What makes Voices of Dust by Demdike Stare notable?

Voices of Dust received critical acclaim for its atmospheric depth and innovative production techniques, solidifying Demdike Stare's position as significant players in the dark ambient scene. The album contributed to the underground rise of experimental electronic music in the UK during the late 2000s and early 2010s, influencing other artists within the genre. Released in 2010, Voices of Dust was Demdike Stare's second studio album, following their debut, Symbiosis, which established them within the dark ambient genre. At this point in their career, the duo began to refine their unique sound, blending influences from various electronic styles while continuing to explore themes of mysticism and the esoteric.

How many songs are on Voices of Dust?

Voices of Dust has 9 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Voices of Dust

Demdike Stare · 2010

48 min · 9 tracks · electronic music

Eerie textures and hypnotic rhythms intertwine, creating a desolate soundscape that evokes both beauty and decay.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hashshashin Chant — This track exemplifies the album’s haunting sound by incorporating diverse vocal samples and repetitive motifs that build a meditative atmosphere.
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Repository of Light — With its expansive length and layered soundscapes, this piece showcases the duo's ability to create immersive experiences that challenge conventional song structures.
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Desert Ascetic — Here, textural elements combine with rhythmic pulses to evoke a sense of isolation, representing the thematic exploration of spirituality and desolation present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric depth and innovative production techniques create a unique soundscape within the dark ambient genre.

What we noticed

The album features long, evolving tracks that often blend field recordings with synthesized textures, creating a sense of space and atmosphere.
Each track typically builds gradually, layering sounds over time rather than relying on traditional song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Black Sun 2:28
2 Hashshashin Chant 6:20
3 Repository of Light 11:21
4 Of Decay & Shadows 2:36
5 Rain & Shame 4:15
6 Desert Ascetic 4:34
7 Viento de levante 7:15
8 Leptonic Matter 4:33
9 A Tale of Sand 4:53

What to play next

Listen next

Tryptych

2011

Go back to

Symbiosis

2009

Full Demdike Stare discography Artists like Demdike Stare

dark ambient

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