Trance2MoveU

Artist: Various Title: Compile Your Mind Label: Digital OM Productions Date: November, 2011 1. State of mind - RAOUL 2. Definitely Diabolic - MAGNETO 3. Walk through the portal - SIDHARTHA 4. Massive Dynamic - TRYON 5. Badass - ORCA 6. Bullzeye - TECHNODROME 7. Ice Queen (Zion Linguist rmx) - PITCH HIKERS 8. Just Scream - RAZ 9. Search for emotions - RAZ *Rubs temples and reaches for bottle of aspirin. Attempts to open, foiled by childproof cap and hucks pills across the room.* All the ingredients are there. Good track listing, acid, lasers...how did they manage to f*ck this up? I'll tell you how. They've taken what was once pure and tainted it. Twilight psy once combined the best of dark and light, moody atmosphere and melody that all rumbled with power. Now it seems that the depth and storytelling is gone replaced by buildups, hard bass lines and rampaging leads that lead, well...nowhere. It's commercial full-on in different clothes with samples that while cool at times tend to dominate where they should enhance. The whole thing feels too clean and white washed. It's screams, "Hey look at me! I'm hard and edgy!" Yeah, but you're doing it wrong. There are bright spots of course. Tryon continues to shred any obstacle in his path with deluges of acid and barely restrained power. Each of the tracks have positive moments only to be marred by cliches. This has all been heard before and no matter how many lasers and twilight presets you use it's still generic sounding. Instead of having a cohesive flow the tracks seem to have been thrown together like a hippies festival outfit. They seem like they would work on the dance floor, but this has the feel of a watered down genre trying to have it both ways. If you truly are hard and edgy, most people won't like you. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Wow thanks so much for the appreciation everyone! I had no idea the reviews were popular like this. Oh I find them on the web and don't have to do anything to them except find a site that will host them. Thing is, Photobucket keeps telling me that I'm close to my bandwidth limit. When I hit that, all the images go down until it re-ups each month. So I either have to find a new site that doesn't restrict me like that or find another way to put the images up. Hotlinking isn't an option. So because it seems like people like the pics, I'll keep doing it if I can find a alternate option where the images won't disappear monthly. Like Penzoline said if it really brings home the joke I will use it. Thanks so much everyone you made my day. Mdk

I've been reviewing albums for a long time. I started it because...well I don't know why. I do know this. Before I did the forum was dying. Reviews were boring lines of text in broken English without much appeal and becoming few and far between. So I decided to do some reviews throw some pictures up with mine. Educate as well as entertain. I figured if I could entertain people they would get a chuckle and more people would frequent the forum. You know they would tell their friends and so on. Maybe that has worked as there have been some others hopping on the review bandwagon. Good ones too. But more likely it has nothing to do with me. I enjoy doing this and I guess I feel it's my way of giving back to the music that has given me such great music. Well, most of the time. The way I've been doing reviews takes a long time. I'm not the greatest writer to start with, but the gifs take even more time. Gotta find them, make them fit, struggle with hosting...it's a headache that I don't need. So this is me saying that I won't use the pics or gifs in my reviews any longer. I apologize to the people that really liked them and am pretty sure those that didn't don't care anyway. I will still do reviews and requests of course, just without the pics. Was a thread needed for this? I feel a part of this community and felt like putting it out there. Mdk

Artist: Psy-H Project Title: Dance of Distant Worlds Label: Global Sect Music Date: January, 2013 1. In A Shade Of Dadrrount'got 2. Second Coming 3. Boloto Trip 4. Infernal Candyflip 5. Active Meditation 6. Chatlane 7. Ramayana 8. Infinite Freedom 9. Spiritual Experience First things first...look at that spectacular cover. LOOK AT IT! F*cking gorgeous. I can't stop staring at it. There have been times where I have bought an album without knowing how it was going to sound just because the cover was so kick a**. Of course that was before the interwebz when I didn't feel like dragging my a** to the listening station. It was done by Ahankara (real name surely) who also did the cover for the Tabula Rasa compilation. This is one of those cases where you should judge an album by its cover. Psy-H Project is Igor Kititsky from St. Petersburg Russia (yes I'm aware you cannot spell Kititsky without tits) and this is his debut. And what a f*cking debut it is. Cosmic goa trance is contained within people and should be purchased post haste. I haven't wanted to have sex with an album since M-run, but I'm getting all oiled up as we speak. Let that image sit with you for a bit. This is a deeply atmospheric journey into the cosmos with alien textures and exquisitely layered melodies. A goa album that in the beginning has some darkpsy elements. And let's face it it doesn't get any darker than Emily Rose reciting the multiple names of Lucifer on Infernal Candyflip. But it's not all dark. Hell, in the same track you have distinctive goa melodies as well as Buddhist chants. It's also not afraid to poke fun at itself evidenced by the growls and I presume Brad Pitt laughter in Boloto Trip. While the entire album is full of lush and detailed goa trance, the second half is brimming with stormers. Active Meditation shimmers and coalesces like melody quicksand while Chatlane sparkles like my toddler just threw glitter in the air. Maximum twirling potential, I'm telling you. And what did you think would happen when he teamed up with fellow Soviets Alienapia? Total bedlam ensues with more layers than an onion. So good I wanted to cry. I'm not one to tell you what to do, just a guy with an opinion. But buy this f*cking CD. Own it. Stare longlingly at it. Love it. Damnit, I'm outta baby oil. Goastore Beatspace Psyshop GlobalSectMusic

Artist: Infected Mushroom Title: Classical Mushroom Label: Yo yo Records Date: 2000 1. Bust a move 2. None of this is real 3. Sailing in the Sea of Mushroom 4. The Shen 5. Disco Mushroom 6. Dracul 7. Nothing comes easy 8. Mush Mushi 9. The missed symphony "This isn't real! None of this is real!" I try to stay away from anything infected. Some of that stuff is really nasty. My wife is a surgeon and sometimes she tells me some horror stories in the OR. Swollen erupting lesions, necrotic tissue... And then there's the smell... Which could be an analogy to describe whatever the hell these guys are doing these days. Sellouts, commercial, pop, noise...they've been called all these things. Having long left their goa roots behind them their sophomore effort still had some of that old magic. Of course it generated a lot of varying opinions, just look at this thread. But whatever label you want to attach to this project they seem to be unafraid to...go there. Nobody really knows where there is, hell I don't think they even know. Whether it's their awful singing (screaming) or melodies that have no direction they will put it all out there. And we continue to buy it. Like it or not they are icons in our little corner of music and unlike Astral Projection they are at least still producing music. Well, content in the form of an album. Classical Mushroom was a showcase for their talent and musical brilliance with eerie melodies, distorted leads, and power. Combining real world instruments with their brand of electronica is quite polarizing. You're either going to love it or hate it. Classical structures are present in many tracks like the piano riff in Bust a Move which may transport you back to the Renaissance. Probably not. Guitars in psy? The debate rages on, but I like the low crunch in None of This Is Real as well as the forlorn wail. The track is futuristic and dark and seems to be in perpetual motion. Sailing the Sea of Mushroom is more of a percussive exercise than a track and The Shen also doesn't shy away from the rhythmic stuff. But it also shows their affinity for what the f*ck moments. Somehow they manage to make that deep guttural sample work. The deeper you allow yourself to fall into this one the bigger your smile will be. Disco Mushroom is definitely not disco, but they sound like they lifted the Depeche Mode style for this one. Dracul combines the theatrical with the psychedelic. Melodies are everywhere as is the trademarked IM vocal manipulation. Nothing Comes Easy undergoes so many changes that it never fails to entertain. But that can be said for all the tracks. Mushi Mushi is a melodic journey that invites you to discover how powerful, magical, and yes evil these guys can be. By the time they finish with the Missed Symphony one can only shake their head with awe and appreciation. How high these guys must have been. I think this is definitely a classic bit of psytrance. They are on a whole other level of consciousness with this release. This album brings so many moods together with outstanding production. Changes in direction are standard and the detail is mind numbing. It obviously affected me; I mean, was it necessary to write so many words in a thread that already has 12 pages? A previous reviewer mentioned that this was tailor made for those with short attention spans and I can see that. Everything is in a state of constant evolution. Like that musical phrase? Don't get used to it, it'll be gone before you know it. The good thing is an equally varied and interesting one isn't far behind. Mdk

1) I use notepad on my phone as a draft. That way I can be anywhere and make edits. Sometimes inspiration hits me in the craziest places (like the crapper) and I always have my phone with me. 2.) If the album is really crappy you don't have to listen to it more than once. Talamasca knows what he did. Ep's are easier obviously with fewer tracks. 3.) I try to get to all the goa releases. I do requests. And there are some artists I follow. As you have seen I will pretty much review anything. 4.) I've tackled every track and I've written summaries. Depends on the music and the mood I'm in. And how lazy I am. If you go track by track it takes some time. 5.) All the time, but I don't use numbers. Mdk

He is quite the scoundrel. Alas, not a celebrity therefore your vote needs a revision. Mdk

I suppose this would be the place to put this topic, although with it being so close to the topic with Karma in the title I might be heading for some bad luck. I was thinking about this today and sometimes celebrities, athletes, and public figures exhibit behavior that makes you wonder if they ever had any home training. I saw a short video of Chris Brown and it just made me want to introduce my fist to his face and watch his nose explode. Only rule is you can't choose Justin Beiber. That one is a given. Mdk

Here's the Luna Nova review. Luna Nova compilation. Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Scandi90's Label: Zion604 Records Date: October, 2012 1. Stronghold - Sarolta Monspart 2. LBM - Little Blue Men 3. Pack - Frippic Bounce 4. Shape Shifter - Construction Planet 5. Fender Bender - Little Blue Men 6. Self Transforming Dialog - Atmos 7. NRG Beings - Miranda 8. Reza's Delight - Shazbatt 9. Nervsond 47 - The Mato Project Pffft...Scandinavia. What have they ever done? Well, for starters the Vikings right? Sure on paper they seem ferocious and primeval, but I've been around long enough to know that you can't count on those pussies to cover the spread. What's that? We're talking about the Minnesota Vikings right? Ok, well they're known for the midnight sun right? "Turn it off! Turn that f*cking thing off, I have to work tomorrow!" Cool temperatures so it's bound to be comfortable. Rich culture and beautiful scenery are just a couple of reasons I can't wait to visit this area when I get some real dough. Zion604 is an Israeli label that is committed to releasing goa trance that is more on the abstract side. Headed by Roy Sason and Stephan Spivak their journey to The Kingdom was well received and this new compilation is even more...out there. It's one thing to focus on unreleased tracks from well known artists, but to narrow that focus to a laser beam on solely Scandinavian tracks...well I'll come right out and say it, you're insane. These are tracks you won't find on Suntrip or Cronomi Records. For this compilation they wanted to release stuff with that Scandinavian sound that the average goa listener wouldn't necessarily reach for. In a market where CD sales are disappointing at best this is a brave move that reaffirms their belief that bringing goa to the people is the ultimate goal. Only two of the artists on this compilation are on my radar. The rest is a box of chocolates. Stronghold- A real slap bass? Sure why not? It IS Scandinavian so anything goes. There are percussive tribal facets to this as well and a pretty strong groove. Varied and strong. LBM- I'm blue daba dee daba doo...l'hiem! The first 4 minutes of this track was an exercise in annoying repetition. Then it began to mature and thicken with a nice throaty lead. Pack- 10 minutes is a long time and it might've been a little too out there for me. Shape Shifter- "Who's in command of this ship?" There is a large techno presence here and it has a cold feel. The chunky beat is non-stop and it picks up momentum near the end. Not bad. Fender Bender- The Azulitos are back with their brand of techno goa. That guitar lick burns in my memory, but I'm not sure it's because I've heard it before or because Boris Blenn co-opted it. Either way it doesn't change that much as it unfolds. Self Transforming Dialog- "I'm feeling the sensation of going kinda clockwise." Six Flags Afghanistan is well underway! Your tax dollars at work America. Atmos did goa? Learn something new everyday. He's got talent and it shows with great sounding leads and goa in the melodic style I'm more accustomed to. Very good! NRG Beings- "We are all energy beings." You knew she was gonna nail it right? Rhythmic, melodic, and layered goa goodness that still has some Scandinavian weirdness to it. Her 303 has snap crackle pop and is easily my favorite here. Kudos for Asherun for not going with the easy call and selecting one of her more well known tracks. Reza's Delight- One day we can all hope for a cure. Surely that's where they got their name right? One doesn't just say Shazbatt in everyday conversation. I liked the bubbling in the beginning and then the leads become more metallic. This was more of a psytrance track that just rambled on. Nervsond 47- When this first starts it's minimal with nice goa bubbling, but give it time and you will appreciate this old school gem even more. Well it's interesting to say the least. This isn't your normal old school compilation with stacks of melody, but like Anoebis said it leans to the darker side of things. 5 years ago I would've hated it, but now that I can appreciate different forms of goa there is an excitement to see what direction they attempt to steer the music. I can see why some might not like it especially after the uber melodic Etnica and Mindsphere releases, but that's like comparing apples and oranges. Both are great, but it depends on what you're in the mood for. The production here is awesome so thanks to Zion for introducing me to tracks which I would've never listened. One thing I noticed is that the Discogs tracklisting have Pack as the third track, but the Bandcamp page has Shape Shifter as the number three track. Bandcamp Mdk

Artist: Dimension 5 / Chi-A.D. Title: Blue Moon UK Sampler Label: Altar Records Date: June, 2012 1. Dimension 5 – Transformation (Original Unreleased Version) 2. Dimension 5 – Beyond The Stars (Original Unreleased Version) 3. Dimension 5 – Limitless Dimension (Original Unreleased Version) 4. Chi-A.D. – Celestial 5. Chi-A.D. – Biocandy 6. Dimension 5 – Glow (Original Unreleased Version) Mother pus bucket everything old is new again! That seems to be the hotness on the streets these days. We're all enamored with the possibility of discovering a gem that was forgotten and locked away on DAT from the masters of goa trance. Something that was left in grandma's attic or found on an old hard drive. Transdimensional, arguably one of the greatest releases in goa trance history was given the remaster treatment and we ate it up like chocolate caramel covered crack. Draeke at DAT Records continues his personal mission to re-release every intensely sought after old school album as well as digging up those lost tracks we crave. Now labels like Zion604 are throwing even more old school variety at us. It's good to be a fan of the old right about now. Koen (RIP) told you everything you need to know about these tracks so I'll just add a thank you to all those who worked so hard to bring this hypnotizing art back to light. And this is no doubt art with spiraling melodies that take you farther into space than any rocket ever could. We've all heard these tracks and I'd venture a guess that you at least have them on your computer. I do. Some have said they already have these tracks on other albums or compilations. Why are you charging me full album price for 2-3 tracks I might not have? Good for you. I don't have them. I missed the golden era so when the opportunity comes along to snag some awesome old school goa trance with fresh mastering and actually have the physical copy in my hand...I'm happy for some label to take my money. And Altar did. Altar Records Mdk

Artist: Crop Circles Title: Full Mental Jackpot EP Label: DAT Records Date: June, 2013 1. Full Mental Jackpot 2. Different Species 3. Full Mental Jackpot (Etnica rmx) 4. Effortless - Cosmic Creative Rays Crop f*cking Circles. This is the other EP that was released by those crazy Italians and may be more massive than Lunar Civilization. I prefer to look at them as a whole however. A conglomerate of powerful and melodic masterpieces. The title track lays the smack down with numerous twists and turns each more twisted than the last. 11 and a half minutes of pure bliss. Different Species begins slower, but is no less involving and alien sounding. Sharp 303 ripples and spiraling leads tumble from the sky. Now we learned with the Live in Athens 1996 album by Etnica that it wasn't uncommon for them to make several remixes for a track. With the FMJ remix it's more subdued than the original...well at least to start. But this is Etnica we're talking about here so you don't have to wait long before it goes all Full Mental Jackpot on you. Is it better? That's like asking if the first piece of chocolate cake is better than the second. The most interesting track is the final one that due to a labeling error on the DAT master was originally credited to Crop Circles. In actuality, it is by Cosmic Creative Rays which is a Lotus Omega side project and easily the most chaotic and intense track here. Hallucinogenic with melodies that aren't as pristine or accessible, it is still layered goa to the bone. Purchasing these two EP's is a no brainer. These tracks are absolute classics that every goa head knows and loves. The sound quality is superb guaranteed to please. So it you love goa and don't want to take a second mortgage out on your house to buy the original EP's... get cracking. DAT Records Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: Querox Title: How Life Goes On Label: Prog On Syndicate Date: July, 2012 1. Dirty Beat Drop 2. Dancing Angel 3. Go Now 4. Berlin Soundtrack 5. Backstage Girls (feat Monod) 6. Kiss the ground (Voice:Rea) 7. Say Goodbye 8. How life goes on 9. Fly Away (Querox rmx) - Phaxe I love the letter q. Can't have quiet without it. And how would you get any answers if you couldn't ask any questions? And what the f*ck would ducks say? I think you spell qu'ran with a q, so without it billions would have to get a new holy book. May I suggest something from the works of a Dr. Seuss. It rhymes. Which brings me to a project that begins with a q. Querox is Tobyjas Schiermeier with his debut on a label that is no stranger to quality progressive trance. There is a light feel to this style. Sometimes it comes across as a little thin, but at the same time it can be appealing. Can't be a melodic orgy all the time can it? He doesn't bore you to death with solely a minimal approach, but allows effects and melodies to germinate in their own time. He flirts with progressive house, but not enough to make me wanna hurl the disc out the window. And believe me that first track tested my restraint. Most tracks eventually become fairly detailed progressive and it's interesting to see how he gets there. Somewhat similar to the mutE or Midimal style I love the fine details he put inside and think it works great on headphones. One of the strengths of the album are ther dreamy breaks. He's very good at it. Of particular note was the euphoric title track that was so juicy you could taste it. If I had to pick a problem area it's that the middle of the album is weak, with 5 or so tracks sounding very similar. This isn't going to rock the floor or shake any speakers, but it's an interesting hybrid of minimal and progressive styles that doesn't have its feet solidly planted in either. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: Talpa Title: White Clouds EP Label: TesseracTstudio Date: April, 2013 1. White Clouds - Talpa 2. Spirits (Talpa Remix) - Zyce 3. Unimation (Talpa Remix) - Zyce & Nerso Goran continues to impress with his music. Whether he's producing as Talpa or The Riddler his attention to detail has always been something to look forward to. This EP is released on the progressive label TesseracT so you know what to expect. White Clouds has dreamy elements combined with the electronic throat clearing of almost dubstep in a very positive track. It's uplifting and wiggle inducing. The remix of Spirits is a long, unwinding bit of progressive trance that I would expect more from Zyce than Talpa. Groovy no doubt, but unexpected. Unimation is the final track and it is another remix that doesn't sound anything like Talpa. Great, but who is this guy? Let me say that I enjoyed this release for its melodic and drifting content. It's a perfect fit for the label and expresses their style very well. But this doesn't sound like Talpa. It sounds like every other Balkan making progressive trance. Quality of course, but nothing like the guy who gave us The Art of Being Non. His style under the Talpa moniker has been trending less towards psychedelia and more in the direction of something softer and less challenging. And that's what you get here. Good progressive trance that is melodic and uplifting. But it's not Talpa. Talpa doesn't make that music. If The Riddler is his funky project and Talpa was his psychedelic endeavor, then maybe he needs a new alias if he's gonna make music like this. Recommended for melodic progressive trancers. Psyshop Beatport Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Greenosophy Label: Ultimae Records Date: February, 2012 1. Initial - MNNSK AND MIZOO FEAT ANA GOLDIN 2. Tear-blind eyes - Rildrim 3. Minimum - Liquid Stranger 4. Emerge - Sesen 5. Idea Spiral (Ozora Festival 2011 live edit) - Cell 6. Nubian Sandstone - Ajja 7. Subzero - Tripswitch 8. Cobalt 2.0 - Solar Fields 9. Flying Dots - Miktek 10. Folding Pattern - James Murray 11. Brokenm dream of little snail - Cygna Ultimae is the name in chill out or psybient music that creates the perfect soundtrack for any mood. Each release seems to shine with quality and this is no exception. Compiled by Mizoo this mixed journey mirrors the mood of the cover. The opener is an extended intro really, but Tear Blind Eyes burrows deep into the eerie with echoing tones. Listening to this while atop a mountain staring down into the thick green forest reminds me of all that's hidden from view. Long ambient with obvious comparisons to Soil Festivities by Vangelis. Minimum travels in the same gloomy vein but now with a steady cadence until even that drops out. The sounds of water breathe life into the track. Emerge has a slow lamenting opening rife with regret as it slides into progressive territory. Lush layers ensure that it doesn't lose any of its storytelling ability Idea Spiral by Cell is a slow motion flyby of the awesome splendor of the Himalayan mountains. It's one of those tracks that rides the same melody for its entire length even with the tempo increase. The view is breathtaking. Nubian Sandstone is comprised of delicate alien textures coupled with a smooth jazzy groove. The sounds echoing in my headphones make me smile as I feel if I were to touch them they would dissipate like vapor. Half the length of the previous track, but twice the emotion. Subzero awakens like a dazzling dawn with the most driving beat yet. A snapshot into a new age full of wonder and promise; as if a breath of energy restored the husk of a depleted city. But lest you believe this to be a utopia Solar Fields reminds the listener dark days lie ahead. Cobalt 2.0 is in the ambient trance style with wailing synth spirits and gentle pads. Leads run softly beside an imposing mood. Flying Dots slows things down again with head nodding percussion as the movement retreats to the underground. Heavy casualties were suffered and it's time for the resistance to lick its wounds. Better to live to fight another day. Folding Pattern is drone style ambient with a rhythmic clicking that while atmospheric doesn't hold the depth and gravitas found in the other tracks. Think of it as a long interlude. Broken Dream of a Little Snail could be the trailer for the upcoming Disney movie Turbo, but I doubt it. With heavenly voices it seems too lofty for a snail, but I don't know any snails so...Or maybe that's the point. If you're gonna dream...dream big. Melancholy acoustic guitars and violins make this an evolving and lush closer. Good job Ultimae you've once again created something that is ideal for daydreaming. Highly recommended. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: Talamasca Title: Psychedelic Trance Label: Dacru Records Date: February, 2013 1. Psychedelic Trance 2. Cosmic Company (Talamasca rmx) - Digicult 3. Day Dreaming 4. Nightmare (Talamasca feat. Lucid Rmx) - XSI 5. Take Control - Talamasca Feat. Mesmerizer 6. Super Hero 7. Winter Tale 8. Fallen Angel 9. Time Simulation (Live version) "Psychedelic trance originated at the parties on the beaches of goa. The sound is more modern created on the latest electronic equipment." Someone forgot to tell Cedric. This is blatant false advertising. And Dacru, what the f*ck were you thinking? "No Cedric, No! Bad Cedric!" Once a master of the genre that has now seemed to pass him by, Cedric Dassulle continues his epic freefall into generic full-on and dated music production. This might have sounded great a decade ago, but listening to this album has me questioning whether or not you give a sh*t any longer. Sickeningly sweet melodies abound and it wouldn't surprise me if you slept on a bed of sugar underneath cotton candy blankets. Do you get paid by the sample? Because the tracks here are bursting with them. Cringeworthy cliches are everywhere as this leas common denominator full on train barrels into what were you thinking town. I'm embarrassed for you Cedric. Please tell me that your 10 year old nephew got into your Cubase and submitted this to the rocket scientists at Dacru. That's the only logical explanation. A countdown? Really, a countdown? This actually happened. From 10. He continues to make albums like this and further throws dirt on what he did in the past. The message is obviously not getting through. This is as cheesy and uninspiring as it gets. Cedric, you are this close to becoming a punchline. Stay away from this unless you want tooth decay or diabetes. P.S. US customers if you pay 15 bucks for this before shipping you should have to turn in your citizenship. Goastore Beatspace Psyshop Mdk

Artist: The Riddler Title: From Myst to Twist Label: TesseracTstudio Date: December, 2012 1. Never heard of it 2. Christmas Burglary 3. Randomizer 4. Eleven 5. Slumber Party (The Riddler rmx) - Talpa 6. Blue 7. Hunted 8. A pocket full of smiles 9. Popularity Contest 10. You R my star Questions. I haz dem. How did the US let Mexico surpass us in adult obesity? That was our thing man! Where else can you get a fried coke but in America? We need to start thinking outside the box to get our mojo back. I say let's put underperforming students in the deep fryer. Nothing motivates like the threat of extra crispy. Why are Egyptians so good at protesting yet so sh*tty at democracy? Jim Carey. What the hell does the queen of England actually do? Besides putting a dent in the royal budget with Depends undergarment purchases? But mainly the debut album from Goran as The Riddler. Setting the progressive trance world on fire with his mixture of eerie melodies and funky beats he's right back at it with his second release. Which leads me to my next two questions. Where the hell was the publicity on this one and could he strike gold yet again? The answer to that is a resounding yes. This is The Art of Non on Friday night looking to get lucky. The spooky movie melodies continue to flow over hypnotic grooves that force the toe to keep tapping. Part of the appeal is that he keeps it fresh with short tracks. Only two are over six minutes which doesn't allow for boredom to set in. I've mentioned this before, but the mood is Tim Burtonesque...on ecstasy. Like Stella Goran got his groove back with basses that will punish a subwoofer. Perhaps this is more closely related to progressive house without the cheese, it still excels in making the music fun. He even goes a little disco on you in a couple of tracks. That said it doesn't rival the feeling I got when I heard Questions. Some of the tracks are a little weaker and seem like filler. I could see where some might call it Questions Vol. 2 with tracks that didn't make the cut for the debut. But there is surely enough here for a good time. Recommended. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: Main Sequence Star Title: Archaea EP Label: Ovnimoon Records Date: April, 2013 1. Archaea 2. Archaea (Nova Fractal Beat Mix) The busiest man in psytrance (other than Zyce) is stretching his creative muscles yet again with another side project. Renato Brnic is the mind behind Nova Fractal who most recently released Fractal Landscape and his compilation The Call of Goa to superb results. It's a two track wav download that is more outer space psytrance than goa. The first track is very atmospheric and deep with lots of layers above a breakbeat rhythm. He then remixes himself and makes a good track...gooder by making it more hypnotic. It's only 3 bucks at Beatport and I would say if you like his previous work, money well spent. Beatport Mdk

Not that there's anything wrong with West Virginia. Just drove through the eastern side a few days ago and am happy to report that it is very beautiful. People pick on West Virginia as being the hillbilly and inbred capital of the US, but...I don't know how to end that sentence. Mdk

I'm in western Virginia. Not West Virginia. Mdk

Artist: Goasia Vs. Omegahertz Title: Purple Energy 2 Label: Unicorn Music Date: September, 2006 1. A Child From Another Planet - OMEGAHERTZ 2. Yin and Yang - GOASIA 3. Primeval Civilization - OMEGAHERTZ 4. Spectralys - GOASIA 5. Onar - OMEGAHERTZ 6. Spiritual Connection - GOASIA 7. A Soul Rising - OMEGAHERTZ 8. Totem - GOASIA I think Vempy is Omegahertz. Has anyone checked on this? Music is all about taste so there's really no right or wrong. If you like nitzhonot and lean towards the quirky then the Omegahertz tracks will be for you. If you prefer storming more powerful goa then obviously Goasia will be more your bag baby. The fact that these two projects were put together for an album was the real crime. Now nobody's happy. Well, except Unicorn Music who got us to buy a CD where we didn't like half the tracks. Personally I liked the Goasia stuff better as he seemed to be on another level with regards to track depth and atmosphere. But I also enjoyed Primeval Civilization as well. And let's not be too surprised at this unholy pairing. The first Purple Energy saw a stronger Radical Distortion face off with a not ready for prime time Mendark. If they do a third in the series (not likely) maybe they pair Artha with...hell, I dunno Skazi. Psyshop Goastore Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Blissful Moments Label: Tranceform Records Date: February, 2003 1. Paranormal - YPSILON 5 2. Vidukadaya - SUMMAMUTIKKA 3. Eye in the tunnel - XERVANA 4. Elamansa - POLY 61 5. Firefiles - ETHEREAL 6. Aquasphere - AQUASPHERE 7. Liquid - VAST 8. Accessing Ifinity - ETHEREAL Before there was Suntrip there was Tranceform Records. Based out of Finland amongst the reindeer this label had a very brief existence. Now defunct, the three albums they did manage to release were some of the opening salvos in the re-emergence of goa trance. This was the first and only compilation followed by one of my all time favorite goa trance releases Anima Mundi by Ethereal. When this came out it must have seemed like God himself tore the clouds asunder and let the sunlight chase away the oppressive darkness. Their last release was Binary Sky by Ypsilon5 and a movement was underway. No more minimal, just a doorway flung open to the past, perfect for those who missed the magical ride the first time around. This compilation is loaded with power and melody. Paranormal is a hypnotizing trip waiting to happen. Some see it as repetitive and it is, but in the good way. Vidukadaya begins with a Middle Eastern vocal that immediately makes me think of the movie Zero Dark Thirty. Of course it could be Indian...better cover my bases. F*ck you Bin Laden! This Finnish producer earns the loudest track award with its frenetic pace. I don't care for it as much as I used to. Eye of the Tunnel rotates with acidic twisting layers. Heavily layered with different sonic textures this track shimmers in the Middle Eastern sun. Blowing open the doors of darkness the leads are like fireflies on a mission. The Poly 61 track had me wondering how it made it onto the album the first few times I heard it, but with repeated listens it really is massive and thought inducing. Those mournful pads and crying guitar work very well together. Fireflies would have fit perfectly on Anima Mundi with its long searching melodies and vivid break. This is a project I would love to see release a two disc album full of unreleased material. Sally, get Draeke on the phone and let's see if we can make this happen. With Aquasphere smooth progressive gallops forth as mournful pads weep. This project does a good job slowly introducing sounds in a gentle way. Liquid echoes give it a fluid feel. Not super exciting, but eminently enjoyable. There is more evolving goa smoothness with Liquid without waging a loudness war. It takes its time seemingly not in any kind of hurry. Warm melodic riffs rain down in this progressive goa trance effort. Not storming by any means or even...vast, but it works well with what it gives. Accessing Infinity is a beautiful ambient wake up call. It's an after the storm dawn complete with the brightest sunlight reflecting off the morning dew. Stretching with the promise of a new beginning. This was a great compilation that may have begun the rebirth of goa trance. It still sounds great a decade later bringing back the warn melodic sound that at the time wasn't really gone for that long. Guess we really missed it. Not available in any of the shops you can still find it on Discogs for a reasonable sum. Mdk

Artist: Trold Title: Time For Solution Label: Vertigo Records Date: May, 2013 1. In The Hand Of The Shaman 2. Vacuum 3. Adventure 4. 10 000 000 X 14 5. Order In Chaos 6. Miracle 7. We Are The Devine 8. Alright What the hell is this? No seriously, what the hell is this? Forest trolls and psychedelic vikings deliver their 3rd album and I'm shaking my head. Where's the motherf*cking forest? This is like going deep into the Swedish wilderness and finding a McDonalds next to a Wal-Mart. Where is the dark atmosphere? The pads soaked in dread and leads creeping from behind ancient oaks? It's not bad psytrance so let's get that out of the way right now. But when you set the bar so high with Time of Illusion certain expectations are had. That album was frightful yet intelligent. Layers of mystery wrapped up and tailor made for getting hopelessly lost in the woods. This? All the rough edges and less accessible aspects of this project were sanitized for a more family friendly clientele. F*cking Vegas without the gangsters. I know I'm not an authority on forest music, but I don't need it dumbed down for me. So enough telling you what it ain't. What is it? Crystal clear psytrance where you can hear every note and every staccato stab of the bass. I know Colin mastered this, but there are instances where this resembles and OOOD album. It's drug samples, long tracks, and rhythms you can get down to. But all the energy and evil creatures have left the building only to be replaced by softer Disney melodies. Order of Chaos recaptures past glories with its acidic serpents tongue, but it's still too clean. Too obvious. Miracle is a good twilight track that might fit on a Timecode or Nexus Media compilation. The last track sounds just like something OOOD would make. Sorry Colin I'm not picking on you, I'm just sayin'. And that's my point. Where the last album had a forest maze with a nutcase Jack Nicholson in pursuit, here there are baby changing stations and stroller rentals every 100 feet. This must be what hardcore Metallica fans felt like when Enter Sandman came out. I don't like my forest rated PG, but that is what has happened I'm afraid. Funny thing is even though it may sound as if I didn't like it, I enjoyed it. It's twilight and some full-on with rounded edges, but it is outstandingly produced. So if you go into this not knowing what Trold has done in the past then this will have some appeal. But having heard and loved their last album this can only be seen as a disappointment. Time for another solution. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: Silent Horror Title: Patterns II EP Label: DVSM Records Date: June, 2013 1. Variables 2. Pan'd Labyrinth 3. Atomic Structures "The ghosts in the darkness have come." Darkpsy ain't for everyone. Hammering bass lines, noisy and abrasive synth washes, and usually the total absence of a melody...It's a f*cking headache waiting to happen. And I'll be honest I don't know how you dance to this type of music unless it's a mosh pit free for all. The genre has sort of become a parody of itself and the race is on to see which darkpsy producer can make the most noise. The good ones (like Kiriyama) combine other styles with darkpsy for a very complex and detailed journey. But please don't think I'm singling out darkspy because we all know the sorry state of full-on. And don't get me started on "popular" music. Having spoken with Alex (who runs DVSM Records) on numerous occasions I've come to learn he is a really nice fellow. Silent Horror (Jigar Shah) has a new EP and Alex asked me if I wouldn't mind giving it a listen. Last I heard from Mr. Shah was when I reviewed his album Seance back in 2011. Pure darkness that would really appeal to fans of that genre. Well he's back for more and he brings his scary penchant for horror movies with him. And man this is heavy. Remember that hammering bass line I was talking about? Yep, it's here. But he also has a little break in Variables that gives the ear a break from the punishment. That's important because you can only whip someone so many times before the whipping is rendered meaningless. He's really good with the effects and he layers them so the track sounds really full. Pan'd Labyrinth is more scary noises and discovering monsters down dark corridors. But he also does a nice trick with some scary percussion to add some variability. It's a hallucinogenic nightmare for atmosphere and you've gotta be wondering if it can get any worse. Atomic Structures is the heaviest of them all. The beginning is chopped up synths and there you go back into that corridor. Cue the scratchy "darkpsy" synth and another spooky break. It eventually gets so many sounds near the end that it's like punching someone in the face when he's already dead. Look, it is what it is. The sound quality is awesome and when I was playing this I was rumbling a few windows. The kick and bass line are relentless. That said you're not necessarily going to win any new converts to the darkside with this because it's still darkpsy. Those that love that type of music will love this. But those that get tired of the same leads and the madness won't. Sure there's more atmosphere with breaks that help, but it still falls into the same cliche's that the genre is known for. Bandcamp Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Transitions In Trance Label: Ovnimoon Records Date: November, 2011 1. Minimal Session - HAGGEN 2. Floating in the space - PROTOACTIVE 3. Aftermath 11 - MAN MACHINE 4. Crystal - NERSO 5. Energy of life - OVNIMOON 6. Orbiting - WIZACK TWIZACK 7. Organic Interface - PSILOCYBIAN 8. Dark Tale - SPIRIT ARCHITECT 9. DNP2 - HYDROGENERATOR 10. Why can you control time - BODHI TREE I know quality when I see it. Awe.some. Whether Hector Ovnimoon is performing or running a label his work is of very high quality. What's not to love? The music emanating from this guy is layered and melodic, thick with atmosphere and psychedelia. And now he's got a sub label for goa trance? I might just have to give him my credit card to keep on file. I almost missed this release, but eventually it got the attention it deserves. Minimal Session- "Leading medical researchers on youngsters have shown that marijuana is the most dangerous drug." Said every old white man who wished he had tried it in his youth. Ever. The opening track is minimal in structure, but that's where the similarities end. Gooey and bubbling sounds come to a frothy head making it seem fuller than your dad's minimal. Nothing spectacular, but a good opener. Floating in the Space- Protoactive is Allen Feytor and he's come up with some great tunes. Leaving the minimal landscape behind we are now hiking in wide open melodic progressive country. Bass sweeps and synth layers are the order of the day. Changes in time happen smoothly with this one. Aftermath 11- There is a definite robotic feel to this track and I mean that in a good way. Crystal- One of the leaders in the progressive scene Nerso needs no introduction. His distinctive echoing style is on full display as sounds bounce off each other. There is a darkness here as chunky leads tumble over each other like water molecules. Super. Energy of Life- El jefe delivers a track that now climbs into psy-gressive territory. Aggressive along with juicy sounds and goa tendencies. He's got his foot on the reverb pedal and it ain't coming off anytime soon. Deep pads and a sh*tload of atmosphere. This is the soundtrack to outer space. Outstanding. Orbiting- "Tell us how to get back to Earth, I beg you!" No, no really...the key, th-the key is right there! It's already in the ignition. You don't have to...that's not how you jump start... *sigh* If you see Wizack on the track list you know things are gonna get psychedelic. Known primarily for his dark side this is perhaps the leas dark track I've heard from him. Crazy leads though, and I hear some 303's in there which makes me smile. Organic Interface- "I know this is gonna sound crazy, in fact this is kinda crazy, but what if the object was symbiotic in nature. Just say that it wasn't entirely mechanical, that it needed some type of organic interface." Sasa Dukic is one of the best psytrance producers out there not to mention a helluva nice guy. His albums Dreamtime and Brain Dissolver are exactly what psytrance should be. That opening sample and what he does to it sets the tone. Cyber juicy leads are everywhere with a sinister backdrop. The short break brings in a new lead all the while keeping in pumping. Dark Tale- More psy-gressive that takes you in. Not as deep as the other tracks, but not bad. DNP2- I wasn't aware that this project was still active. Surprise surprise. It's full on psytrance now with the darkest track yet. And boy are they giving the business to Tokyo Electric. Why Can't You Control Time- They end this ride with a psychedelic downtempo track that is anything but relaxing. High speed percussion and a thumping kick hammer the point home. Great compilation and in a time when a lot of labels struggle to do one thing very well, this one does it all very well. Anyone who has read my reviews knows my dislike for minimal, but they even made that seem interesting. With strong and melodic progressive trance the ride is a good one full to the brim with effects and psychedelia. Highly recommended. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk