Retro-Futuristic Darkness: Ice Planet 9000’s “The Nebula Suite” Channels Sci-Fi Dreams

Stepping into Ice Planet 9000’s third album, “The Nebula Suite,” felt like embarking on a deep-space expedition. Clocking in at over two hours across eight tracks of long-form Dark Ambient, this isn’t a casual listen; it’s a full immersion. The description promised a rich, complex, and profoundly visual experience, and from what I’ve heard, it delivers.

The influences are immediately apparent and enticing: 70s science fiction, the pioneering electronic sounds of Jean Michel Jarre and Klaus Schulze, the surreal artistry of Jodorowsky, the iconic cosmic vistas of Chris Foss, the unsettling cosmic horror of Lovecraft, and the cinematic grandeur of Vangelis. Knowing that this sonic tapestry was woven with vintage analogue and modular synthesizers added a layer of warmth and a certain retro-futuristic charm.

1. “Thor’s Helmet”: This track might exemplify the album’s visual quality, perhaps building from a sparse, shimmering texture into a vast, slowly evolving soundscape that truly evokes drifting through cosmic dust clouds. It could showcase the richness of the analogue synthesizers, with subtle shifts in timbre and resonance creating a mesmerizing effect. This track could be a prime example of the album’s patient pacing and immersive atmosphere.

2. “The Helix”: Leaning into the Lovecraftian influence, this track might introduce a darker, more unsettling element. It could feature deeper drones, perhaps with subtle dissonances or unsettling textures created by the modular synths. This track might stand out for its ability to create a sense of unease or cosmic dread amidst the more ethereal moments, adding a layer of complexity to the overall sonic palette.

3. ” The Wave”: This title suggests a more hopeful or awe-inspiring moment within the suite. This track might build towards a more melodic or harmonically rich passage, still within the ambient framework, perhaps echoing the grandeur of Vangelis. It could stand out as a moment of light and beauty within the vastness, offering a contrast to the darker or more abstract sections and showcasing the dynamic range of the album.

As I listened, I found myself drifting through vast, evolving soundscapes. The textures were indeed rich, each layer unfolding gradually, creating a real sense of depth and immensity. There’s a definite narrative quality here, a feeling of being transported to strange and distant worlds, even without any explicit vocals or lyrical content. The music evokes vivid imagery, and I could easily picture the swirling gases of nebulae and the silent majesty of deep space.

At times, a subtle undercurrent of unease hinted at the Lovecraftian inspiration, a touch of cosmic dread that added an intriguing edge to the overall wonder. The pacing is deliberate, each track given ample time to breathe and evolve, demanding patience but ultimately rewarding it with intricate sonic details.

For anyone seeking an escape from the everyday, a soundtrack for deep introspection, or a profound exploration of ambient sound, “The Nebula Suite” strikes me as a compelling offering. The dedication to analogue synthesis and the clear artistic vision rooted in classic sci-fi and electronic music make this a journey I’d recommend taking. It’s out there on double CD, digitally, and on all streaming services, waiting to pull you into its nebulae.