Soul in a Hole
Mortiis · 2005
88 min · 19 tracks · dark ambient
A descent into cavernous soundscapes where haunting melodies intertwine with unsettling ambient textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Broken Skin Start here — This track features an intricate layering of atmospheric sounds that encapsulate the emotional weight of the album, showcasing Mortiis' ability to create immersive auditory experiences.
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Marshland — With its stark contrasts between tranquil moments and chaotic bursts, 'Marshland' vividly illustrates the thematic journey through nature's darker aspects, making it a standout piece.
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Parasite God — 'Parasite God' stands out due to its climactic intensity and lyrical depth, reflecting Mortiis' existential musings wrapped in rich sonic textures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's immersive soundscapes and layered textures create a cohesive dark ambient experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long, evolving tracks that often build slowly, layering ambient textures over haunting melodies.
- Several tracks utilize field recordings and unconventional sounds, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels both unsettling and expansive.
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and pacing.
- Many tracks end with fading echoes or unresolved harmonies, enhancing the sense of unease and continuity throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- deep introspection during solitude
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- haunting soundscapes for focus
- dynamic progression through tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast tempos
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Explores dark ambient sounds, influential but not widely recognized as a standout.
- Career context
- 'Soul in a Hole' is Mortiis' fifth studio album, released during a period when he was solidifying his unique blend of dark ambient and dungeon synth. Following the commercial success of 'The Grudge' in 2004, this album further explores the themes of isolation and decay that have become synonymous with his work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Burzum· Atrium Carceri· Lustmord
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Loneliest Thing
The verses portray a gradual unveiling of vulnerability as they shift from abstract imagery to pointed confessions about isolation.
This transition from metaphor to personal revelation deepens the emotional impact, offering a rare glimpse into vulnerability amidst layered soundscapes.
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 3:31
- 2 Broken Skin Start here 5:35
- 3 Way Too Wicked 4:51
- 4 Marshland 4:53
- 5 The Worst in Me 7:51
- 6 Monolith 4:34
- 7 Gibber 2:49
- 8 Decadent and Desperate 3:35
- 9 Parasite God 6:09
- 10 The Loneliest Thing 4:45
- 11 Asthma 2:01
- 12 The Grudge 5:37
- 13 Smell the Witch 5:55
- 14 Mental Maelstrom 6:19
- 15 Le Petit Cochon Sordide 5:07
- 16 Parasite God 3:43
- 17 Mental Maelstrom (Implode) 4:08
- 18 The Grudge 3:56
- 19 Decadent and Desperate (Absentia) 3:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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