Aphotic II — Abyssal by Ulrich Krieger

On Earth’s surface, we experience an atmospheric pressure of ~15 PSI, an almost unnoticeable force. But underwater, the pressure builds, and builds, and builds. Once you reach the Lower Midnight zone, the water above crushes down with an unimaginable force of 11,000 PSI. This region is the inspiration for contemporary composer Ulrich Krieger’s new release Aphotic II — Abyssal. This ambient drone composition serves as a psychopomp, guiding the listener into the underworld found near the bottom of the ocean. 

It is cold, dark, and quiet in these unexplored depths. Creaking cello undulates throughout this piece, threatening certain implosion under the crushing weight of water above. Miles above near the surface, long bellows of tenor saxophone remind the listener of an ominous foghorn of a deep sea fishing vessel. Glimpses of bioluminescent predators swimming past are translated into low accordion notes arising from the void. As a final layer, the entire piece is interspersed with moments of buzzing electronica and faint industrial sounds, like the fog of marine snow drifting down to the ocean floor.

 As a scuba diver himself, Krieger’s experiences of underwater landscapes inform this haunting release. He says, when diving, “one can feel changes in perception and the slowing down of brain function…sounds seem to come from everywhere.”  With its very minimal composition, this piece does induce a change in perception, creating a sense of isolation and motionlessness like a massive siphonophore that is moved only by the current. While we may never fully explore the uncharted abyssal zone, Krieger’s release gives listeners an evocative, bone-chilling impression of this almost alien world.

- Kalen