The latest from Kristof Bathory is a set of drones, atmospheres, and rhythmic patterns that collectively tell a story of a doomed stellar exploration. The narrative is made clear by a lengthy voiceover on the first track that accompanies slow-moving, hazy chords and a pounding synth-driven pulse.
Unlike many experimental ambient offerings, Black Hole Expedition exhibits a relatively strong sense of structure. This includes the aforementioned rhythms, as well as haunting melodic passages that repeat for minutes on end. For example, Stellar Retrieval features a five-note motif that shares space with a darkly shimmering background drone and a brighter set of foreground chords.
The remaining tracks stick to this general approach. Each has its own combination of themes, progressions, rhythms, and textures – whether shifting waves of sound, electro-mechanical noises, or sequenced figurations of notes. The overall feel is borderline post-industrial with a cinematic science fiction flair. Averaging around nine minutes apiece, these seven tracks offer Bathory space to experiment and evolve his sound by thoroughly exploring and expanding upon these ideas.
