Ceremony Shadows Creates a Liminal Listening Experience in New Album ‘Ascension’

After debuting various singles over the last couple of years, Ceremony Shadows has finally released their first full-length album, Ascension. The Portland-based band, which is comprised of producer Timo and vocalists Anastasia and Jakub, is known for crafting entrancing ritual darkwave that’s imbued with layers of existential significance. Their LP delivers a magnetic soundscape filled with gems.

I’ve reviewed other tracks by the group and each offered an atmospheric listening experience. It was interesting to play the songs collectively and hear how they connect. The album weaves a tapestry of musical compositions that explore the human condition and the concept of individuality. As a whole, it examines how we function in the world and urges us to uncover our own identity and divinity.

The “Light Like Stars” intro exudes a celestial energy. If I closed my eyes, I felt as if I was floating weightless in the ether. The vocals could easily put me in a meditative state. The following track, “Light Like Stars” album version, further unfolds this cosmic vibe through the lyrics:

“My path never yields
I am one in destiny
I walk with Mars ascending
Scorpio moon dripping”

The song reminds us that we are celestial beings who should align with our higher purposes.

“Impetus” is such a provocative track, opening with the repeated phrase, “I’m not hiding.” It communicates the importance of challenging ourselves in ways that help us to tap into and utilize our true gifts. We shouldn’t take cover in our comfort zones; instead, we should pursue our passions, even if doing so scares us. The band comments, “While creating this track, we all pushed our creative boundaries to write a song that reflects our desire to grow as artists and people. We hope to inspire ourselves and others to stop hiding. Stop waiting. Take one small step toward your goals, then another, and another. The time is NOW. Stop hiding your gifts. The world needs your passion.”

Moving onto track #6. As the title suggests, “Altars” possesses a sacred sound. It celebrates divine love and emphasizes worshipping the divinity and duality within yourself. You could easily fall into a trance swaying to this song.

Anastasia and Jakub’s vocals bring “Idolatry” to life. The track highlights the dangers of idolizing people and ideas and how doing so can create fallacies. The line “I eat boundaries” fiercely expresses the elimination of limitations that false beliefs can generate.

“Asension” is the album’s title track and is a powerful way to close the LP. It encompasses the essence of the album. The song is ethereal, hypnotic and stimulating. It brings to the fore the overarching message, which is to shed the fear of ascending. When we courageously enter the unknown, we can truly transform and uncover our limitless potential.

Ceremony Shadows has created an album that could produce an outer body experience. Lyrically, the songs are thought-provoking, and sonically, they are irresistible to move to. Ascension effectively stimulates the being emotionally, mentally and physically. Fans of darkwave will enjoy immersing themselves in this music.

Ascension is available on various music streaming platforms. Make sure to check it out and follow the band on social media to find out when they’re performing live and for the latest updates.

Where to Stalk

Ceremony Shadows official website