Dim Arcana – Ars Populi

Releasedate: 23-05-2011; Label: Blackdrone
By: Sabine van Gameren

Ambient formation Dim Arcana was born in the 2008 (with the name of Diabolus In Musica). The duo propose a medieval dark ambient with great noise and drone influences, alternating orchestral passages of ethereal rhyming as they tell about themselves. They released an EP last year but now their first full length album called: “Ars Populi” is out now.

Medieval is not first thing that came to mind when listening this album, but it certainly has its place in there. It has a lot of modern sounds in here as well and accompanied by classical instruments it gives a bit of the idea that you are time traveling. However you feel on it, it can’t be denied that this duo have made an open sound, it is not hard to get into and it seems quite accessible, but be warned that there are some tougher parts as well. The band succeeds in creating tracks that make you listen but some of the darkest sounds in here sound like I heard it before. Those who enjoy listening this music will recognize other projects in here, but somehow it is not too distracting as there is plenty of sounds around it that transfer you right back to something new. It’s a release that split up your feelings a bit. The fact that some parts are maybe not that original makes you doubt about it, but what wins overall is the fact that the album has a good production and there are also more interesting parts. It is quite open, therefore Dim Arcana might be just the project that drags new fans into the genre and “Ars Populi” is a release that therefore has its pro’s. It is not the most surprising release, but worth to give it a try. At least you get a booklet with wonderful artwork with it, so that’s the bonus!

Line-up:
Diasper – Synths, programming, reeds, flutes, evil goat pipe, voices
Einzl – Voices, storyteller, keyboards

Tracklist: 01. Ars Populi 02. Introduzione (lettera ad un demone) 03. Dissertazione D’un Ladro 04. Lux Obscura 05. Il Non Sobrio Sarcasmo 06. La Vestale Con Una Luce 07. Le Sue Mani Son Tempesta 08. Il Sudicio Cantore Errante 09. Promessa Din Un’Anima Bruciata 10. Conclusione (congedo cosmico)

Links:
Dim Arcana Facebook