Stockholm-based artist Melaina Chole, known for her drone doom and dark ambient sound, has announced the release of her debut EP, Operatione Daemonum.
The four-song EP takes listeners on a journey from dark, melancholic atmospheres to the possibility of hope, albeit still surrounded by melancholy. The EP’s songs largely dwell within a realm of eerie, foreboding atmosphere, with the exception of the closing track “Melancholy,” which features a hymn-like sound and prominent, spooky organ.
The name “Melaina Chole” stems from the Greek term for “black bile,” a descriptor for individuals who experience melancholia, depression, and delusions according to ancient medicine. Influenced by occult and horror films, Chole creates dark, atmospheric sounds that she writes, records, produces, mixes, and masters entirely on her own. Collaborating with other Swedish goth scene musicians, such as aux animaux (Melaina Cole’s doppleganger — sharing the same body as Gözde Duzer) and o+her, Chole has drawn inspiration from the likes of Sunn O))), Anna von Hausswolff, Oranssi Pazuzu, Draugurinn, Boris, and Bismuth on this collection of tracks.
Chole filmed the music video for the EP’s first song, “Witch Pin,” at London’s Highgate Cemetery and the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. The blackthorn tree, from which the song’s title is derived, was believed in medieval lore to have been used by the devil to prick the fingers of his followers, with bloodletting serving as a means of sealing their deal.
Watch below – for some nightmare fuel.
Pre-save the album here.
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