Thangorodrim’s Tolkien-inspired “dungeon synth” can get cheesy at times, but the epic fantasy vision is winsome in its own way.

Some of Makeup & Vanity Set’s most ambient and surreal work in some time.

Arguably the most difficult Perturbator release to date — but also one of the most intriguing.

Tholen’s first album in four years finds him pondering marriage, being an artist, and the mysteries of God’s divine will.

Some of the enigmatic vaporwave producer’s funnest, and funkiest, music to date.

The gently unsettling aspects of Nico Niquo’s ambience makes it all the more beautiful and intriguing.

Arguably one of Ghost Box’s most accessible releases to date, as well as one of their loveliest.

Bvdub’s music is euphoric enough for any discothèque but its true appeal lies in its moody, contemplative aspect.

Disasterpeace’s evocative soundtrack is reason enough to play “Hyper Light Drifter.”

A chilled, challenging psychedelic album that will reward the patient listener.

For all of its artificiality, there’s very little that’s cold, clinical, or merely “academic” about Platform.

The sort of downtempo music that’s best listened to when you’re too tired to stay awake but not tired enough to go to bed yet.

For all of their engineering, programming, and whatnot, it’s to Silver’s credit that these songs never seem sterile or artificial.

Imagine a sci-fi/fantasy amalgam featuring feather-haired space knights soaring through the cosmos on metallic steeds, wielding blades of cyber-mithril and saving maidens from evil nebula dragons.

If you’re expecting subtlety and restraint from a band calling themselves Infinity Shred, then you’ve got another thing coming.

An impressive and haunting debut thanks to its remarkably mature degree of restraint and control.

Dreamy, washed out bliss-pop full of swirling, sighing vocals and ambient guitar textures.

Contains some of the most retro and forward-thinking music that Jonas Munk has done in a long time, maybe ever.

Talik creates a warm, relaxing ambient/electronica sound that works quite nicely for late night listening sessions.

The Swedish duo have created what could very well be the ambient/dream-pop album of 2009.