Amethystium - Isabliss
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Free Music Notes for Isabliss
Free Music Review: Still the best "New Age" out there--a little brighter this time around
Hit: 5 Stars
Amethystium has been very high on my list of favorites since the first album, and this one is no disappointment! For the fourth time now, ?ystein Ramfjord somehow pulls out of the trite "New Age" genre with something new and truly inspiring. As new age-flavored electronica, his compositions are richly textured with synths, percussion, flutes, strings, guitars, and female vocalise.
The last album from Amethystium was a retrospective of the so-called "Dragonfly Trilogy." Now with
Isabliss, ?ystein sought to paint some different realms for us. The over-all tone of the album sounds brighter, following a trend within the trilogy as well. Specifically, the "eastern" vocal techniques and instruments have been exchanged for brighter, more western-sounding vocals and numerous violin passages. Both sound fantastic, and I tend to prefer this brighter vibe. However, compared to the eastern elements, their performance could stand some more emotion. Another shift is the percussion. There is both more acoustic drumming and more glitchy-ness in the electronic percussion. Isabliss contains one track that was initially released on the retrospective "Emblem." Happily, it is not the best track on Isabliss, so the thrill isn't spoiled. It is a fair representation of the new sound, but the tracks "Treasure" (which has full english lyric) and "Frosty Morning Bliss" really showcase it the best.
I must say that the last three tracks were a let down compared to the excellent first eight. `Silken Twine" starts out pretty cool, with perhaps the most compelling vocal on the disc, but it goes nowhere and has some weird whisper chanting at the end. "Dreamlike Insomnia" has all the classic Amethystium leads, but they all sound like a cheap imitation, playing over some monster-in-the-closet sounding of percussion. I guess the name is accurate anyhow! The last track is a typical Amethystium closer. It starts sort of dark and off-kilter, but kicks in after two minutes. But,
With killer tracks like "La Pluie" (containing the most crushing variation to date of his signature synth!), "Treasure" (english lyric, yet classic Amethystium), "Anthemoessa" (great acoustic Drumming), and "Strangely Beautiful" (soaring vocals and violin)--this album has been in my player a lot!
(Just one note for the folks who say it sounds 80s... You're likely not listening on a Marantz receiver and a Boston A100 loudspeakers ; )
Free Music Review: Pure bliss
Hit: 5 Stars
It has been awhile since I listened to Amethystium. I admit I only own the first Amethystium cd ODONATA which I love. I finally am starting to play catch up with the new cd ISABLISS. ISABLISS is pure bliss for my ears. The blend of new age and ambient music, coupled with ethereal female vocals made ISABLISS an intoxicating listening experience for my ears. I find the music has a particular calming and soothing effect on me after a long day at the office. The mix of ambient, new age, and pop music has a very dreamlike sound reminiscent of Sleepthief, Delerium, and Conjure one with a dash of classical music thrown in. I really like the inclusion of a couple of female singers. Stine Maria Langstrand, Lee Nisbet and Irina Mikhailova all have lovely voices. Their polished pop vocals reminds me of some of my favorite singers that Delerium and Conjure One uses for their music. I also enjoy hearing the violin like on "Treasure" and "unbound". The violin adds a nice classical influence to the music. I love all of the songs on the cd. As hard as I tried, I could not find one song on the album that I didn't like or only found to be mediocre. ISABLISS is a slice of heaven for my ears. Free Music Review: Isabliss CD
Hit: 3 Stars
This is the 3rd CD by Amethysium,that I have purchased. Although it was pleasant enough, I found something missing in the music. It was not as intense and soul stopping as the previous CDs. But that's OK. It sounds like the artists are maybe taking their music in a slightly different direction and style. Still is good stuff!! Free Music Review: maybe 80's bliss?
Hit: 2 Stars
To me it sounded a little like background movie for a late 80's or 90's movie. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but just giving an idea out there of what to expect. Free Music Review: All Is a Bliss
Hit: 5 Stars
The title says it clearly "Is a Bliss" is joyful blissful relaxation. As stated by another reviewer, Isabliss is less dark than Ramfjord's previous releases - this is what I find most appealing. The melodies are more predominant and there is more use of vocalise than earlier works. Isabliss will be on repeat play for many days.