Search - Amethystium :: Isabliss

A terrific progression forward!

Ambient Guru | Vancouver, B.C. | 07/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though still very much Amethystium sounding, Oystein Ramfjord has taken this album and developed his sound somewhat. The results are in many cases breathtaking with most of the album having more depth, rhythm and beat then his past offerings. He still uses voices on Isabliss largely as an additional instrument with limited lyrics, much like earlier Delerium albums did. However, many of these songs are the strongest on the album with the vocals adding a sense of air and beauty to the rich beats.



Highlights for me include Treasure, Anthemoessa, Strangely Beautiful, Frosty Morning Bliss and my personal favorite track Silken Twine.



If your a fan of Oystein Ramfjord previous albums and/or early Delerium (Semantic Spaces, Karma era) then you will surely enjoy Isabliss!"

Entrancing evolution of sonic paradise.

Distant Voyageur | Io | 08/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nearly four years passed between Amethystium's last album "Evermind" and the release of Ramsfjord's latest release "Isabliss". Though it was certainly a while between including the release of a retrospective "Emblem", "Isabliss" is a marvelous evolution of sound from the past while maintaining much of the spirit of the old. "Isabliss" is comparison has a much more of a monochromic feel, like having a much grayer, more wintry atmosphere. Even some of the songs have a different melodic structure. The album cover artwork perfectly portrays the mood of the album in my opinion: Dark, gray, yet also entrancing and mesmerizing.



Some of the songs like "Treasure", "Anthemossa", and "Silken Twine" are ideal tributes to the atmospherics of their debut album "Odonata". Other songs like "A Small Adventure", "La Pluie", and the Arctic "Frosty Morning Bliss" have a far chillier atmosphere. Even more tracks have distinctly creepy undertones such as "Silken Twine" with it's unique change in melody towards the end.



Overall, "Isabliss" is a welcome and not overdue return for Amethystium. THough some may think "what took you so long?" after the long break after "Evermind", I enjoyed their first three albums and was totally content with Amethystium taking it's time and the end result is yet another fantastic addition to their musical catalog and a new chapter in their history. Highly recommended! :D"

JUST OK

J. Becker | New Jersey USA | 06/18/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought Isabliss as soon as it was available thinking that I couldn't go wrong. The truth is it's really not that great. I purchased the "album" on iTunes and listened to the songs on the way into work. It's my LEAST favorite release of the five that are available. Maybe it'll take some time, but my recommendation is if you're not familiar with Amethystium, definitely start out with Odonata and Aphelion. They will always be works of art!"