Dark Ambient is a subgenre of ambient music that is characterized by dark, atmospheric sounds. Unlike conventional ambient music, which is usually calm and relaxing, is marked by a darker and unsettling atmosphere.
Dark Ambient emerged in the 1980s and was influenced by musicians such as Brian Eno, Tangerine Dream, and Fennesz. In the 1990s, the scene experienced a revival and many new artists and labels dedicated to the genre emerged.
Dark Ambient is a very experimental genre and musicians often use unusual instruments and sound sources to create atmospheric sounds. Electronic instruments such as synthesizers, samplers, and effects units are often used, but traditional instruments such as strings or brass can also be used in DA pieces.
A key feature is the use of field recordings. Field recordings are audio recordings made in the outdoors and often contain atmospheric sounds from nature. Field recordings are frequently used in Dark Ambient pieces to enhance the darker atmosphere.
Dark Ambient is a genre that is characterized by a darker and unsettling atmosphere and fascinates many musicians and listeners. It is a very experimental genre in which musicians use unusual instruments and sound sources to create atmospheric sounds. If you are looking for musical adventures and are interested in dark sounds, DA might be just the thing for you.
Bandcamp Artists
To get a better overview, here are some good sounding artists that are known for dark ambient.:
Steve Roach
Martin Stürtzer
Motionfeld
Death on Cassette