Incipientium - Over Chasm CS (Altered States)

Overt Chasm by Incipientium, the project of Gothenburg based Gustav Danielsbacka, truely stands out as a notable work, both in the world of noisy end of ambient and electroacoustic music. The cassette features two long tracks that draw instantly the listener into a vast sound landscape, exploring the balance between harshness and subtlety.

Danielsbacka's development as Incipientium shows remarkable maturity for such a young artist. His journey has evolved from abrasive sounds to more nuanced explorations, connecting with the influential legacy of Swedish noise artists such as Arv & Miljö, Treriksröset, Kristian Olsson or Sewer Election to name a few. This evolution surely (I can say this as I've met the guy, he is a walking dictionary of experimental music) acts as a conversation with the earlier pioneers, acknowledging the rich history of noise in Sweden over the last couple of decades.

The first side of the tape, Overt, envelops the listener in a dense, transformative drone that creates a somewhat ritualistic atmosphere all together. The drone serves not just as background but as a living entity, inviting the deepest of feels. Hidden within its iron heavy layers there are some tasty and delicate details that reward the more careful listener, encouraging an exploration of its textures.

On the second side, Chasm, Mr. Danielsbacka dives into the more experimental side of sound collage. The result is a captivating and disorienting experience, as you navigate the fragmented sonic stories. The addition of "piano transmissions from outside space" adds an intriguing layer, suggesting connections that reach beyond the earthly realm.

As with any notable experimental release Danielsbacka’s work encourages us to engage with sound actively, transforming listening from a passive activity into a journey of discovery. The album creates a sense of awe, particualry for some of the sounds, still with each note and texture contributing to a broader more kosmische-noddin’ conversation.

This album transcends the idea of showcasing mere collections of sounds: rather it showcases ”noise” as a almost god-like - ultimate - form of expression that can evoke the holiest of emotions.

If not earlier, through Overt Chasm, Gustav Danielsbacka establishes his place in the ongoing story of contemporary noise and drone music. With its expansive tracks, the cassette serves as a tool for exploration and transformation. By thoughtfully crafting his sound and recognizing the historical context of noise in his homeland, Incipientium’s latest release enriches and adds to the larger conversation within the ”scene”.