Concluding this journey on a more positive note, Hidden Mysteries houses one or two moments of esoteric magic alongside a baffling set of extreme experiments in noise and abrasion. Starting at its lowest point, the concluding Sonic Cleansing Final Movement fumbles through cryptic dirty analog distortions to no avail. Just a pointless romp of aesthetic disgust. The prior trio of movements lack offense, yet fails to evoke the vivid terror these scenic Dark Ambience pieces can so often do. Title track Hidden Mysteries try's it hand at harsh obscure horrors via low fidelity Drum N Bass percussion loops, mixed with harsh dissonant screams for attempted mystique.
Positives start with The Palace, venturing into quirky synths akin to Труп Колдуна, we drift through a limbo like dimension as soft airy synths cushion the unsettled lead melody and droning drums beneath it. A Perculiar Pathway ventures into Dead Can Dance territory, favouring an unsavory darkened tone around these arcane chants bellowing out from the dark. Very much akin to the voice of Brendan Perry.
Lacking a vocal element but continuing in their shadow, opener Enlightenment hits a high note, perfectly emulating Dead Can Dance's worldly magic. The string lead tone is apt, suitable for any imagination or mood. Personally I'm reminded of sun soaked deserts and decimated pyramids, despite a like of melodic flavour in that cultural direction. Its bespoke meditative mood will likely meet you where you're at.
Rating: 4/10