Amethystium

He does it again! I've been listening to Oystein Ramfjord's music for 4 years now. If I could sum it up in one word it would be "paradise". If you are new to this style of ambient, new age, electronic music I recommend "Isabliss" first. It doesn't have any chanting monks or foreign vocals which took awhile to grow on me with my first Amethystium cd "Aphelion". His music has to be the most beautiful in the universe. Oystein deserves the Nobel Peace Prize! My favorite tracks are A small Adventure, Treasure, Anthemoessa, Strangely Beautiful, Frosty Morning Bliss, and Silken Twine. This review is coming from somone who wants to start a progressive, neoclassical, melodic deathcore, jazz fusion, electronica band! Buy "Isabliss" today along with "Odonata", "Aphelion", and "Evermind", you will not regret it!

The music is soft to the ear, but I think does not overpass the themes on the prior three albums Aphelion, Odonata and Evermind still my favorites.

As an Amethystium fan from the beginning, I was feverishly awaiting this latest offering. Right out of the blocks, I was blown away by the curious, yet achingly beautiful "A Small Adventure." Living up to its name, this track clocked in under 3 minutes in length. Sadly, it went down from there. I was, at first, disappointed with the rest of the album, as none of the other tracks offered the interesting and new sound of the first track.
However, after playing the disc in the background at work, the rest of the album has grown on me and I have come to love listening to each track. I love the major/minor shifts and would appreciate more major, but, as stated in previous reviews, this album does have a grey, wintry feel.
If you love Amethystium, this is worth the $$, so pick it up.

Amethystium has been very high on my list of favorites since the first album, and this one is no disappointment! For the fourth time now, Øystein Ramfjord somehow pulls out of the trite "New Age" genre with something new and truly inspiring. As new age-flavored electronica, his compositions are richly textured with synths, percussion, flutes, strings, guitars, and female vocalise.

The last album from Amethystium was a retrospective of the so-called "Dragonfly Trilogy." Now with
Isabliss, Øystein sought to paint some different realms for us. The over-all tone of the album sounds brighter, following a trend within the trilogy as well. Specifically, the "eastern" vocal techniques and instruments have been exchanged for brighter, more western-sounding vocals and numerous violin passages. Both sound fantastic, and I tend to prefer this brighter vibe. However, compared to the eastern elements, their performance could stand some more emotion. Another shift is the percussion. There is both more acoustic drumming and more glitchy-ness in the electronic percussion. Isabliss contains one track that was initially released on the retrospective "Emblem." Happily, it is not the best track on Isabliss, so the thrill isn't spoiled. It is a fair representation of the new sound, but the tracks "Treasure" (which has full english lyric) and "Frosty Morning Bliss" really showcase it the best.

I must say that the last three tracks were a let down compared to the excellent first eight. `Silken Twine" starts out pretty cool, with perhaps the most compelling vocal on the disc, but it goes nowhere and has some weird whisper chanting at the end. "Dreamlike Insomnia" has all the classic Amethystium leads, but they all sound like a cheap imitation, playing over some monster-in-the-closet sounding of percussion. I guess the name is accurate anyhow! The last track is a typical Amethystium closer. It starts sort of dark and off-kilter, but kicks in after two minutes. But,

With killer tracks like "La Pluie" (containing the most crushing variation to date of his signature synth!), "Treasure" (english lyric, yet classic Amethystium), "Anthemoessa" (great acoustic Drumming), and "Strangely Beautiful" (soaring vocals and violin)--this album has been in my player a lot!

(Just one note for the folks who say it sounds 80s... You're likely not listening on a Marantz receiver and a Boston A100 loudspeakers ; )

It has been awhile since I listened to Amethystium. I admit I only own the first Amethystium cd ODONATA which I love. I finally am starting to play catch up with the new cd ISABLISS. ISABLISS is pure bliss for my ears. The blend of new age and ambient music, coupled with ethereal female vocals made ISABLISS an intoxicating listening experience for my ears. I find the music has a particular calming and soothing effect on me after a long day at the office. The mix of ambient, new age, and pop music has a very dreamlike sound reminiscent of Sleepthief, Delerium, and Conjure one with a dash of classical music thrown in. I really like the inclusion of a couple of female singers. Stine Maria Langstrand, Lee Nisbet and Irina Mikhailova all have lovely voices. Their polished pop vocals reminds me of some of my favorite singers that Delerium and Conjure One uses for their music. I also enjoy hearing the violin like on "Treasure" and "unbound". The violin adds a nice classical influence to the music. I love all of the songs on the cd. As hard as I tried, I could not find one song on the album that I didn't like or only found to be mediocre. ISABLISS is a slice of heaven for my ears.

As with all of the recordings to date, Amethystium continues their story telling by taking you to places you only dream of. This CD contains musical waves that create an ethereal effect. South Asian and a little Euro Techno beat, haunting chants and funky up beats. I have all of their recordings and enjoy each individually. There is always a surprise from one to the next. Gates of Morpheus, the god of dreaming, is my favorite track. The rythm is set to your heartbeat and background melody is a hypnotic Ave Maria of sorts. Imagine yourself taking an unknown road that leads you to the gates. You are greeted by Morpheus only to findout that Morpheus is in fact a woman who welcomes you in with her graceful and haunting chant. She beckons you in and you take a moment to decide. Finally you enter. The dream begins. She is grace. She offers you a place to rest. The little melody that follows tells you that you are now in her realm and may never leave this place...unless you want to. By why would you?
Have fun!

Some of the finest music I have heard in my life. The haunting sounds drift from one piece into another, and you hardly know it. Some of the sounds are completely foreign to anything I have ever heard, but totally marvelous. I have listened to this music all day long and well into the night, and have yet to tire of it. I give Amethystium and all of it's CD's a perfect five star rating. I enjoyed these CD's so much, that I have ordered and sent them to my sister in New Mexico, so that she can enjoy this beautiful music. If there were a ten star rating system I would give them all a ten.

An interesting journey through atmospheres and soundscapes. At first I did not like this album as much as their next album Evermind. Later, I listened to it again and heard how beautiful it was. It stands alone as a strong album. Amethystium may not be my first choice to listen to, but I still like them a lot, and Aphelion is worth a purchase. If you are a lover of New Age music, check out 2002 and Mythos in addition to Amethystium's next album Evermind.

Like a fane aged wine, it takes time to appreciate this exquisite album. I will admit that it took at least four listens of it to rattle my soul but rattle it did and I am glad I let the intimacy of this music into my conscience and soul.

Amethystium is an artist that throws a seed of desire into the listener, it slowly grows and lingers forever as the audience carries the faint memory of how lovely the music was and it keeps rekindling the need to listen to it as often as possible. This is a highly addictive artist and I can almost guarantee some sort of an obsession to form with anyone who enjoys this type of music. Similar artists include Yanni, Govi, David Arkenstone, David Lanz, Enigma and Delerium just to name some. The music is a mix of electronic pop, new age, some sparking piano and chant like melodies mixed in with angelic voices. It's the perfect thing to put on at night or when one wants to chill out and let the sounds take them away into far away galaxies of pleasure.

My favorite piece on this disc is Shadowloands - the deep, rich, embalming sound is almost hypnotic tune that always catches me under it's spell.

- Kasia S.

I have their album before this one called Aphelion. I really liked that one and think that this one is just as good. Lovers of New Age music should definitely check out Amethystium. And if you have all of Amethystium's titles already or want something different, check out 2002 and Mythos. They should keep you happy and entertained. They may even put you in a meditative state. Enjoy!

Absolutely the best in my collection

I listen to this CD at work every day - all day. I have over 3 dozen CDs at work, but always listen to this one.

Hi everyone, well, what can I tell? If you are the type on listening to mysterious, fairy songs, well, this CD is for you, I have listened to it many times and it's just wonderful music, I like it a lot, also try the other CDs from Amethystium, highly recommended.

I have 3 albums by Amethystium. They are all great. I classify them as instrumemtal New Age albums. The music is very relaxing, and is great to have on in the background when you're reading, writing, or doing something else where vocal music would be too disruptive. While there is some singing going on, it isn't in a language that I recognize, and the voice generally comes across just as another instrument, rather than a means of communication.

The music here is much more melodic, more like traditional music in its structure, than you would find in an "ambient" album. But it is also very smooth, flowing, with a rich texture with several instruments working together to create beautiful, soothing harmonies.

Maybe I am a unique individual, but I really like this music. I love the ambience, the mysterious beats, and the emotion this music will produce. This is my favorite of their other 3 CD's that I currently own.

The music reminds me somewhat of Delerium (in fact, in some songs you actually can hear parts taken from their songs). The big difference would be the voices are different--as with the beats. There is not really any singing going on, but the beautiful unknown feminine presence is still there.

The part I love the most about the music is that it isn't just plain ambience, it takes on dramatic changes throughout each song. I would definately recommend this to those seeking a unique style of blends with a mix of Delerium's style. My favorite songs would be Opaque, Enchantment, and Calantha on this CD.

this is the first amethystium's album i listened back in 2001. i loved it since i heard the very first track. amethystium's music is in genre similar to enigma, era or deep forest, but i enjoy it much more than other performers. it did not spread wide probably because of poor advertising. never get tired of listening to it. totally recommend.

I found this CD during a round of browsing in Borders. Remembering that it had been recommended to me through Amazon, i figured i'd give it a shot - i could always return it if i didn't like it. To heck with returning it! I'm hooked! You couldn't make me give up Amethystium's music even if you offered me all the gold in the world.

I dont understand why Ive seen reviews of this album being a rip off of Enigma and Deep forest.
To say its because he uses chants and flutes- is the most sorriest excuse to use for calling him a rip off. Its like saying every single band that uses a guitar and electric bass is a rip off of every other band that uses guitar and electric bass. Pathetic.
I think this is one of the most smartest made albums I have listend to in a long time. And If I had two things I could compare this to being in similar with, it would be of course *Enigma*, and Depeche Mode. I hear alot of cool leads and melodies that would sound more from the synthpop genre , and more of the ambient sounds that would typically fit the new age genre. I think Amethystium has created something new all on its own. And it is quite simply the most elegant album that I have heard in a while. Five star rating, Id advise anyone to pick up this album!!

Although Enigma's first primogeniture was phenomenal, this time, a decade after, Amethystium's work, managed to shock me again. This Norwegian composer has produced some trully stunning music.
Although the concept is not novel, the arrangements, the melodies, and the feelings are superior than any other New Age productions I have heard the last 5 years.

Odonata: Powerful, inspiring, melodic, mood-elevating music on the first listening
If I could find any flaws, I would mention the presence of some sample overload (especially the Commodore-64 synth samples)

Anyway can wait any longer.. Looking forward for Aphelion and Evermind.

This is Amethystium's first and best album in my opinion. Not only are the songs so original and melodic, they are so great to listen to especially for trained ears. These songs have depth and they sound more like mature music rather than other happy-go-lucky songs.

Kudos to Amethystium. You can't get bored of this album, trust me, I have it now for up to 7 months, and have listened to it continuously. Any New Age music fan must atleast explore Amethystium's collection, to have a huge selection. I used to be a Deep Forest fan, and still am, but Amethystium is added to my list. This album always sits proudly on my desk everyday.

I would recommend for great New Age album collections to have:

1) Australis - album name: Lifegiving (2005)

2) Deep Forest - their first 3 albums especially (1994 - 1997)

3) Adiemus - Adiemus

I am a massage therapist and purchased this for my work. The clients that get into new age music really like this, but it doesn't work for many. That being said, I personally find it the best of the best in this genre. A yoga teacher/friend bought this after hearing it while getting a massage from me and had to have it for her practice.

I heard about this album through word of mouth that it was similar to Enigma. So I checked this out for myself and found that this was a bit like Enigma but doesn't entirely resemble the quality and pure brilliance that Enigma is. Listening to this album reminds me of the PlayStation game called Ico. Don't ask me why, but it reminds me of it. With a haunting first track and a brilliant second track, Evermind starts off good as it draws the listener in to the dissapointing third track. However, the forth and fifth track are surprisingly good bringing Evermind back on its feet. The rest of the tracks on this album are quite mellow, slow and relaxing but nothing special.

Overall, Amethystium's Evermind is a good album that would interest anyone thats into world music. An enjoyable listen that has now got me interested in Amethystium.

Oh, Wow!
This is a cd that will be liked by all who enjoy Enigma, Mehdi, Adiemus, Delerium, Mythos or even Robert Miles. It is the very essence of good electronic new age. So tranquil, yet so spirited (and interesting coverart!), this cd is a refreshing break from my well-worn collection, I just keep wanting to listen to it over and over again. I am amazed!
It reminds me somewhat of Enigma, but still very unique. This is music to the soul. Absolutely relaxing, as well.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Mehdi ~ Instrumental Series 1-7 ..A True Gem...Samples are at SoothingMusic,Com...Just go Listen.

Evermind is a great CD. It did not instantly grow on me as did the other 2 and maybe that is why I appreciate it more. It seems darker but still dreamy and soothing. Amethystium in my mind is the best new age artist out there and all 3 albums rank among my top favorites with Enigma's first CD, Digital Moodz "Metamorphosis" and my latest favorite Achillea "Nine Worlds".

All in all I recommend any album by Amethystium. Each has its own personality which leaves the listener satisfied and wanting more.

This is and excelent album, with a perfect combination of relaxing and soft electronic music.Iwill buy the others albums of this artist.

I'm a big fan of "New Age" genre, I love and listen to Enigma, Delerium, Enya, Lesiem, Magna Canta, Era, Ryan Farish and Kevin Wood.. But after I listened to this Cd 2-3 times, I realized that this is really the "music for the soul" Amethystium is the best among the others. "Deepness" and melodic quality of the music is much better than Enigma, Delerium or any other artist.

The music itself is so deep and ethereal, full of emotion. It's the combination of darkwave, new age and ambient there are beautiful angelic vocals also. The songs are soul stirring, they are simply ethereal soundscapes that takes you to another dimension, another time...

The songs also have some of the most beautiful (and sad at the same time) melodies I have ever heard in my life.

If you like really deep, mystic and "darkly beautiful" melodic music, this cd is for you.

I do Reiki energy healing work and find that this CD (and all his other CDs) blend into the background and support the energy healing process. The music seems to bring out more subtleties each time it is heard and does not seem to get old. The music is rhythmic without the stimulating intensity of trance dance music and is therefore calming and grounding at the same time. The tonal pads transition well and form a rich harmonic background, while the melody lines add evocative emotional tones that encourage emotional healing. I highly recommend this CD for those who do energy healing and meditation, especially if you like the music a little more dynamic than some of the relaxation CDs that are around.

I bought this mainly for the reviews I read here. It is worth it. I am a massage therapist and hoped it would be perfect for massage. The clients that like this type of music absolutely love it. There are others who prefer native american, classical,etc.
I am pleased with my purchase, but find I listen to it more for me than for my clients. One client who teaches yoga bought this album after hearing it in my office. She says it works well for her yoga practice.

This would be one of my favorite Amethystium CD's. The music always seems to take you places without being overdramatic. The first song takes you from darkness to light (hence the track name "Shadow to Light"), which gives you the first glance at what is to come. Then we go into the mysterious beat of "Garden of Sakuntala", which by the way, I just found out recently was softly played in the background on the movie "Witchcraft" when they are at the "witch" shop. My other favorite on this album is "Gates of Morpheus".

Their unique blends and awesome sounds take one on a journey into the unknown. Excellent music to just lie down and take it easy after a rough day. Highly recommended!

Aphelion... The second Album of Amethystium will lift your mind and heart into areas of your immagination where thoughts you've tried to create that were hard are suddenly and gradually flown into your mind, heart and the most inner you of who you truly are as a person, a spirit of godly power where life seems easy and where you are the creator of your own destiny. My favorite from this album is "Shibumi" and "Exultation" that song has such an impact as do the rest but it's as though you can focus your mind on being able to create energy waves and feel that from your very palms.
This music is like no other new age I've ever listened to and it kinda gives me the feeling of being able to conquer matter, energy, space and time. Pretty much might give you the feeling of being a GOD over the samething and who knows... maybe more.

All of the albums are great! You don't know what you're missing out on when you refuse to listen to this.

The O.T.Alchemist

Amethystium is made up of Norwegian composer/musician Oystein Ramfjord. This compilation--2006's Emblem (Selected Pieces)--draws from Amethystium's first three full-length albums: 2001's Odonata, 2003's Aphelion, and 2004's Evermind. The 15 compositions are not in chronological order; of these 15 pieces, two of them--"Meadowland" and "Anthemoessa"--are previously unreleased. Amethystium stands out from most of the New Age music that I have heard. I became familiar with Amethystium through a satellite music channel. Amethystium is what I like to call beat-driven New Age music. Most of the tracks on this compilation display a nice menagerie of vocals. The music is lush, mysterious sounding, and regal. The compositions tend to start off quietly, but subsequently become more vibrant. I consider all of the pieces to be pleasant, and "Ethereal" is my favorite because of its gentle serenity--also, Gregorian chants are included on the outro. In regard to the CD booklet, it is well designed. It includes pleasant graphics, a photo of Oystein Ramfjord, and comments from him on each of this compilation's tracks. In addition, this album comes housed in a slipcase. The CD clocks in at just over 79 minutes. Amethystium's Emblem (Selected Pieces) is recommendable.

I first heard a song from this album in Pandora and after hearing some songs I decided to purchase this album. I am glad I did. I really liked all the songs in this album. it's so peace and relaxing to the mind. I'd highly recommend this album to anyone who likes Enigma kind of music.

This cd is a beautiful collection of the most beautiful and deep new age/darkwave/ambient songs in the world(The songs of Amethystium). All of the songs are remastered. Though I'd also want "Berceuse", "Withdrawal", "Paean" and "ilona" in this collection, still this cd is definitely worth buying.

Until recently, electronica or ambient of any sort had never been my thing - too dance-y and too boring, respectively. Then, somehow or another, I delved a little deeper into this sort of ethereal ambient music, and love it.

Amethystium's sound is a fascinating one: gentle, mesmerizing electronica (it seems crude to call it dance music, since it's really not), incorporating almost everything from female vocals to Gregorian-style chants. It's a bit classical, a bit pop, New Age, exotic - I've heard it called slightly gothic. It is, in short, many things.

The main downside is that it's not really the sort of music you can do much with except play in the background and relax to, and the songs become a little samey after a while, but they're still different enough to be able to pick favourites - Ethereal, Arcus and Anthemoessa are my personal top three.

Amethystium is all the more interesting for being the brainchild and project of a single person, Norwegian composer and musician Øystein Ramfjord, who has released three other albums under the Amethystium name. However, if you are new to his music, I would recommend 'Emblem' for a well-rounded sampling of his best works from the past few years.

[Similar music: Sleepthief, Blue Stone, Enigma]

I bought this cd after hearing a song on NPR. The cd was not nearly as good as I thought it would be. It lacks depth and emotion and in some places ends up sounding a bit one dimensional.
Not bad for long car trips or if you just want basic back ground music- but not the soul stirring sound I was looking for.