Serpentoria - Withering Hopes Review artwork

Rating: 6.5

Country: Poland

Release Date: 2007

Track list:
01 Intraluminal
02 Withering Hopes
03 Enochian Lamentations
04 Wallachia
05 Intermezzo
06 Vatican Cellars
07 Innocence Fatigued
08 Oneirology
09 Sorrowful Morning

Band Website: Serpentoria

Serpentoria - Withering Hopes

Serpentor Ia – Everything

A while back I looked at a somewhat harsh but atmospheric dark ambient recording from Poland called Absentia [review], and now I'm going to look at something from the more neo-classical side of dark ambient courtesy of the same label Via-Nocturna, namely Serpentoria.

For most people reading this, namely fans of extreme metal, Serpentoria will perhaps be a lot closer to home than Absentia was, since this wholly synth based project is structured around repeating melodies using piano as well as somewhat medieval, organ-like and dungeony synth tones. It's all in minor key throughout and the self-styled musical label of ‘Sombre Alternative' is in that sense highly appropriate.

However, while it is pleasant to listen to, it's on the one hand not terribly exciting and on the other hand it doesn't have the depth or hidden complexity to really capitalize on the repetition. It's highly reminiscent of Burzum's synth albums, Drudkh's side-project Dark Ages, later Ildjarn or Vinterriket as well as the type of intro or interlude that was highly popular with black metal acts around Dimmu Borgir's rise to popularity around '98 or thereabouts. Even though it's far better composed than your typical metal interlude, it doesn't quite escape being a bit too ‘easy-listening' (for want of a better descriptor). I realize Serpentoria strives for the sublime heights of Desiderii Marginis and Atrium Carceri, but his compositions really need a bit more substance, more body and engagement to them.

Now, this isn't bad dark ambient by any means. This is thankfully no Mortiis or one of Burzum's casio abortions. It sounds quite good and the mood remains suitably dark and sombre. It's just lacking in depth and a certain dynamism and complexity that the cream of the crop in dark ambient have in spite of their minimalism. Serpentoria's got the melody, basic composition and mood down, now it just needs to take it a lot further.

January 19th, 2007