V.
This latest release/album from him called Last Entertainment gives a hint or two of the style to be found within (when looking at the cover artwork). Some kind of mysterious golden human skull, and when you take a look at the name for the tracks on the back cover then yes... you are probably dealing with something highly atmospheric and ritualistic. A limited 50-copies full-length CD in a nice and cool-looking slim-lined digipack. So let us get on with it.
The first track called Purification (Step 1) works as a long first track/introduction to the album. A deep ritualistic, looped, and melodic hum starts the track, and additional ambient sounds are added... and still, the simple and minimalistic aesthetic is maintained. Less is more... right?! Beautiful satanic dark-ambient for fans of Inanna (Archon Satani-related project, Organisation Toth and Jarl. So far a perfect intro/first track for the album!
The second track Purification (Step 2) is a slightly more sinister one. The clattering of metal, an eerie drum pattern, evocative synth-melody, and a hint or two of distorted strings in the background? Moments here that remind me of early Lycia here. Later on, a haunting piano melody shows its presence. A beautiful (and simple) orchestral ambient piece here, the eerieness of this track just makes it way more interesting and mysterious.
The third track Purification (Step 3) moves further away from the darkness and closer to the light. From a hellish hole of despair to a holy temple of angelic beings. Love the contrast when the aesthetic is still maintained! There is more than meets the eye in this album! Another track on the album worth the time.
The fourth track is called the Awakening (Part 1), and yes... it does sound like some sort of awakening. An epic fusion of dungeon synth, ritual music, and harsh noisy ambient music. Harsh music can also be beautiful music!
The fifth track The Awakening (Part 2) moves away from the melodies, and further into glitch and noise. Not 100% sure what kind of awakening we are dealing with here, something of a cosmic origin for sure. Strange radio voices can also be located here...from distant stars. As if someone is trying to pull open a secret dimensional door into our world.
The sixth track (666?) is called Coming Of The Anti-God. A VERY industrial-sounding track. Lots of grinding metal are being cut by a huge buzzsaw, obviously, everything is being controlled by this big, evil, and humming machine... from hell itself. Again, fans of Inanna should take notice here.
The seventh track No Prison Can Hold Him Now starts as a purely minimalistic ambient piece, a good 2 minutes soundtrack for 100% isolation. Looped sound-harshness is added here, giving the track a rhythmic sense/vibe. Some interesting vocal-based recordings later on, love the various effects on the vocal parts. The ending here is very enigmatic.
The eighth (and LAST) track is called A Storm Will Cleanse. Rhythmic pink noise, ritualistic sounds, voices being looped, and dynamic sounds in the background. It does feel like a cleansing, and it also sounds like one as well.
And finally! ... That was the so-called Last Entertainment. Not with a whimper... or a bang... but with the moaning sound of pleasure. I loved this album. Not because that it was technically well-made, not produced or mastered probably either. But because (of the opportunities available) the artist succeeded in getting the expression through to the listener, despite all the various challenges that the challenge contained. It´s a very honest and simple album with a lot of strength within, and it does require a couple of listening before it will seep into your mind and soul.
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