Ulver - Messe I.X-VI.X (2013)

Recorded with the Tromso orchestra, "Messe I.X-VI.X" is the logical culmination of Ulver' extension into experimental electronica that they've pursued since they released the legendary "Nattens madrigal." It's also a testament to the band's ambition and showcases some of their best atmospherics to date. The dark majesty of tracks such as "Son of Man" and "Glamour Box (Ostinati)" demonstrate the interweaving of classical and electronic sounds into something perfect for a film score. Whereas Ulver's past endeavors gave one the sense of isolation, the breathtaking, epic nature of this album invites you to look outside yourself and ponder the world. The mammoth centerpiece of the album "As Syrians pour into Lebanon..." alone makes this one of Ulver's finest achievements. It's just an immense, incredibly epic piece of art and one of the darkest, most beautiful pieces of classical music I've ever heard. As for the vocals, they're used quite sparingly in contrast to Ulver's previous works but where they do appear they're all the more effective and emotional. I daresay that this is Ulver's most cohesive and most accomplished work to date and while it doesn't quite touch the masterpiece that is "Shadows of the Sun" it's still a phenomenal piece of work and makes me all the more happy that they gave up on their black metal roots.

9.5/10

Aquilus - Griseus (2011)

Ladies and gents, this isn't your grandma's symphonic black metal. No, this is hands-down one of the most ambitious, creative black metal albums ever made. Unlike most other bands who approach symphonic BM from a metal mindset, Aquilus reverses the process and uses the BM parts to enhance the classical compositions. And speaking of the compositions, they're some of the most beautiful and well constructed I've heard in either metal or classical. Unlike the cheap synths some other bands rely on, there is nothing hackneyed, cheesy, or lazy on this album. This is the work of one man who's truly dedicated to his music and has made an absolutely spellbinding masterpiece of an album. "Griseus" should be the textbook standard when it comes to mixing metal with classical though I highly doubt any other band can make music of such a high caliber as this.
10/10

 

Olafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter (2013)

One of the most recognizable names in ambient-classical fusion, Olafur Arnalds has returned for his third proper album and this he's brought Arnor Dan Arnarson of Icelandic band Agent Fresco with him. Mixing in vocals with this style of music is an unexpected and rather risky move, but Arnarson's sweet, almost Jonsi-like falsetto melts into the songs with ease. Other than the addition of vocals, Arnalds mostly sticks to his guns and delivers expertly crafted, beautiful atmospheric tracks riddled with his trademark icy beats. It's an epic, gorgeous album that, along with the new Ludovico Einaudi record, is sure to be one of the best classical albums of the year and possibly Arnalds' best.
9/10

 

Ludovico Einaudi - In a Time Lapse (2013)

Maestro Einaudi returns to bring us another incredible collection of compositions, and with them to demonstrate that he is one of contemporary classical's most talented luminaries. Per usual, the pieces are gorgeous and incredibly emotional with precise and expressive piano notes as well as swelling string sections. There is a bit of experimentation on this album in terms of electronic elements and even a bass guitar on one piece, but for the most part Einaudi sticks with his winning formula. Perhaps I'm buying into the hype, but I have yet to find a modern, non-experimental classical composer whose pieces contain so much depth and are so well-written. If you are not familiar with this composer's extraordinary work then this is a great album to start with (or Divenire.) I have little doubt that this will be the classical album of the year.
9.5/10

 

Arcana - As Bright as a Thousand Suns (2012)

Arcana, much like Dead Can Dance, are known for their haunting, exotic music and this album proves no exception to the formula. It's dark and mysterious classical passages are anchored by tribal beats and ethereal vocals which accentuate the ritualistic nature of the music. It's a hypnotizing and quite soothing album that, while it may not be their best work, is piece of art that shouldn't be missed.
8.5/10

 

Midnight Odyssey - Funerals from the Astral Sphere (2011)

Remember when I said that WitTR's Celestial Lineage was my favorite atmospheric BM album? Well, I think this one has it matched. Combining ambient, classical, and ethereal black metal, Midnight Odyssey have made an extraordinary album without parallel in the black metal world. It's probably the most beautiful BM album I've listened to and is one I will certainly be returning to.

9.5/10

Winged Victory for the Sullen - Self-Titled (2011)

Please excuse the nudity because this is another gorgeous album. Featuring Adam Wiltzie of Stars of the Lid fame, this is a masterful foray into the classical world by the drone-smith and his collaborator Dustin O'Halloran on the piano. Each note Dustin plays is precise and perfectly complements the brooding atmosphere established by Adam. Fans of SotL should be tided over until the next record and those who are unfamiliar with Adam's work will be astonished at its beauty.
9.5/10