When it comes to dark ambient one is often drawn to clichés of eternal drones and intellegibly moving atmospheres. Mario Grönnert redefines that with his second work, a ten track sublime album titled Waters Drown in Stone. Truly dark atmospheres that are caressing to the senses and othrworldly, with astral pad movements, synth strings, subtle percussive elements and evolving celestial drones, layered with a confidence typical of a seasoned composer. A tangible sense of spirituality permeates the whole work, making it a favourite for nocturnal listening or when in search for inspiring moments of soothing quietness and uplifting eerie solitude. The closing number, Helix, adds a shamanic edge to the work, twisting the musical discourse in a rather unexpected way.

There is nothing much revolutionary about the sonic solutions proposed in this album, however highly cured in each and every detail they are, so the undisputed strength of Waters Drown in Stone lies elsewhere. The score layout is impeccable, with movements in light and shade, halftoned passages and splashes of true darkness as in Of The Spirit, which is one of the most moving moments of the album.

Mario Grönnert, who's a relative newcomer, has certainly something important going on through his hands, and I won't be surprised if his name would come to enjoy widespread attention in the near future.

www.reverbnation.com/mariogrönnert

Gianfri