DarkSonicTales - »UnKnown« (2025) [Hi-Res]

The second album by Swiss composer and sound artist Rolf Gisler, known as DarkSonicTales. UnKnown is as diverse as its predecessor but richer in contrast. The five pieces showcase Gisler's comfort and competence with both small and big gestures, combining rigorous drone minimalism with feverish post-rock. The album works with field recordings as well as acoustic and electronic instruments.

UnKnown reflects life changes through ever-changing sounds and atmospheres. It is a masterful exercise in open-ended musical storytelling—an ode to venturing into the unknown. The album utilizes unconventional techniques:

‘Ellipsis (Origin)’ combines kalimba melodies and alphorn drones.

The title track is based on the sounds of shower water dropping onto a glass shower door, recorded with a piezo pick-up.

Some pieces, like ‘TrainStation’, employ conventional setups including guitar, bass, and drums in unusual ways.

‘Drain’ is entirely based on recordings made inside a manhole after heavy rainfall.

The album finds new wonders in the banality of everyday life by transforming sound material through digital manipulation and enriching it with acoustic sounds.

Tracklist:
1-1 DarkSonicTales - Ellipsis(Origin) [3:32]
1-2 DarkSonicTales - «UnKnown» [14:50]
1-3 DarkSonicTales - SomeCallItRunning [5:17]
1-4 DarkSonicTales - TrainStation [10:35]
1-5 DarkSonicTales - Drain [5:09]