HolyLight

This is certainly an album with a special appeal, as I find myself revisiting it every now and then. The album represents a lot of different things to me, as it encapsulates an entire era. It's the nostalgia of my youth in the 90's, it also represents the pinnacle of the genre in many ways. It is also in retrospective, representative for what the best analog and digital synthesizers and studio equipment available at the time, could sound like through a goa trance prism. It's the combination of a lot of things, the total mastery of their studio gear, and of the style itself, which they were one of the originators and innovators of. One might argue that the Another World album might contain more good tracks in total, but it doesn't take away anything from this album. Both albums are great in their own ways. And I appreciate what each album brought to the table in terms of stylistic refinements. For people with an interest in classic synthesizers and drum machines, this album is a true vintage museum, all the classics are used to great effect here, as well as the first generation of virtual analog synthesizers. It was and still is a joy to hear the unique, and very specific sounds of the TB-303 used here through the best hardware effects of the era. The use of the sounds from the TR-909 and TR-808 on this albums is also perfect. They took the late 80's and early 90's techno stapels, and infused them into their cosmic sound image. So the early acid/techno influences are there, but greatly expanded upon.

This one looks just like what I'm looking for. As per usual, a very funny and entertaining review by Trance2MoveU.

Such a majestic intro, it takes what was so great with the early Israeli morning tunes, and brings it to another level. A much more cinematic approach than previous tracks by other groups around 1995/1996. The pads in particular are so airy and full of light. The pads might perhaps be from the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer? Or some layering with different synths. Anyone in the know, share your knowledge.

The P. Cok - Defish track on the FullOn 1998 compilation, you recommended is exactly what I'm looking for! Of the other compilation you mentioned I can't find The Forum, would be handy with discogs links. Listening now to Hyperion - Sunflower on youtube! Now this tune brings back memories, veeeery long time since I last heard it. Beautiful track indeed, such an organic and juicy analog sound.

*double post.

Thanks! Will dig into right now.

Inspired by the discussion in another thread, and after searching and not finding a suiting thread, I decided to create this one. I would like to compile a list of the must-haves including the rare lesser known gems. What I'm looking for is the psychedelic melodic side of what came out in Israel between 1994/1999ish. Before it became darker and less melodic. There are of course exceptions to this, and there came out some sweet new melodic stuff later, as well as retro compilations with music from the mid 90's that was re-released in the 2000's. What I've enjoyed so far and would like something similar to, is the Goa Vibes series, the Psychedelic Vibes series, the Trance Mix/Trance Mixim series as well as other compilations from Melodia Records. Destination Israel, the compilations on Trust In Trance Records, like Eternal Trance, and the Israel's Psychedelic Trance compilations. What other labels were there focused on these type of releases? I've been going through the review sections covering these years, and it has led to some interesting finds indeed, but it's a bit of a mess as some threads have had very little activity, and the review year sections are by no means focused on a specific country. Perhaps there is some nifty function on discogs to sort/find releases fitting within the narrowness of the criteria that I've defined within this tread? This thread could be of use to those interested in getting more familiar with the style that arose in that era within Israel. My intention is to learn more about how and when some of the hallmark stylistic features came to be, and who one might trace the earliest examples to. For example it has been very interesting listening to Yan-Iv Haviv's early output on: https://www.discogs.com/Various-Trance-Mix-3/release/257184 in order to see if I could discern some antecedent to what later became the signature sound of Astral Projection.

So interesting read! Which is made even more so from recognizing some of the names you mention, from a Nitzhonot kick drum folder. Qsys and Destination for example. So I would assume it was those artists/groups that to some extent contributed to this kick library? Or perhaps whomever made them, might've modelled them after popular Nitzho tracks of the moment in that era?

Chi-ad - Exit Eternity, one of the best goa tracks ever, it really manages to capture colors. There is really only this one, Astral Projection - Liquid Sun of the old school era, which in my opinion manages to create this type of fantastical dreamy landscapes, conjuring up lucid imagery within the the mind of the listener. I think this is the best example a few available of the beautiful and dreamy qualities that only tracks within this genre manages to deliver. Hopefully there can be a new era, exploring the endless possibilities within this dream world. This could very well have become a subgenre to goa trance, as it's rooted somewhere inbetween dream trance and goa trance. Some will perhaps call it morning goa, whatever we decide to call it or label it as, it's majestic music with an everlasting appeal.

Very interesting, a true history lesson that I need to listen to. Btw is there perhaps some old thread focusing on Israeli old school goa compilations we could resurrect, or should I create one? I would be very interested in getting the definite experience somehow, all the compilations deemed essential, plus some lesser known gems. The record store where I purchased most of my Israeli goa trance in the 90s here in Sweden, had a very good selection, but there was of course a bias towards the stuff which was most in demand at the moment, plus they had direct distribution deals I think, with lots of Israeli labels/distributors, so the most famous artists/label compilations of the time got the best exposure for sure. Listening to this compilation now for the first time on youtube: https://www.discogs.com/Various-Trance-Mixim/release/160555 I remember seeing it in the CD-store, a really beautiful cover artwork. This track is very dreamy and totally in my taste.

Great stuff indeed!

Interesting find, I'm myself on a 1995/1997ish binge lately, trying specifically to find stuff from Israel from that era which I've missed out on before. Needless to say, discogs has a tendency to send you on all kinds of exciting discovery missions. Kinda curious with so many Indoor/Sound Pollution tracks featured on the Trance mix compilation, 4 in total.

Very valid points I think. The geographical aspect of this music is a very interesting topic. I really love the different expressions and renditions of the genre and subgenres that emerged in different countries. Comparing for example the Swedish goa to the British and Israeli counterparts, is fascinating to me. I always found the Swedish goa to overall, have a colder tone and perhaps a more scaled back approach to layers. The Ikea approach to goa design.

For sure will do! Thanks

This album is a killer so far, some really intense and mystical vibes. The more goaish tracks are just perfect for my taste. There are some that are less melodic which are perhaps a bit more towards the psy side of the spectrum. Still solid tracks though in their own right, but I skip to the goa bombs since that's my predilection. The first track Orion 2 Corcovado Mix, sounds like a darker version of the Norwegian group Ra. But not too dark, just a perfect balance of mysterious foreboding undertones. Definitely a track to play at sundown. I have no clue which year each track is from. Which is perhaps better, so that my expectations are less colored by any preconception about how a track might or should sound, depending on when it was composed. The second track Vertige (Goa Gil Burning Man Mix), is a stormer for sure, very nice drive and aggressive synth leads. It has a very classic sound palette, a bit similar to Etnica at times, with talking alienesque leads, the female voice samples/choir type melodies however gives it a distinct eastern narrative. Which to me evoke the sense of the ancient Egyptian themes which is imbued into this release in everything from its cover art to some of the track names. I haven't listened to the original albums in many years, and did so just briefly I think in a record store. So I have no recollection of how much the mastering has improved the sound. But I would assume and I've been told that it's the definite version to get due the mastering beeing really good. And yes it sounds awesome. A Crystal clear image, making it sound like neo goa. A very pleasant surprise to rediscover this album, as I thought I had heard all the so called classics, and I remember having met quite a few people over the years raving over how good this album is and that I should listen to it. So far the three first tracks are definitely the best ones.

Thanks will add to the list! There certainly seems to be some kind of golden age happening right now on bandcamp, I had completely missed out on the site before. Really amazing site/service.

I've noticed what seems to be a bug on the forum, some threads I've started will appear as having 0 views, despite having replies in them Which makes no sense? My guess is that there is somekind of error with the refresh/update between the server-side of things and the forum users? Maybe something to do with the glitches users have experienced with the forum skins? Just some armchair expert speculations here.

Thanks gonna check it out

This is kind of fitting, but it's odd, what could've been the perfect intro starts at around the 4 minute mark instead: I love the inspiration and the use of sampled nature sounds to give it a lucid atmosphere.

So I thought it would be interesting to compile a list with links to the labels on Bandcamp, that are either focused on retro-goa/neo-goa, or which release that as well in addition to other styles. There seems to be a new golden age for discovering both old and new goa on the Bandcamp platform. I'm just recently starting to see what a nice platform it is, it reminds me a lot of mp3.com. I stumbled upon Avatar Records, out of curiousity while reading a review of the Asia 2001 album Amnesia. I was suprised to see that they are still active, and released some old school goa trance compilations last year. Not sure if it's re-released compilations, but it doesn't mather, it's goa. Their bandcamp is full with what seems to be their entire catalog, so plenty of goa trance there. Which other labels are there today in 2020 who one should keep an eye on? Let's compile a complete list. https://avatarmusic.bandcamp.com https://cronomi.bandcamp.com https://classicgoatrax.bandcamp.com https://datrecords.bandcamp.com https://dragonflyrecordsuk.bandcamp.com https://ektoplazm.com https://ektoplazm.bandcamp.com Not sure if there is any goa on the Ektoplazm bandcamp, but there sure is on the main site. https://goamadnessrecordsofficial.bandcamp.com https://globalsect.bandcamp.com https://mamomamrecords.bandcamp.com https://matsuridigital.bandcamp.com https://melusinerecords.bandcamp.com https://neogoarecords.bandcamp.com/ https://novatekk.bandcamp.com The parent-label behind the Goa-Head compilations. Not much more needs to be said, stuff of legends. https://spacedockrecords.bandcamp.com http://spiraltrax.bandcamp.com/ https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com https://subterraneanrecords.bandcamp.com Not sure how active Sub Terranean are with regards to new releases, but I definitely think they count because they re-released what seems to be their entire epic catalog on bandcamp. Both goa and acid/acid trance, in addition to other styles. Acid Flash anyone? https://unreleasedgoarecords.bandcamp.com https://timewarprecords.bandcamp.com https://zion604records.bandcamp.com

So funny! This review made my day. I gotta say that the cover artwork for this CD, is mesmerizing. I love it, it's hypnotic to me.

Listening to Astral Sphinx-Temple Of Horus

Interesting observation, I went into the poll having in my mind the stuff I listened to when growing up and still listen to. The golden era or whatever one wants to call it. Hence the name of the poll "In Goa/Psy history" atleast that was my interpretation of what the voting was about. Of course now in modern times, the geographics of the genre has changed considerably. If I was to add the modern era as well, it would have another geographical tilt, since from my recollection there was a lot less goa from eastern Europe in the early days, atleast that reached my part of Europe. Today we have a broader selection of goa artists from the entirety of the Eurasian continent, not limited to but including Romania, Poland, Russia, The Balkan Peninsula, Turkey and also of course Belgium on the western side of Europe, Portugal and Spain as well. Finland and Norway seems to be on the rise, or perhaps their scenes gets more exposure now through other channels than before. My impression however is that North America is still somewhat underrepresented when it comes to classic goa/neo goa, I can only really remember one group from The United States in the neo goa genre, Aerosis. Who used to be active on this forum back in the day. From Canada I don't know about any goa artists at all. China is another country, that I have heard no goa from whatsoever. When this thread/poll was created back in 2011, only a decade worth of neo goa had passed, so the historical/first era was indeed closer. Now two decades of neo goa has passed, and history is beeing written as we discuss this topic. There will be or already is a new generation, with perhaps not as strong, or no connection at all to the first gen of goa, other than that a lot of old school artists still tour the world. The newer music will perhaps be what they more strongly associate with the scene. Still it seems the interest in the old school goa genre is kept alive as well by the curiousity that an interest in the neo goa genre might create. To be able to understand where it came from, and also perhaps by the increase in old school releases by various labels right now.