Samatha & First Snow of The Year – Aletsch: Glacial Ambient Soundscape with Subtle Detail – Frequency State

“Aletsch” is a collaborative ambient piece from Belgian artists Samatha and First Snow of The Year, built around slow, atmospheric layers and sparse melodic detail. Inspired by frozen landscapes, the track unfolds patiently, conjuring imagery of ice, land, and solitude.

The composition begins with long, gliding tones that suggest open space and stillness, gradually developing into a more textured environment. Notes reminiscent of pizzicato plucks appear as accents—subtle but impactful—adding to the track’s quiet tension. There’s a balance between warmth and distance throughout, with each element contributing to a soundscape that feels both grounded and expansive.

Samatha is the ambient alias of Gert Stockmans, whose work focuses on introspection and mental stillness. Named after the Sanskrit term for tranquility, his music embraces minimalism and slow unfolding. First Snow of The Year, the project of Erik Sevenans, draws from cold season rituals—long walks, urban journeys, and literary inspiration—using guitar, synths, and field recordings to explore the space between ambient and post-rock.

Together, they craft an immersive track that invites careful listening and a slower pace, drawing attention to subtle shifts in texture and tone.