spiritual wastelands
Spiritual Wastelands is an evolving audio-visual performance that explores the synergy between sound and image. Through a custom Open Sound Control (OSC) based workflow, individual audio stems dynamically modulate video parameters in real-time. The result is a synchronized video experience where sound and image become one.
Photograph: Matteo Favero
Spiritual Wastelands reflects IOM’s meditations on the fractured landscapes—both physical and emotional—that define modern existence. Building on the heavily distorted rhythms of his previous releases, this album introduces a deeper emphasis on structured compositions, drawing inspiration from the raw energy of 90s EBM and electronic music. Each track on the album is a fragment of a larger narrative, weaving together themes of abandonment, perseverance, and the relentless search for meaning amidst chaos.
Building on the dystopian narratives of Unlimited Dream Company, Spiritual Wastelands extends IOM’s exploration of power structures, religious symbolism, and moral hypocrisy. Where Unlimited Dream Company used industrial noise as a tool to confront cultural hegemony and expose societal fractures, Spiritual Wastelands delves deeper into themes of abandonment and regeneration.
The influence of 90s EBM is unmistakable, as pounding beats and pulsating basslines drive tracks forward, recalling the likes of Front Line Assembly on the melodic aspect or Esplendor Geométrico on the rhythmic side. Yet, these influences are refracted through IOM’s distinctive lens, creating a sound that is actualized through a blend of experimental textures, production techniques, and a personal approach to composition, resulting in an experience that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.