Unto Ashes: Empty Into White (Digital)

The physical CD is out-of-print; available now in a deluxe digital edition:

Compared to its two predecessors, Empty into White is more ancient sounding, and even more innovative; the album contains an unbroken ring of beautiful and powerful songs and stark soundscapes. As with all Unto Ashes releases, Empty into White is characterized by exquisite instrumention, stirring vocal performances and harmonies, and almost uncanny songwriting. In the face of the Apocalypse, the new album encompasses an even wider range of emotions, crying: “We shall celebrate, with such fearless dancing, the death of your institutions!” Empty into White features original plague dances on medieval instruments, grim apocalyptic folk, songs of Witchcraft, and some spectacularly vibrant tracks which incorporate Persian and Oriental instrumentation. The album is distinguished by a wide array of exotic instruments, such as hurdy-gurdy, dulcimers, Persian saz, tamboura, violin, tabla, and hypnotic percussion. In some instances these sounds are augmented by arpeggiated synthesizers which produce highly compelling, almost irresistable rhythms. Unto Ashes’ grim and justly celebrated version of “Don’t Fear the Reaper” is also included.