Description
Nordic Giants – A Seance Of Dark Delusions – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
A Séance of Dark Delusions is the debut full-length studio album by the British post-rock duo Nordic Giants, released on April 20, 2015. Known for their cinematic soundscapes and immersive live performances, Nordic Giants create music that blends post-rock, ambient, and electronic elements, often incorporating visual art and film to enhance the atmospheric quality of their work. A Séance of Dark Delusions continues this tradition, offering listeners a deeply emotional and otherworldly experience.
Nordic Giants, consisting of multi-instrumentalists Loki and Rôka, emerged in the UK music scene with a reputation for their enigmatic presence and evocative music. They are known for performing in elaborate costumes and masks, often accompanied by visual projections that tell stories or set a particular mood. Their music, which is instrumental for the most part, draws comparisons to bands like Sigur Rós, Mogwai, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
With A Séance of Dark Delusions, Nordic Giants delve into themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the mysteries of the universe. The album’s title hints at an exploration of the unknown, blending reality and illusion through haunting melodies and expansive soundscapes.
“A Séance of Dark Delusions” is composed of a series of tracks that weave together to create a cohesive, immersive experience. Each track contributes to the album’s overarching theme of exploring the mystical and the unknown.
“Elysian Skies” – The album opens with “Elysian Skies,” a track that sets the tone with its ethereal piano, lush strings, and ambient soundscapes. The song gradually builds in intensity, showcasing Nordic Giants’ ability to create emotionally resonant music.
“Evolve Or Perish” – Featuring guest vocals by Beth Cannon, this track combines driving rhythms with haunting melodies. The lyrics reflect themes of survival and transformation, fitting well with the album’s exploration of dark, existential concepts.
“Rapture” – One of the album’s standout tracks, “Rapture” builds slowly from a gentle, atmospheric beginning to a powerful crescendo. The song’s emotional depth is heightened by the use of dramatic percussion and sweeping orchestration.
“Give Flight to the Imagination” – This track incorporates electronic elements with a more pronounced rhythm, creating a dynamic and uplifting atmosphere. It serves as a moment of hope or inspiration amidst the album’s darker themes.
“Dissolve” – Featuring a more subdued, introspective sound, “Dissolve” blends minimalistic piano with ambient textures. The track evokes a sense of melancholy and reflection, emphasizing the duo’s talent for crafting mood-driven music.
“Illuminate” – This track features guest vocals and is characterized by its soaring melodies and intense build-ups. The combination of powerful vocals and Nordic Giants’ cinematic instrumentation creates a moving and dramatic piece.
“Futures Dark” – A more ominous and foreboding track, “Futures Dark” explores themes of uncertainty and the unknown. The music is atmospheric and tense, with layers of sound building to a climactic finish.
“Black Folds” – A track that highlights the band’s ability to blend electronic elements with post-rock instrumentation, “Black Folds” creates a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere that is both unsettling and beautiful.
“A Thousand Lost Dreams” – This song captures the essence of the album’s title, evoking a sense of haunting beauty and loss. The music is ethereal, with delicate piano melodies and subtle orchestration that gradually builds in intensity.
“Construct” – The album closes with “Construct,” a track that brings together all the elements of Nordic Giants’ sound: cinematic build-ups, atmospheric soundscapes, and emotional depth. The song serves as a fitting conclusion to the album’s journey through darkness and light.
A Séance of Dark Delusions explores themes of existentialism, the nature of reality, and the human experience, often focusing on the mystical and the unknown. The album’s title suggests an exploration of the boundaries between reality and illusion, life and death, and the tangible and the intangible.
Musically, the album is characterized by its cinematic quality, with lush orchestration, ambient soundscapes, and dynamic shifts between gentle, introspective passages and powerful crescendos. Nordic Giants’ use of instrumentation, including piano, strings, and electronic elements, creates a rich, immersive sound that evokes strong emotions and vivid imagery.
A Séance of Dark Delusions was well-received by both critics and fans, who praised its emotional depth, cinematic scope, and the duo’s ability to create immersive soundscapes. The album solidified Nordic Giants’ reputation as a unique and innovative force within the post-rock genre, particularly for their ability to combine music with visual storytelling.
The album’s success helped Nordic Giants gain a broader audience and further established them as a standout act in the post-rock and ambient music scenes. Their live performances, which often incorporate elements from the album, continue to captivate audiences with their blend of music and visual art.
A Séance of Dark Delusions remains a significant album within the post-rock and ambient music genres, showcasing Nordic Giants’ talent for creating cinematic and emotionally resonant music. The album’s exploration of existential themes, combined with its rich, atmospheric soundscapes, makes it a compelling listen for fans of immersive, thought-provoking music.
For those who appreciate music that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, light and dark, A Séance of Dark Delusions offers a profound and hauntingly beautiful experience that continues to resonate with listeners.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Elysian Skies
Evolve Or Perish
Rapture Featuring – Beth Cannon
Give Flight To The Imagination Featuring – Freyja
Dissolve Featuring – Saturday Sun
Illuminate
Futures Dark Featuring – Nadine Wild Palmer
Black Folds
A Thousand Lost Dreams
