Released by the Polish cult label Zoharum, this double-CD set reissues two seminal works from the late 1980s, initially distributed on cassette — a medium that perfectly matches the raw, unfiltered essence of the tracks.

The first of the two collaborative release, aptly titled "Monument of Empty Colours", dates back 1989, and was the very first release under the imprint of Decade Collection, the private label that Dirk Serries (notoriously the man behind Vidna Obmana darkening curtains) made for some stuff signed under the seal of this moniker. Imagine a sonic cathedral, echoing with the prolonged, haunting tones that make you question whether you're listening to music or experiencing a spectral presence. The Belgian ambient maestro Dirk Serries collaborated with PBK (acronym of Michigan-born experimental sound artist Phillip B. Klingler) to create an atmosphere thick with eerie loops and lingering harmonies. The album embodies a mysterious, almost gothic quality, besides being a possible forerunner of what was labelled as dark ambient some decades later. Some listeners could feel like being in a forgotten, abandoned chapel where every sound is a ghost of its former self, whispering secrets through decayed frequencies.

If "Monument of Empty Colours" can be matched to an imaginary (or concrete!) haunted cathedral, "Depression and Ideal" could be its dilapidated crypt. The second CD in this collection intensifies the experience, with six long-form tracks that slowly ratchet up the tension. Released on PBK’s own self-named label (but I saw that there should have been a second edition on the Canadian label Freedom In A Vacuum) in 1989 as well, the album utilizes dissonant soundscapes and overlapping frequencies to evoke a sense of creeping unease. It's a perfect soundtrack for your existential crises, providing a soundscape that is both suffocating and strangely cathartic.

Both albums showcase a mastery of ambient sound manipulation. The collaboration between Vidna Obmana and PBK is seamless, blending electronic loops, tape recordings, and ambient noises into a cohesive, unsettling whole. It's a testament to their ability to transform simple sound sources into complex, emotionally resonant compositions. The original recordings’ analog warmth adds an extra layer of texture, giving the music a timeless quality that digital clarity often lacks.

Ironically, despite the intense melancholy and darkness that permeates these tracks, there's a peculiar comfort in their predictability. You know that each track will take its time to unfold, much like a dreary yet familiar rainy day. It's music that doesn't rush to its conclusions but instead revels in the slow, almost torturous development of its themes. For listeners, this can be oddly reassuring—a sonic equivalent of knowing that at least the storm outside is consistent, even if it's bleak.

In conclusion, "Monument of Empty Colours" and "Depression and Ideal" is not for the faint of heart. It's a demanding listen, one that requires patience and a taste for the somber. But for those who appreciate the darker side of ambient music, this reissue is a treasure trove of moody, introspective soundscapes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the works of Vidna Obmana and PBK, this double-CD set is a monument to their enduring legacy in the ambient genre.