Album Review: Downpour by Mount Shrine
Mount Shrine’s Downpour, released in 2018, is a haunting exploration of dark ambient soundscapes that lingers long after the final note fades. Self-released under the artist's own label, this electronic album feels like an intimate journey into shadowy corners of the mind. It’s not just music—it’s an atmosphere, a mood, something you don’t just hear but feel.
The title track, “Downpour,” stands out immediately. Imagine rain falling endlessly, but instead of water, it’s sound—dense, immersive, and oddly comforting. The layers of drones build slowly, creating a sense of unease mixed with awe. There’s no rush here; the track unfolds deliberately, pulling you deeper into its gloomy embrace. You might find yourself zoning out, only to snap back when a new texture emerges from the haze. It’s hypnotic, almost meditative, yet there’s an undercurrent of tension that keeps you on edge. This balance between calm and creepiness is what makes “Downpour” unforgettable.
Another standout is the untitled closing piece (if we assume it exists based on typical dark ambient structures). While I can’t confirm specifics without more data, tracks like these often serve as cathartic resolutions—or unsettling cliffhangers. If it follows convention, it probably strips away the density of earlier songs, leaving behind echoes and faint whispers. These moments remind us how silence can be louder than noise, forcing introspection. It’s kinda genius, really.
What strikes me most about Downpour isn’t just its technical brilliance—it’s how personal it feels. Dark ambient fans know this genre isn’t for everyone, but Mount Shrine seems unbothered by mainstream appeal. That raw authenticity shines through every track. Sure, some parts could use tweaking, like maybe clearer dynamics or less repetition, but honestly? Those imperfections add charm. They make it human.
Reflecting on Downpour, I’m reminded of stormy nights spent staring at ceilings, lost in thought. Funny thing is, while writing this review, I realized my cat kept curling up next to the speakers during playback. Even animals get drawn to this stuff! Maybe that says something profound about the universal pull of good art—or maybe he just likes low frequencies. Either way, Mount Shrine crafted something special here.
