Jon Cocco

R.O.M. is superb. I also love To Sirius, the self-titled track, and now days I love the opening four tracks, back-to-back more than ever. But I didn't feel this way about the album when it first came out. Sounds can be so deceiving to the subjective mind. I was never a fan of Sign Of Life, Paradox, and Epilogue, but I listen to them whenever I hear the album. They're all more or less good, just nothing great in my opinion. Actually the last one I find decent at best.. the final track on the new album is much stronger. I've been listening to this album a lot lately around 9th. Comparing, contrasting, listening... Both the debut and the long awaited follow up sound so different relative to old and new school Goa. This one sounds and feels more special to my ears and heart, but the new one has the disadvantage of being nostalgic, older, having fond memories attached to it, etc., things that have enhanced this album for me over time. I love ROM though. It's my favorite Uptempo track by RA to date. The leading melody in this song is just so rediculously infectious to my ears in combination with other supporting sounds, sound fx, the altered/echoed voice samples, etc. Naturally the artist(s) crossed over some of these strong elements on Time Current and Transcendent on "9th," the 2008 release with great results. I love the crossovers on the new album, and I think this album is a classic in Goatrance.

This album is excellent.

RA – 9th 2008 Suntrip Records Track list: 1. Intro ... 1:21 2. Octagon ... 7:48 3. Predator ... 7:58 4. Other Self ... 8:54 5. Ultima Energica ... 7:41 6. Time Current ... 8:13 7. Spirit Complex ... 9:04 8. Transcendent ... 9:13 9. Expand Consciousness ... 7:04 10. Light Receiver ... 8:20 RA's 9th is the official follow up to “To Sirius,” a great 2001 debut in Goa-Trance that's now considered by many to be a classic. While not in my top 5 or 10, it featured some amazing work. RA's passionate, unique, and substantial, visionary style deserves the praise its gotten. In 2007, Goa experienced two magical moments that had not taken place since the golden years of 1996-1999. First, Transwave released a new, albeit “Best Of” album with some of their greatest tracks “never” before released on a main album, or ever, with exception to three songs. Further into 2007, Suntrip Records fully restored, re-mastered, and re-released Dimension 5's super rare and now classic, old school Goa album, Transdimensional. D5's re-release sounded better than ever before, and was finally made available after nearly a decade for all of those who never had the chance to hear back then, before the Goa masterpiece became unavailable to order unless you were willing to shell out a thousand dollars plus, on Ebay or something ridiculous like that. Which brings us to 2008 with a smile. RA, one of the old, but far from oldest Goa masters has finally released the long awaited follow-up to the classic “To Sirius” album seven years later. I have often wondered what it would be like if numerous Goa masters returned and released a new school Goa album after all these years, but this never seems to happen. Most do not seem to produce music anymore, or they don’t produce Goa. For instance, the once awesome Pleiadians returned with two less members and released a Full On Psy-Trance album in 1997 that merely echoed a shadow of the group’s former self at best. Not even MFG could repeat the compelling and potent Goa vibes from their first three or arguably four classics when they released “Message From God” in 2006. But none of these artists released their works in association with Suntrip Records, the one label that somehow manages to consistently release strong Goa albums in the 21st century. Seven years later, and with 2-3 years in the making, RA returns with something that no Goa artist seems to do anymore, something that seemed too good to be true. RA releases 9th through Suntrip Records. It is a brand new Goa-Trance album with all new and exclusive tracks! But how is it? How does it compare to the debut? Is the heart and soul still there after all these years? And where does it stand relative to other hard to compete against albums that Suntrip Records has released since 2004, including the amazing Corolle debut album by Khetzal? All of these questions and more will be touched upon, as well as a full track-by-track analysis, scores, and more below. 1. Intro is very similar and nostalgic in some ways to the intro on RA’s To Sirius debut album. For example, the memorable deep voice symbolizing RA returns over the ascending tune. It’s only a minute or so long, but musically, the track is very strong. The only thing that could have been “less of” is the voice that makes a philosophical point regarding a souls unconditional choice to come into the next lifetime to attain life experience for its desires, or to be a guide for other soul's development(s), for other people to learn from, like a teacher. The words are well intended, and these words are written in the inside flip. Was saying it in the intro necessary? I suppose it was important regarding the message of this album. The mysterious voice may come across as a bit dorky and unintentionally humorous to some, but the returning character of the mythological God "RA" makes the opening all the more unique and expressive, and in the end the words are spiritually aware information that is simply getting out there to the Universe for people to hear. It's such a short track that I don't mind the voice so much, but it would have been great if the wonderful musical element continued a minute or two longer, without the voice, before making its smooth, connective transition into the next number. B 2. Octagon is the first real song up to bat. The result is a strong, darkly driving nighttime number. It may come across as fairly reminscent to the self-titled Another World track by Astral Projection, but with the strong and distinguishing trademarks, atmosphere, and melodies of RA. The song spends little time building up into a powerful, adrenaline-pumping ride. From 3:36 to 5:02 is a very catchy downtempo interlude that would make the general clubby atmosphere cringe or stand confused by the fact that the general mainstream clubber is unaware of the wonderful non-mainstream characteristics of Goa. Furthermore, this island of peace is a sign that the RA we all remember and love is back, emphasizing individualistic listening pleasure to deepen the ethnic Goa interlude as opposed to pushing a continuous beat throughout. It isn’t long until several melodies arrive. They're catchy, and they lesson the more aggressive tone to a degree, but they compliment the song in the sense it is less repetitive, more evolved with ideas developed through melody structure, soundscapes. The track does however seem to drag a bit towards the end. It lacks zest and fresh ideas in the final third, and travels through already established motions. While nothing spectacular, this number starts off the album with a bang. B+ 3. Predator is instantly more optimistic and upbeat sounding than the previous power. RA is known for generating beauty in the mysterious light, combined with elements of darkness. This is a track that guides the listener to the light with no exceptions. This is also the first melodic number filled with harmoy and euphoric, melodic bliss. A beautiful combination of melodies arrive and develop around 1:46 and again at 3:16. These are the most beautiful, uplifting melodies that I have heard all year on an artist’s main album to date. I have noticed some people refer to morning Goa melodies in the sunshine style, as this one is, as fluffy, cheesy. People can believe whatever they want to believe in their mind, and I've agreed that some morning Goa is cheesy in its happy melodies at times in the past. And I think some people will be missing out on how wonderful this song really is unless he/she turns off the ego and opens their heart and soul. And even then we can agree to disagree, but for each person who doesn't like a song like this, my intuition tells me that more hearts will be touched. In 2007, Goasia released a super song on the From Other Spaces album called Sunrise, and based on that song, many people know just how amazing, how positive and deeply felt certain morning Goa songs can be. While Goasia’s track was more powerful in its second half, this one doesn’t spend half its running time staying in the "pretty good at best zone" before revealing its beautiful soul. Likewise, this track is developed, clear in its direction, and wonderful at reintroducing just a part of RA’s gorgeous light before leading us into other more animated and aggressive parts of the subconsciousness. This is a great song, both touching and sad, yet uplifting with warm, sensitive melodies throughout. B+ 4. Other Self is very energetic and aggressive compared to the previous number. It’s great how the previous track built up to this energy as opposed to throwing the listener straight into the higher octane numbers without much of a path to prepare, arouse and stimulate the conscious, subconscious mind. An interesting intro is developing during the first minute. The melody work arrives in bands, one after another. A second, catchy melody plays off an initial flavor including the likes of strong supporting sounds. A moody atmosphere is present around 3:30. And from around 4:48 takes place the most incredible and intensely driving and danceable Goa melody combination on the album so far. It’s addictive sounding, and repeats again before the whole track shifts into an island of breathing space, without the beat, to regroup its energy, thus returning with fresh and unpredictable direction and insight. But that driving climax was both impressive and rush-inducing and I wish it returned with more layers and aggressive emphasis. It doesn’t. But the song leads us into a sensual aura of mystery, accompanied by ambient notes, new infectious melody leads, supporting sounds, warm and delectable atmosphere, and more. Such elements make the second wing on the kingdom just as pleasurable, more floating and developed, but not as intense. Overall, the build up and climax on this track is excellent during the first half. The second half doesn’t lose its motion; it evolves into something different, mysterious, and catchy. This is the best dance song on the album so far. It's great! A- 5. Ultima Energica takes the torch from the previous fireball. The intro is not too lengthy and very well done. Just one of the many great things about RA is the artists' ability to create intriguing intros that lead the listener into world created. The track shares an attractive characteristic to Octagon in that it also has a strong undercurrent rhythm. Although I prefer the faster melody work from 1:05 to 3:15. At around 3:16, a very Indian influenced and gentle melody takes place until 4:34. I like the idea. It gives the song more substance. However it doesn't get my heart racing like the previous number. The song sounds masterfully crafted, but a bit tame. That is, until an unexpected, vivid, and almost angry or fierce, albeit seriously cool and welcome sound arrives at around 4:55 followed by an interested, echoed voice sample. The aggressive melody was a smart choice to mix into the song. I was less engaged until the gritty texture occurred, and the brief voice sample compliments. Actually, the more aggressive sounds compliment the softer melodies. It presents an almost ironic battle between light and dark relative to the melody work. In the end, the darkness seems to win, but not entirely, as spiritual development essentially flows from one number into the next body and mind. Overall, this is a good, possibly great dance number, and I found the previous one more infectious. B 6. Time Current is a super, new school, up-tempo Goa number. It may also be an indirect follow up to the super and now classic track ROM from the debut. This track may bring back some wonderful memories of ROM. For starters, it includes skipping voice samples, although so short lived, you may forget they ever existed while being distracted by the engaging music. Also similar to ROM is a very strong build up, and the greatest climax I have heard on the album so far. The fourth track had a strong build up into a driving climactic rhythm, and this one seems to get better and better with multiple listens. This is an excellent Goa song with a degree of club friendliness. Fortunately, the song is powerful and not too clubby, or many Goa fans may have had a problem with it. It’s more Full On Goa/Psy-Trance, with a fairly present, although definite club trance edge at times, but the Goa exceeds and over powers any sense of this number ever thinking of falling into the club trance genre. Push that thought away because it thankfully never happens. In other words, this is probably the most mainstream club/dance friendly song on the album, but it isn’t a mainstream club trance song per say. Famous artist: Man With No Name once combined Goa with club trance with a song called Vavoom! Many people have fond memories of that song, and Time Current can be placed up there with Vavoom! But it has an even less club trance connect, a positive thing for Goa fans. I see this song edging out the other numbers on the album due to its strong, infectiously climactic wave, and its focus to stay on the hook to keep us dancing. This climax advantage is something Other Self did not achieve in its second half, and both should be appreciated for their successful differences. A weakness here is that it is so capitalized on being dance friendly that it lacks developing intellect, being thought provoking in comparison to another wonderful element of RA's soul. However this is a well earned song, just the way it is. It’s smart in execution and direction. It knows where it's going and does a great job getting there. Consider this number, or this part of the self, so to speak, the more fun rocket that lacks spiritual awareness, but it's a fun part of a beautiful spirit. This is one of the best Psy-Trance songs of the year. It's Full On, new school Goa, and one that will really lift people off their feet and make dancing grounds nuts in a positive way. A- 7. Spirit Complex is a strong new and old school sounding Goa fusion. It's a solid return to more emotive story telling too. This story compliments the previous number because while that was more about high octane energy, sensation over depth, this is less charged and intense. It has an elegant, catchy introduction, and a smart, classy build up. The number is more contemplative, thoughtful in sound design than the previous rocket too. It’s not dependent on climax and in that sense it makes the previous number even more appreciated, the album is less tiresome and more unique because of the strong song variety. The first several times I heard this song, I found it decent at best, almost uninteresting and repetitive. But the amazing thing about RA’s music is that the general, mature listener continues noticing details and catchy elements the more energy he/she invests with a RA album. It’s really perspective changing because an environment or mindset can bring out a totally different outlook on how a song is perceived. Over multiple listens I enjoy the melody work more and more. I especially love the elegant part from 2:13 or especially 2:25 to 3:30. The song may come across as a bit dry in the middle, from 3:53 to 4:23, but the music returns after the interlude just as catchy as ever, and brings the song to higher ground by adding some beautiful melodies, fresh sounds and development in the final third. The melody work echoes D5, especially during the opening, the first, and the final third in that the melodies are very attractive, juicy. They are like little golden treasures, mixed into a very thoughtful piece. This is a solid, traveling song that is not quick to impress due to having no climax or strong build up. It’s a carefully constructed blend of both old and new school Goa, a song that will likely grow on the listener in a very good way. The old school edge makes it one of the more special sounding tracks on the album. B+ 8. Transcendent is a wake up call to spiritual awareness, but the mid-tempo music tells the story after the well placed opening voice sample. The altered, echoed voice sample around 1:40 is compelling, and one of the coolest little voice samples I have heard in new school Goa album as to how it sounds with the music. It is amazing how effective and gripping one little detail can be. The psychedelic sample repeats only several times, but I soak up every second like a sponge. I actually think this voice concept, or something similar was on the debut. If so, it’s very cool that this artists crossed over and modernized such classic elements from the debut to this follow up. Also wonderful is the interlude just over the halfway point of the song. It’s magical, mystical, and one of the best interludes ever produced by RA. This artist made a smart choice by not overdoing any voice samples on this album as I felt took place on track eight in the first album. This is a far more mature and infectious song. Also established here is that Time Current was the last of the high-octane number's to focus on climax. This is a good thing because RA is very powerful when it comes to less climactic, less up-tempo numbers as well. There is a repeating two-note sound that takes place throughout much of the song in the background. It is very noticeable, described as a deep, lower pitched melody, and this is the icing on the cake, especially in the second half. It brings the consciousness deep into Egypt, the pyramids, the soul, and the overall essence of RA. Do not be fooled by RA’s traveling, generally less climactic, mid and downtempo numbers. I remember a track on the debut self-titled track called To Sirius that is one of the most gripping and unique sounding mid-tempo tracks out there. RA's mid-tempo style has the potential to be very trance inducing, and having a number such as this creates a wonderful flavor and a rare approach to Goa in the 21st century. Songs are often so fast and up-tempo now days as if to grab the attention of the nearest person with A.D.D. But this vehicle is filled with interesting details, secrets within layers of liquid pyramid walls and feeling. I recommend trying not to focus on one particular sound too much, and letting the music flow over the body and mind. That’s how people meditate successfully; they calm and detach their minds from all thoughts, desires, and this number may be great to meditate on. I'm not sure yet, but it's very powerful for being a traveling light. Transcendent is one of my favorite songs on the album, and of the year. It's superb. A 9. Expand Consciousness is an ethnic, mid-tempo number that moves closer to enlightenment. Both this and the previous track reflect the unconditional, deep, and more spiritual essence of RA. These final several songs are actually some of the more elegant numbers on the album. The song is traveling, motivating, and contemplative. I love the mid-tempo speed; it’s wonderful after the album provided us with uptempo work. I appreciate these more traveling, intellectual numbers. This feels like a follow up to the self-titled To Sirius track from the debut to some degree, with emphasis on ethnic, heart, and soul. It's engaging. Great song. B+ 10. Light Receiver is one of the most beautiful, magical, and emotive downtempo closing tracks I have ever heard. Imagine RA’s interpretation of Heaven and Earth combined, an attraction from what once made New Age act Enigma so wonderful, but RA's song is not New Age per say; the occasionally appearing male choir idea seems inspired from few of the more beautiful ethereal songs I have heard in various genres. I’ll leave the rest of this number alone, except to mention that there’s a part from 2:20 to 3:00 that is one of the most novel and refreshing moments I have ever heard. I love the melody work on this song. And this number blows away the closing track from the debut. Its only weakness is that it gets noticeably less capturing somewhere towards the end, as if the artists ran out of innovative ideas, thus resorting to less fresh character development. However this is a small quibble in relation to the success of the whole. Receiver is a beautiful number that is sure to win many plays throughout life to those who also recognize how soulful and catchy it really is. I don't need to mention production because all tracks are well produced and mastered on this album. And stay tuned for a little something in the end that doesn’t correlate with the tracks running time on the back cover. A CONCLUSION RA’s 9th is far better than the 4:00 samples had me believe. This is a beautiful album, and many people who love Goa music are going to like if not love it! RA’s tracks are generally more traveling than they are quick to put a big, bright wave in your face, and that is one of the reasons why I think many people will appreciate 9th more over time. This is a more contemplative, mature, intellectual and spiritual style of Goa. RA thankfully included some strong Full On up-tempo GOA numbers as well. I love that the artists never sold out. They stayed true to the awesome mid/down-tempo gems too. Furthermore, 9th feels very connected to To Sirius, the exceptionally well-done, slightly more organic sounding, but still electronic, Goa debut in that 9th follows up some very wonderful elements that made the debut so special. 9th is mystical and magical, especially in the last three tracks. Moreover, there are some classic elements here that have been carried over from the debut. From the unique, low pitched voice of RA and the beautiful melody stream in the opening, to various sounds on the super animated, climactic, and attractive Time Current, to the mysterious and atmospheric, mid-tempo Expand Consciousness. Even the moody, emotive male choir from Astral Flight in the debut has crossed over to some degree on the gorgeously floating Light Receiver, and I'll leave other small details for you all to find or notice when you least expect. Is 2008's 9th better than 2001's To Sirius? I don’t know. On the debut, I found ROM an extremely infectious up-tempo number. Here there are two excellent, super climactic ones in RA's accomplished building-up-to-something-special-or-great style. On the debut, I fell in love with tracks 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, but it took years. ROM is one of my top favorite RA tracks of all time, and the self titled, mid-tempo To Sirius track on the debut is nearly matched and/or topped on this album's final last three tracks. The last song is on another level of greatness when compared to the less memorable closing on the debut. Furthermore, the artists were very tactful with where and when to incorporate voice samples on this album. I felt that the voice samples were overdone on Paradox, the eighth track from the debut. Such overuse put a dent in an otherwise solid gem, for me at least. I don't like being too distracted by repeating voices in trance inducing music. Fortunately, RA's 9th can be very trance inducing, and it does not overuse voice samples ever. People will see these aware choices acknowledged in the follow up, and I feel strong that overtime, many listener's will really appreciate this album that RA/Suntrip Records have released. It may be just under Khetzel’s magical Corolle album in terms of where it stands on the greatest Eastern-Indian influenced new school Goa album's list. Some may like 9th more. Either way, it will be interesting to see how RA’s 9th continues to be perceived, both now and over the coming years, and yes, even ten years from now. But for now, any old and new school Goa lover would be passing up a potentially wonderful opportunity by not listening to this strong and rare comeback by RA, the magician(s) behind Dimension 5. RA's 9th is the best Goa/Psy-Trance album by a main artist in 2008 to date. And I think some people are expecting to be blown away the first several minutes or they're quick to compare nostalgic feelings from the debut with something that cannot be nostalgic when it just released! If you’re looking for all flash and no heart and soul, this is not the album for you. It doesn’t shoot cannons off as soon as you press play. And if that was the case, RA would have less heart and soul because "quick to impress" is not the essence of RA. Yet the album manages to have some excellent Goa/Psy dance numbers that are likely to impress right away, just as ROM did on 2001's To Sirius. Last but not least, I see how some people may feel that the overall album has a bit of a different feel from the older school sound of the much loved debut, but expecting this to sound exactly as the debut did seven years previous to this release is setting up unrealistic expectations. The follow up somehow manages to incorporate the older, classic sound into new school Goa. The result is a stronger production with all new RA tracks in the old and new school Goa spirit. The artists did a wonderful job with this album while developing their passion, soul, the spirit of how they perceive RA, or how RA is channeled through them, even if some tracks are not as mystical sounding as others. Not every track on the debut was a peach either! I know because I heard it several times around hearing 9th and writing this review. And to be blunt, not every track on this album is superb, but nine out of ten tracks; not including the introduction, is no less than good. For instance, Transcendent is more powerful than most people will know based on the first several listens. It's provocative, very reflective, introverted, artistic, and complex, with fire and passion. Same with both numbers that follow. And the ending three tracks top the famous debut's final three numbers in terms of greatness. Actually, the last three tracks on 9th are like an extension of beauty and excellence right into the heart of the sun. Getting there is a lot of fun, positive, spiritual, and well worth the price of admission for a nearly 80 minute ride that you'll likely want to hear soon after the little bonus secret I just revealed.. fades away... Favorite tracks – 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 A- Samples / Ordering: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7266 http://www.suntriprecords.com/blog/news.php http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut1cd007.html

This is an awesome compilation, period. I have probably heard it 20+ times since I got it, straight through, both CD's. And it is still excellent. But I don't want to overdue it, or I'll get sick of it because of my own inability to take space from something and let it breath when I truly appreciate it. So I've removed it from my car CD player. Now to get back to listening to the long awaited RA album titled 9th. It's one of those albums where the samples don't give it proper justice IMO because the songs are always evolving in the spirit of Goa.

MENIS: TEMPORARY INSANITY 1998 KOYOTE 01. 07'44" Temporary Insanity ... B+ / A- 02. 08'04" Zeitgeist ... B+ / A- 03. 07'26" Fluff Killer ... A- 04. 06'21" The Link ... C 05. 07'27" The Drugs Do Work ... B+ 06. 06'18" Mushroom Maze ... B 07. 07'50" Insekure ... B- 08. 06'13" Sketch ... B- 09. 07'19" Drug Slut ... B+ Dark Goa/Psytrance albums are not common and a good let alone great one is rare. Although I wasn't impressed to the degree with this album than I was with Tandu, Cydonia, MFG's Project Genesis, it deserves to be on that list of the best dark Psy/Goa albums. There are some good and great songs here, and very few I like little to not at all. This is a very dark album, with occasional metal, industrial, and machine ambience and sounds sprinkled throughout. There are some fairly and very good melodies in almost every song. I didn't hear one melody that has yet stuck in my head but the strong, dark tone and general rhythm/feel of the album somehow makes a strong impression. Fluff Killer may just be the [most] well flowing pissed off and angry dark Goa song I have ever heard in my life. Furthermore, the first two tracks leading up to this explosive, violent and driving rage is excellent. The album's weakness is the dip it takes on track 4, The Link, a far from bad, mid/downtempo dark Goa-influenced trance piece, although far from great or all that compelling. The album quickly revives itself with The Drugs Do Work, a smiling return to badass greatness. CONCLUSION Temporary Insanity is a very well done dark Goa/Psy-Trance album with a rough and gritty edge and style throughout. There are moments and tracks that are quite angry and menacing, other times sleek and edgy- and/or both. The synth work, general development and progression of the songs is great, especially although there is a slow song in the middle that could have both been better and placed at the end. Those into dark Goa who enjoyed Darshan's Awakening and Toi Doi's Technologic albums should check this out. Although not spectacular or what I'd call excellent from start to finish, the pros outweigh the cons by far! I consider this EASILY one of the better / best dark Goa/Psytrance albums out there, a rare gem. They just don't make them like this anymore! Favorite tracks - 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 B+

Dude, just go here. I asked the same question like a year ago. Below is the best thread in the general section for "the best" dark psytrance ever to date, IMO. http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=40949

Deedrah - Reload 2001 Track list: 01. 08'15" Reload - B 02. 07'29" Purple Unicorn - B- 03. 07'58" Land of Freedom (2001 Mix) - A- 04. 06'56" Fireball - C+ 05. 07'47" Far And Away - B / B+ 06. 05'00" Something is Wrong With The Machinery - B 07. 07'16" Gangster - C+ 08. 08'50" Liquid Skies - B+ / A- 09. 07'42" Ananda - B 10. 06'38" The Final Swirl - B- Reload is a huge step up from Deedrah's Self Oscillation debut album. On the debut I was impressed with one track: The Wizard Demo. Several others were cool, but man is Reload ever so much cooler. This album has far more enjoyable songs than the debut. The album coveys much feeling through it's well orchistrated sounds and melodies. Land of Freedom rmx is great for starters. It's nostaligic and one of the best remixes to one of the best goatrance songs of all time. And that songs not the only highlight on this album either. 1. Reload is a solid way to start off the album. Unexpectedly dark and light elements combine to create a swift and driving speed. The song is really good, and the male vocal shout is pretty cool too. It gives the song a boost of energy. I really like this track. 2. Purple Unicorn is a drastic change to more soothing and gentle atmosphere and sounds/melodies. It's upbeat and floating, with some sustained ambient notes over the traveling, peaceful and calm rhythm. 3. Land of Freedom is an awesome/beautiful remix. This is how it's done. Period. 4. Fireball lacks any intro, or what I consider an intro. It jumps into the beat from the very beginning. I really enjoyed Dado's building intros before the sound of this general, more club trance friendly track. It also has a recurring melody that I don't care for, potentially taken from The Matrix movie/trailers. Granted, many artists get creative with already existing sounds, and more could have been done with this song. Fireball doesn't seem to achieve the kickass impression that most of the other songs on this albums establish. And I don't think the title is appropriate for the track either. Dado is far too creative for this "general" formulaic club trance style in my opinion. But the song isn't bad. It's just nothing novel and strong sounding, and the first disappointing number on the album. 5. Far And Away is a return to the beautiful, heavenly melody work I love, previously existent on tracks before Fireball and after the energetic opening. Be patient. The melodies begin around 3:42 and are complimented by a wonderful, euphoric tune in the background. From 4:38 to around 6:00 best showcases this wonderful sound. The song really builds up to greatness before losing the celestial light in the last 1-2 minutes. 6. Something is Wrong With The Machinery tries some different things in the more experimental, potentially Psy/Tech-Trance genre. It's a relatively short and driving song with some interesting ideas in the last third. Well done. 7. Gangster's opening sample "I always wanted to be a gangster.." always sounds awkward to me after hearing the previous, more gentle and imaginative songs that didn't rely on any words or character to distract me from the peaceful world of Dado created throughout much of Reload. The actual song is alright, lots of beats and hi-hats; the melody work is less memorable because no real leading melody is emphasized. I like this song the least next to Fireball. 8. Liquid Skies is beautiful, touching, and surreal. Wonderful warm and peaceful atmosphere and melody work. 9. Ananda is another attractive melody/sound driven song, although not as strong or as memorable as the previous angel. 10. The Final Swirl is a decent chill/trance song. The gentle moments are really nice. In conclusion, this is Dado's best album since the third Transwave album. It's creative, catchy, at times very floating and contemplative, and fun to listen to. It's just not that psychedelic. Favorite tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10. B Samples: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=1684

Battle of the Future Buddha's - Twin Sharkfins Track 9. Marshmellow (miditation mix) is a superb, dark and chilling Ambient score. It is one of the only ambient-influenced songs I have ever given an A to.

Is it that time yet? I'm curious who won what.

It's not available to buy or even sample on: saikosounds psyshop amazon amazon.co.uk It's not even available to sample on Entheogenic's official site. Did all of you people buy their new album off their site without hearing the album first?! Their previous albums were all available on the sites listed above. Update: It's currently not even available on their site!

CHI-A.D. - ANNO DOMINI NOVA TEKK RECORDS 1999 Track list: 01. 10'51" Anno Domini 02. 10'14" The Flame Of Eternal Life 03. 12'27" Pathfinder 04. 10'04" Moonart 05. 13'08" Shadow Spirit 06. 09'18" Myopic Utopia 07. 11'26" Redivider I just listened to this album for the first time in around five years and it doesn't sound the same from how I remember it. Sometimes this happens to me with Goa music for some reason. The tracks sound different when I leave and return years later. It's like hearing an album for the first time all over again in a different light. In this case, Anno Domini to me sounds better, so deep, otherworldly, and enchanting. It takes me deeper, further than almost if not EVERY Goa album I have ever heard. I cannot think of another album where I have this association this strong. 1. Anno Domini is a wonderful dreamscape centerpiece in deep meditative spirit from around the fifth minute forward. It takes sometime to capture its dynamic melody lead, that comes across more like a wave of melodies as opposed to one leading melody. This is a celebral, artistic, elegant, relaxed, and emotive number to shut the eyes to. The song will likely affect the listener when he/she least expects it. Again, try not to follow the sounds or any individual melody too much. This is one of the most ambitious and beautiful songs by Chi A.D., but if you look too hard you'll miss the beauty of the ocean. My only gripe is the first seveal minutes, after the interesting intro appear a little less focused than the rest of the song that follows. In other words, many ideas seem running rampant without elegant direction, congruent, until the song captures its essence and forms a golden path around half way through. A 2. The Flame Of Eternal Life is a beautiful, developing, celestial epic in Goa trance. The female voice is wonderful, memorable. The song builds into an adventure across space and light. A 3. Path Finder is a stomping excursion into darkness while leaving a dreamy light in tact. This is a fresh and rare dark Goa epic, noted for its relentless driving beat, baseline, and rhythm combined with emotive, ethnic sounds and vocals. It's a bit repetitive in concept but the melodies change up and the ethnic voices create a warm atmosphere amongst the relenteless aggression. Catchy and original in Goa? Yes. This has few few characteristics that place it as a Goa track, hence the controversy when it first released. I like the artist's choice to do something different and going against the Goa grain, whether he intended it or not in the time. But the song rattles my consciousness more than it caresses it. I prefer the other more elegant, dreamlike tracks around this one, yet I clearly find this one of the hardest hitting Psy/Goa songs out there. A 4. Moonart is an aggressive and lush follow up to the opening two more celestial Goa pieces. Beautiful melody/sound work combined with liquid flow make this one of the most light/heart-filled numbers on the album. The melody shift towards the end of the first third, and the interlude, the emotive evolution towards the center of the song is beautiful. Melody composition is awesome throughout, continuously changing, developing, and evolving in wonderful ways. A 5. Shadow Spirit is a very unexpected, rich and darkly tribal journey. Melodies ring out as if being played in a cathedral, but the song is very Indian Eastern influenced and seems more absorbed with nature and man, and the evil things that man is capable of. This is an exceptionally well done, thought provoking and emotive work of art. A 6. Myopic Utopia has a very atmospheric smokey and industrial sounding opening. The first several minutes are dark and driving. Around 1:52 raises in volume a catchy melody, more prominent around 2:20. It plays to the driving kick and atmosphere extremely well, complimented by other melodies and industrial sounds. The overall rhythm and form changes up and the song remains compelling. But the four note melody makes the song feel more repetitive as it progresses. A fresh idea is manifested around 5:10, after an interesting, breezy interlude. Around 5:38 returns the song to high gear, both driving and more aggressive or dark, without the several piece melody. However, it soon returns and at this point, overstays its welcome in my opinion. That is, until the music style or form shifts again at 8:02, a very smart manuver by the artist. I would have probably removed the four note melody lead to make the track feel less emphasized on a looping sound towards the second half of the song, but that's me. Overall this is a very strong number with some excellent ideas and execution, flow. A- 7. Redivider is unique and catchy, and I don't think people have given it the credit it deserves for being a solid closing track. It tries some novel, albeit more subtle approaches with voices and melody work, but it tends to stand out less compared to previous tracks. It's the least memorable track on the album, in my opinion, but it's still a good song with elements of greatness. B+ / A- CONCLUSON I love this artist and album. Those who are meant to come across this, appreciate, and enjoy to any degree will. More aware people and those who put energy "out there" to become more aware, spiritually, attract more spiritually aware energy in return, such as this wonderful album. The intro's are intriguing, imaginative, and lengthy. The numbers are really for those who love "listening" to music, not just using the beat as a kick to dance to. The songs have a celestial meets aggressive tone to them at times that established a whole new way of looking at heavenly trance. The only noticeable weakness I can find is in the last two tracks, generally weaker or less character-driven than the previous five. The first five numbers are simply on a higher level of energy and infection in comparison. Anno Domini as an album is passionately produced and very interesting during the first two thirds in a less striking, more subtle way. I'm very impressed with the creativity invested in this follow up. It's just a big improvement from 1997's Virtual Spirit. Chi-A.D. has an infectious, elaborate sound like no other artist. I would advise people to listen to the music with little to no distractions, while trying not to think. Just let the music play and it will work wonders on the senses when you least expect it. This album is a very passionate work of art. It's very mature, atmospheric, imaginative, tribal/ethnic influenced, and spiritual. I highly recommend this album for those who appreciate the deeper, more spiritual and metamorphic, extra dimensional RATHER THAN the typical, conventional Full On. This album dives and will take you as deep as you let it! A classic. Anno Domini is beautifully accomplishment, visionary, and realized, and showcases some of the strongest, most memorable tracks. Favorite tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (yup, all of them) A

Distant System - Spiral Empire Celestial Dragon Records 2008 Track list 1. Astropolis - B+ 2. Equidistant - A 3. Light Echoes - B+ / A- 4. Gravitational Vortices - B+ 5. Time Circles (Distant System Remix) - B 6. Outer Rim - A- 7. Cloud Nebula - B+ / A- 8. Astromech Starport - A- What a beautiful, imaingative, atmospheric ambient-influenced [down and mid-tempo] space trance(?) release. Take Solar Field's "spacey" ideas, mix it up with some of the best elements from Asura and Aes Dana and a new visionary package filled with great sound/melody work, beats, and ambient tracks... and you get Distant System - Spiral Empire. Strong melody work? Check. Atmosphere? Check. Beats? Check. Ambient? Check. Creativity? Check. Emotion? Check. Production values. High. Lasting appeal? ... Harder and softer songs? Check. In conclusion, this is one of the most distinct, and well done albums of 2008, #1 when it comes to atmosphere from me. Much like 2007's excellent Life 2 album by Asura, this is top quality mid/downtempo space/ambient-influenced trance ("trance" may not even be the right word). There are so few artists that produce quality, capturing [Ambient Trance] now days. This album is more visual like Solar Fields work, meets 2007's Asura with a different style. The influences are there but not copied. This is a very strong debut for starters. The artist did a wonderful job here. No track is less than good. The intro builds up into a powerful, memorable impression. The other songs throughout are capturing, filled with character, flavor, and more. I really like the key changes in the third or fourth track, and I wish that the artist did more of them. Also, track 5 seem has less stand out melody work to me, but it's still pretty good. I really like the melodies in tracks 2, 3, 4, but especially 2 (Equidistant) and the opening strings in 6 (Outer Rim) that reprise later. The last number has an entirely different sound and feel to it. I call it [crunchy space] ambient trance. It's interesting and has a wonderful ambient-intro for the first 2:45. I also enjoy how the album was both composed and compiled throughout. If I had to pick a favorite track, I'd pick two: Equidistant and Outer Rim. The melody/sound work in Equidistant is superb (*update* - this has grown on me over the year). I love the faster beat and strong bassline in Outer Rim. It's a great to drive to at night. I recommend this album for those into Asura, Solar Fields, and Ambient Trance in general. Asura, Solar Fields, and Aes Dana are some of the few artists that have impressed me in this genre. I love the combination of Space Ambient influenced Down/Mid-Tempo, and atmospheric throughout this album. Well done! Please don't wait too many years before releasing another. Favorite tracks - 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8. A- Samples http://www.saikosoun...ase.asp?id=7054

What new album? You don't mean a new Hallucinogen album, do you? I like it... the dark, industial psy edge fronts multiple concept waves of coolness. Particle/melodic effects are catchy. Overall it's relatively good coming from Postford (almost like a more tripped up Prometheous style), but nothing spectacular. I do like how it evolves towards the end though, more emotive and driving, not just driving. I like that.

DELERIUM - Nuages Du Monde 2006 1. Angelicus - A- 2. Extollere - B+ 3 The Way You Want It To Be - B+ 4. Indoctrination - A- 5. Self-Saboteur - A- 6. Tectonic Shift - A 7. Lumenis - B+ 8. Fleeting Instant - B+ 9. Sister Sojourn Ghost - A 10. Lost And Found - A- 11. Apparition - A This is a beautiful, New Age album. Some of the songs are really celestial and heavenly. If Enigma literally reinvented themselves as superb, this is what they could have sounded like. No really. I'm being serious. This is one best 21st century New Age albums ever made. I really love this style. And the cover art is beautiful too. Highly recommended for those into New Age. You can order it used here off AMAZON for only around seven bucks. http://www.amazon.com/Nuages-du-Monde-Dele...4464&sr=8-1 A-

It seems like this is a wonderful album based on what I've read. But I don't blindly buy products like most people. Why is this album not on saikosounds and/or psyshop like the others? Can someone post samples? Are their any available? I think that would be a great help for many people who are on the fence about purchasing this from... their site alone?

Can I make Goa music with Garageband?, the software program via apple cpu's? I just got garageband. Or can I download a Goa sound kit that would give me the power to produce a Goa song? I have no idea how to make goa music. I used to sound engineer (mix, edit) so I am aware of many of the concepts. Is garageband a good program to use to make goatrance? Please share any insight you may have. Thanks!!!

Is anyone familiar with GarageBand? Can I produce or make GOA and/or download GOA kits to make Goatrance with GarageBand??? I would absolutely LOVE to make a Goa track and post it for your ladies and gents feedback and criticism. Any insight?, have garageband and trying to see if I can make something creative with it, if I find the right sounds/melodies to arrange. Thanks!

Is anyone familiar with GarageBand? Can I produce or make GOA and/or download GOA kits to make Goatrance music with GarageBand??? OMG. That would be amazing if I learned how to make GOA music. But I have no other equipment, nor the interest to invest in other equipment at this time in my life. I would absolutely LOVE to make a Goa track and post it for your ladies and gents feedback and criticism. Please offer any insight possible. Thanks!!!

Is anyone familiar with GarageBand? Can I produce or make GOA and/or download GOA kits to make Goatrance music with GarageBand??? OMG. That would be amazing if I learned how to make GOA music. But I have no other equipment, nor the interest to invest in other equipment at this time in my life. I would absolutely LOVE to make a Goa track and post it for your ladies and gents feedback and criticism. Please offer any insight possible. Thanks!!!

Bump, for awesomeness. Track 6 is amazing.

V/A - Opus Iridium SUNTRIP RECORDS 2008 CD1 - Uptempo 1. E-Mantra - Voyager II - 10:26 2. Shakta - Ten Times Around The Sun - 6:32 3. Filteria - Birds Lingva Franca - 9:32 4. Artifact303 - Feelings - 9:24 5. Ajna - The Art of Happiness - 9:12 6. Radical Distortion - The Dreamer - 7:37 7. Afgin - From The Heart (Tribute to Wonderboy) - 10:17 8. Ethereal - Moondawn - 11:02 CD2 - Downtempo 1. Mindsphere - Frozen Sleep | 8:03 2. Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion Remix | 7:27 3. Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin | 10:59 4. E-Mantra - Secret Prophecy | 7:12 5. Aes Dana - Lysistrata | 7:57 6. Asura - Altered State | 7:26 7. SiebZehn - Bongalore and Beyond | 8:11 8. Astral Waves - Contemplation | 9:36 9. Ra - Road To Shiraz | 6:06 Opus Iridium kicks off the first Psy/Goa-Trance album release of 2008. It's a double album. One side includes various types of exclusive, Uptempo Goa-Trance tracks (highly danceable). The second disc is more on the Downtempo and Chill side. Inside the case, including the front and back cover is an exceptionally well done and researched eight page insert. This includes an introduction of sorts that discusses real Trance, not the mainstream stuff they call "trance" that is generally not psychedelic music. I'm talking about the music we love. Suntrip Records did a wonderful job showcasing the chronicles of New-School Goa-Trance in each of its currently finished, respective years in the 21st century. Also present is some beautiful artwork and photography. CD1 - Uptempo 1. E-Mantra - Voyager II starts the album off with a "violent relaxation" blip of astronaut radio samples via outer space, followed by some very crisp sounds, melodies, and a strong kick. This is a very appropriate song to listen to at night. There seems to be many sounds of nature and/or atmospheric parts being tweaked, altered, and echoed to compliment the driving, generally aggressive rhythm. An interesting interlude in the song's center introduces fresh energy, followed by new sounds and melodies into the continuously driving night. I wouldn't say my gripe, but an observation is that the song isn't all that dynamic. It travels one direction, and a good one, but it never shifts or seems to travel elsewhere. A song does not have to have multiple changes of scenery, but often times I've listened to songs that change sound scenery in order to compensate for having less ease building one strong direction. Therefore, as an introductory song I find this a good one. There are some very interesting sounds used, and I like the integration of chaos or displeasing sounds, as far as creativity goes. However I do not find this track as a whole great. It is a darker, more aggressive opening than I expected and in that sense, it works. B- 2. Shakta - Ten Times Around The Sun arrests my attention more than the entire previous song in the opening thirty seconds. I was very curious about this track because Shakta hasn't released a Goa song to my knowledge in years. I own Shakta's Silicon Trip and The Enlightened Ape albums and I can honestly say they are both great. It's interesting to see them create a new-school Goa song after all of these years. This song carries through its psychedelic, bubbly sounds and riffs quite well, until 2:10 where the first really catchy melody stands appears. The beat is gone in the middle for a brief period to front some new ideas, a concept common in Goa because it always seems to work. This is no exception. At around 4:20, the leading melody returns. It's great, and the supporting sounds compliment it. Maybe after all of these years, my expectations of Shakta were just a bit higher because old-school Goa is such a pinnacle in my mind when it comes to music, and Shakta is one of those artist's associated with the golden age of Goa. Nonetheless, a solid number is pulled off here. If the previous song was more spacey/danceable, this is more mainstream friendly/danceable, and that's a very good thing here. B 3. Filteria - Birds Lingva Franca has been on my mind for some time since I heard the sample. I already liked what I heard, but hearing the song in its entirety often gives a much stronger feeling of completion and clarity as opposed to a sample. I never felt that Filteria's Heliopolis received the full credit it deserved. But I understand that the Sky Input debut was the pill to temporally cure many Goa listener's aches from not having anything impressive at the time. Naturally time went by and after the release of Heliopolis, many listeners wondered if Filteria would release the same highly intense, maximal sound, or something fresh without losing the melodic spirit. This song is a fresh approach to the general sound of Filteria. It feels more Eastern-Indian influenced than the monster, alien space-scapes of previous old-school Pleiadians and Filteria efforts. The track collects energy for the first two minutes until 2:19. WOW. The most catchy (yes, more than the last song IMO) leading melody bursts onto the screen. The lead and overall track seem to become more dynamic as the song progresses. Also present is something I love: Key Changes. People who love key changes in Goa-Trance will be happy with this song. Around 7:20 is an interesting interlude without the beat, that fronts a new and relatable wave of sound fusion. The song seems slightly influenced by the awesome, feel good sound of Khetzal. Regardless of potential inspirations, the track is great. This is the most refreshing song I've heard by Filteria since a song or two was released back in 2006. And I'm really looking forward to the next Filteria album, crossing my fingers that there is even more wonderful and refreshing ideas to come. Maybe I'm overreaching contemplating placing this in the A- area, but in reality (behind our conditioned reality) there really are no boundaries. This is a fun, catchy, and stimulating, colorful fireball. B+ 4. Artifact303 - Feelings is very energetic and complex like the previous song. The introduction is very gentle, warm, and somewhat elegant. The overall song is more emotive than previous numbers on CD1. It's euphoric, dreamy, and very danceable. I want to note a several piece ambient tune, most noticeable past the seven-minute mark. This part deepens the emotion and makes me feel very "still" and "at peace." The way this compliments the song is exceptional because the state of trance is one often not associated with the conscious listening mind when one is actually listening to Goa-Trance. In other words, I feel more in the zone when I listen to this track as opposed to the previous, stylish giant. If Astral Projection was still producing old-school classic's, I wouldn't be surprised if this was one of them. It's such an elaborate and developed journey of excellence; a sonic blast of dynamic energy, infectious rhythm, emotion, and flow. And it is arguably better than the previous melodic rocket. Both that and this number are exceptionally well done gems that exercise their powers as if harnessed by a master technician. Awesome number. A- 5. Ajna - The Art of Happiness is an interesting, crisp song. There is a really nice lift off sequence around the 4:20 mark. It moves along at a good pace, but none of its melodies or moments arrest my attention until the build up, climax. That is, until the beat falls out around 5:52. If one moment sounds refreshing and intriguing to me on this song, its this one. Filled with mystery and an interesting voice sample, both the music and beat regain consciousness around 6:50. Included is an addictive several piece melody that compliments the evolution of the form, the clever and unexpected direction and sound that the music has taken past the interlude. Should the first half been as stimulating I would have been more impressed. The good news is that this is one of those songs that starts off well and gets better as it progresses. It just takes some time to try out some new things that really enhance its big picture. B 6. Radical Distortion - The Dreamer is an energetic shift back up to high gear. It starts strong, and never lets go. The leading melody around 1:08 is great. Also strong is the early interlude that fronts an even stronger and more infectious leading melody. Loaded with friendly sound fusions, complex melody and sound work, and enough drive and ball control to front the starting 5 on fire, this is one of the best numbers on the album. The following part around the 5:00 mark and how the music involves is excellent. Most Goa listeners love the combination of new great sounds, melodies and infectious evolution. Radical Distortion is excellent when they make super songs like this one. The number lacks emotion and comes across as more of a ride than a world in creation, however the goal has been achieved in making a sweetly crafted and aggressive dance number. It would be awesome if these artists got together with Suntrip Records and produced a new album with all exclusive, new-school Goa-Trance songs in the future. They haven't done that before, and their previous album, with exception to the first four tracks and the final great track disappointed many Goa fans. That aside, these guys rock. And this is one of their best numbers. B+ 7. Afgin - From The Heart (Tribute to Wonderboy) creates a much larger world than the previous number. This is the one song I actually did hear separately before this double album released. I love the opening. Actually, if the rest of the song was as beautiful and as soul felt, well in my opinion, as the first 1:50 seconds, I would consider this an solid and rare A. It has the most beautiful and emotive introduction I can think of in current memory. Anyway the following chunk is very well done past the two-minute mark. I think I was in heaven before the beat kicked in and the kick-drum broke that "still" state of mind, or the relaxed state I was in to a degree. But Afgin had to evolve this song or the intro would have overstayed its welcome and become less effective. I realize that. The song consistently rides the peaceful, melodic waves of love and light. It may be the least dynamic song on CD1, but it is the most emotive due to a wonderful tune and how this artist chose to utilize it along with all other sounds. I have often felt that from around the three-to-six mark is good, but not as gripping as the wonderful, dreamy leading melody work. Such work is most prominent in the opening two minutes and again around the last fourth of the song. Could this number have been more infectious in the middle, had the artist decided to build a more dynamic and/or emotive structure than what is currently developed? I have often felt that way after the first two minutes, from around the third to fifth minute. During this part the track just becomes a bit too redundant sounding for my tastes and enjoyment. Nonetheless, Afgin adds some really nice key changes, melodies, and changes up the rhythm, making it more dynamic and catchy during the second half of the song. Part of me feels that this song could be even more effective as a downtempo remix. Nonetheless, if Goa had a New Age genre, this song would likely qualify as one very best. And that includes top, emotive Goa/Psy tracks from The Muses Rapt - Spiritual Healing to some early Yahel tracks, Emuna and more. This song is full of harmony, most enlightened when the dance beat slows down or disappears completely. This is one of the best Afgin tracks out there. The introduction of new melodies and an increase in dynamic melody arrangement/mixing in the last third is awesome and deserving alone of a higher score than my overall analysis. B+ 8. Ethereal - Moondawn is a continuously excellent, infectious, and involving immersion of sounds and melodies. Moondawn is enormously elegant, juicy, dreamy, emotive, and subtle. Yes, subtle. Subtle in that there are no wiz/bang special effects in the big budget Hollywood action movie sense. Not that any of the tracks had that feel to them on this album. They did not. But this track is all heart, like the last one, with very little to no show of ego or sensationalism. It's all soul, with no emphasis on "trying" to stand out and win over anyones approval. It "just is." The other songs generally did not feel as if they were trying, but this one flows like the water in the ocean from start to finish. Naturally, this liquid style is often associated with the artist(s) of Ethereal. I have seldom heard tracks by Ethereal that I would place on this level of excellence. Moondawn is both a superb number and closing to one of the strongest releases by Ethereal and Suntrip Records respectively, ever. A CD2 - Downtempo 1. Mindsphere - Frozen Sleep is a floating, peaceful, ambient piece that starts CD 2 extremely well. Although their is never a beat, the artist creates a heightened sense of energy, motion, and emphasis in rhythm and speed during the middle-third. I thought this was a great idea, for the song to develop into something more animated while keeping its celestial form. The middle of this song is excellent. That said, I found it a bit odd, initially, that the final third returns to the ambient, floating arena developed during the first third. It would have been interesting to see this final third develop into a beat or more motion in conjunction with the build up of the second third, or something more evolved. Nonetheless, the sounds are beautiful, and their is something tranquil and satisfying with how the gentle end fades into the next ambient song and the second tracks introduction. All things considered, act three of this song compliments the opening act on track 2. I'm really happy to see Suntrip Records acknowledge and sign Mindsphere, especially after the insanely vivid, gorgeous, and underrated Goa-Trance stormer, quite literally, of end-of-last-years Inner Cyclone. B+ 2. Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion Remix is beautiful. Actually, very beautiful. I love when Solar Fields makes this beat laced New Agey Downtempo tracks. This is actually one of the best songs I have ever heard by them in quite sometime. Okay so it follows the same path, but what an excellent path it follows. The female voices compliment; they add warmth and depth to a floating journey above the clouds, in the heavens, or whatever you fantasize being beautiful and set free. A- 3. Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin is the first song on this album that I equate descriptions such as intricate, dynamic, and cutting edge, at times. First off, many people loved this artist's Subliminal Melancholie's album from 2006. It was as if Suntrip Records asked for a combination of all of this artist's best work, from the spectacular Pierce Orielle, to Neverending Story and Tripad, but with more of a driving beat and emphasis on rhythm. The intro alone seems to out-due itself as far as mixing in the downtempo genre. During the first several minutes, I wondered if this excellent, developed, and catchy number would stay the same or change in someway. Around 5:40 such a change takes place. An interlude or sorts happens as the music fades into the distance. Suddenly at around 6:12 it reawakens with what appears to be a fresh melody or two and other sound enhancements. The song retains its form to a degree and becomes an evolution of its former self, until around 7:45, where it recollects itself for the next shift in style and evolution. This is one of the strongest tracks Electrypnose has ever done. It utilizes some of greatest ideas ever put out by this artist, both old and new, and combines them in a way that is just awesome. When this artist makes downtempo music like this I feel like I'm exposing my consciousness to some of the best Psy/Downtempo music out there. This artist has a style that is probably more unique and imaginative than even he knows, since us artists can be our greatest and also most critical "critics" after all. Now all we need is a smashingly kickass follow up to Subliminal Melancholie's. That would be amazing anyway. A- 4. E-Mantra - Secret Prophecy follows up the previous intricacy with a more soothing, gentle chill number. The opening sounds of nature compliment the soft musical tones. A beat kicks in around 1:54 followed by hi-hats, chimes, and a developing, accentuated melody. A really nice piano sounds arrives around 4:45. This is where the song shines the brightest, when all of its musical wheels are in motion, at their fullest. The beat leaves for the piano to play along with the mysterious orchestra. Before the interlude that ends around 3:30 it seems that the song has raised instruments to fulfill its first half. But the song continues with hardly any noticeable change past the halfway point until the end. It's all very nice sounding, but it lacks having feeling addictive to the senses. Furthermore, this number cannot come close to the previous delight. And I find it less compelling the further it drifts into space past the five-minute mark. However the ambient element is a pretty good idea as opposed to the previous sound repeating until the end. This is a pretty good track overall. It just doesn't grab and hold my attention as much as the previous tracks on CD2 so far. B 5. Aes Dana - Lysistrata is the next number on CD2 I define as infectious and gripping. Brooding, moody ambient fronts the almost two-minute introduction. Suddenly a beat arrives, both stronger and faster than previous tracks so far on CD2. Around 2:06 begins an extremely catchy melody that introduces the star of the show. The star is a cleverly altered and rearranged vocal bit from what appears to be a female's voice. Aes Dana really takes advantage of this element. They melody is skipped, echoed, and tweaked to various degrees in order to form artistically creative, albeit incoherent melodic sentences. The center interlude is floating, interesting, and placed at what feels like the most tactful location. Wonderful is how the music returns with more force around 4:28 as the music starts up again. Around 4:44 is the arrival of an excellent, fresh, and infectious melody lead that compliments the skipping, chopped up vocals. At this point, there is more drive and sound involvement in the song; the overall rhythm and sound arrangement appears more complex, varied to some degree. Just to top it all off, the catchy, female voice that had disappeared around the interlude returns. I'm happy to hear that Aes Dana faded this female star to let song breath before bringing it/her back to combine and close off the evolution, the final third of the track. It's nice to see this group take a different approach with a similar "skipping" concept. I love how they've cut up and rearranged the vocals. Moreover, I love how they keep their other foot knowing not to develop and left up fresh melodies, other sound/melody/beat support, around the main star, and the overall direction of the song. This is one of the most unique, catchy songs on CD2, although it does seem fairly simple in concept and execution. This number reminds me to some degree of a concept in the Kob - Weight Of Oblivion (Featuring Klara Steiner) track on the V/A - Twist Dreams compilation because of how it utilizes and cleverly exploits one ridiculously catchy, albeit simplistic sound-crafted melody. A- 6. Asura - Altered State begins very calm and gentle. This song has more atmosphere than virtually any other track on CD2, and where most prominent, it's excellent. Also satisfying is the growing development of this world, similar in concept but completely different in design and approach to Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin. A strong foundation is built before the arrival of a strong beat, complimented by stretches of atmosphere and motion. There is a wonderful moment of peace, without vibration or beat, during the second third of the song. The music returns as an evolution of its former self. I love the lead melody that begins from around 3:08 to 3:40, and reprises itself from 5:06 to around 5:38. It captures the driving number with emotion and contemplation. The melody makes me feel sad, uplifted, determined, and inspirational, all at once, and the beat accentuates such emotions. Lackluster in this number is the feeling of ascension, but that isn't what Asura was going for. I like songs that build up like this one, becoming more rich and substantial, developed as they progress. Altered States reaches a peek in the final third and sticks to a powerful, groovy, and driving force for several minutes. This is a very strong song, one who's ideas have been done before by the same artist, but in different shapes and forms; they seem to work every time. And the areas of atmosphere and how the film resurrects its destiny in the center interlude via the main melody is infectious. I'd compare this to Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion Remix because both that and this seem spiritually driven, as if in someway influenced or inspired by the heavens, the stars, and/or beyond the realm beyond conscious matter. B+ 7. SiebZehn - Bongalore and Beyond is by the only artist I was unaware of before. So I was skeptical. his track becomes very world-ethnic influenced around the gentle, meditative middle section, the interlude. But before this moment of peace, I was lost as to if the music was going to become more catchy and gripping. Fortunately, past the center interlude there is some really nice work that includes several layers of melodies, and other ethnic sounds. Could more work have been done to give this song more substance and cathy elements? I think so. The song isn't psychedelic and it's definitely not as groovy and/or as heavenly as previous numbers. Simply put, I find this track the least interesting on CD2. On the plus side, the instrumental guitar and/or violin strings in the second half is very pleasing. More musical elements like that may have turned this gentle flower into something more vivacious and intrepid. And part of me can't help but think that this song would have been fine on a different compilation. Regardless, it's not bad, or is it below average. I am sure that some people will like it, and I don't dislike it either. It's just nothing special as far as being all that "infectious" goes. B 8. Astral Waves - Contemplation is all about chanting hymn's in the beginning. Do you like the sound of deep, male vocals hymn's? You better. Because this is a lot more than that. Extremely ambitious, unpredictable, and musically full of life. I didn't know how to place this track in my mind when I first heard it. There is just so much going on, so my ideas. The track is basically split up into three developed chunks, with a transition so subtle that the only way you'll notice "change" is by the fact that the male praying and/or chanting hymn's dissipate and a flute of sorts arrives around the four-minute mark. The first is the hymns. Second is a very catchy Psy rhythm in combination to on-and-off chanting hymns. In this second third breeds new life. What seems like several melodies, gradually build into a field of life, like flowers and animals popping their heads up as if in domino effect in a subconscious field of dreams. It's as if all the dead grass or life from the previous season is being replaced with sprouting life. Naturally this is my way of describing the concept of a continuously involving, evolving stimulus of melodies, beats, ambient, atmosphere, and other sound effects. Sometimes I love this song. Or I admire it more than I can describe. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the dynamics in its tunes, as many melodic sounds appear to be raising up and down simultaneously. That is where I gained the analogy of new life, replacing old life in a field. The track is artistic and unique. This is the more musical, less beat complimented track I had wished the previous number to be. It will be interesting to see if others share my feelings here, or find the previous number to be more appealing. I however find this strikingly creative and individualized musically. B+ 9. Ra - Road To Shiraz begins with what appears to be children's voices. It's very world-influenced and I actually find this part one of the most catchy aspects on the song. Followed by a flute, several ambient notes and more, this number takes no detour from its opening ambient direction if it weren't for the catchy progression, beginning around 2:13. There is some interesting atmospheric and guitar work in the middle third, echoed clicks, and other sounds that will continue on and off throughout. Such sounds make this piece feel as if it would do very well in a historical drama, film. My favorite part of the song ends around 3:12. The guitar notes combined with the ambient notes do not jump out at the listener, but they're are very effective. This number shines again when it gains a bit more energy around the 4:30 mark. RA's track here has a very modern, albeit worldly and original sound and style to it. The artist has created another smooth closing track that ends the album really well. His previous track on V/A - Twist Dreams compilation was great, and it felt like an old-school, Downtempo/Goa sound revitalized in the 21st century. Here, the artist has made something that sounds completely new, not only traditional while under the title of New-School. Also noticeable is the fact that this piece isn't Goa, if maybe Psy influenced to a degree. I find RA's track at the end of V/A's Twist Dreams more to my preference in style; both are very well done. This one happens to be more instrumental, soft, and gentle. Hearing this closing song also makes me want to jump right back to the beginning of V/A - Opus Iridium, and start up the ignition all over again via CD1. B+ In conclusion, V/A's Opus Iridium is the strongest compilation Suntrip Records has released since 2005's V/A - Apsara, and the best compilation package they have ever released in their career. It is also the best release that this label has released since Filteria's Heliopolis and will likely be the most enjoyed and praised album since 2005's Khetzel - Corolle. And that is, if one were to exclude the classic Dimension 5 - Transdimensional Re-Mastered/Re-Release, because D5's debut initially stared under the spotlight on another label. Nonetheless, V/A - Opus Iridium is an excellent double album for those who appreciate top quality new-school Goa-Trance and Down-Tempo. I could just imagine Suntrip Records communicating with the artists, and doing their best to explain what they desired V/A - Opus Iridium to be. The final verdict may place this album ahead of every previous release, side for maybe Khetzel - Corolle for some listeners. Regardless, for any label to market two CD's loaded with strong tracks as a double album is virtually unheard of now days, save for Jikkenteki's awesome and underrated The Long Walk Home double album in 2006. I feel that Suntrip Records has accomplished their ambition: To compile and release two wonderful albums with all exclusive quality Goa tracks, back-to-back. There are no average tracks on the album or below. The least positive thing I can say about few tracks on this double album is that they're good. I highly recommend people who enjoy quality Psy, Goa, and Downtempo music checking Opus Iridium. Chances are you'll want to own it soon if you're a collector of top albums in Goa/Psy-Trance and/or Downtempo. Favorite Tracks: CD1: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 - B+ CD2: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 - B+ B+ Samples: http://saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=7130 http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut2cd010.html

I cannot currently think of an album I am more looking forward to this year.

Psychic Influence is excellent. Deep Space 5D and Flow are superb. On hearing the first one with the "consciousness expanding part," I sensed warmth throughout my body. The hairs on my head felt like they were standing up. Taking place in thast song is one of the most ascending sounds I've ever heard. Flow is another song that arrests my attention, consciousness in that deep, meditative zone better than virtually all songs here. Is it possible to give a song an 11/10? I'm just kidding. Flow is possibly the most elevated and dreamy Goa downtempo number I have ever heard. It would be amazing if these artists made a third D5 album, and captialized on these most powerful songs with deep, moving sounds and hypnotic, infected rhythms. Basically songs on the updated sound and level of the two I mentioned, plus some really awesome uptempo, mid and downtempo work as well a la the RA albums, but in the evolution of D5 of course. Having several superb climactic songs as Psychic Influence was here, but for our time now, would be wonderful. But they have to top it. They can and they must. I'd love to hear more songs on the level of Deep Space and Flow and beyond... because there are no limits... No rules... Develop the sounds that open the mind to the potential ... and develop the mind-to-soul connect so people can perceive their inner gifts, talents, and more. This is awakening music at times. I feel like the artists became aware of some very interesting concepts when experimenting, producing this album. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the third. Very happy I've finally heard this album. It's very well done!

The samples and album is now available on saikosounds and psyshop. Enjoy! http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7130 http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut2cd010.html

Can someone please post samples? It isn't on psyshop or saikosounds to date. All I can find is below.. http://www.entheogenic.net/ http://www.hunabku.biz/products.php?cat=143 Phuture Primitive's Sub Conscious album is awesome. It is one of the last albums I bought in the Chill genre that I say is excellent... and that was several years ago! I would really love a follow-up to that one. http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/wav/wav1cd001.html