OBSIDIAN DREAMS is a sonic testament to the spiritual properties of healing stones and the power of its energetic vibrations. Each of the 4 tracks starts off slowly, building momentum on its free-flowing impulses and steering through various atmospheric settings. Passages are symphonic in nature, inspired from a tone poem with a space ambient approach. Throughout each track is an emphasis on harmony and tranquility balanced with an underlying restless energy with its own aural elements.

The Obsidian Stone is known to have mysterious properties and it is precisely this knowledge that the album takes its cue from, whether it is via gentle and soothing sustained notes, or dark, pulsating, tribal overtones. All tracks are mastered in 24 Bit quality by Zac Tiessen.

From JUNKEN ROM:

“This second musical outing started more as an experiment into the long form style while working on another album. I was mostly inspired by how an ambient master musician like Steve Roach, was able to tap into the various sonic properties of his immense soundscape world every time for all of his incredible albums. It was trying to reconnect myself to the spiritual plane of existence, and contemplating life’s journey that has helped guide me on this particular odyssey.

The original piece was mapped out as a long track, symphonic in nature, and stretching over 70 minutes before being finally arranged into 4 separate tracks: Spirit of Magma, Viscosity Flow, Amorphous Journey, and Elixir of Healing. The idea is that each track can still be joined together to form a cohesive whole, while retaining the same harmonic and thematic structure, with an emphasis on spiritual healing and wellness. It has been quite a journey creating this album over the course of 2 months. I hope all listeners can enjoy it from an immersive and tranquil setting.”

Track Notes (1-4):

SPIRIT OF MAGMA

This track pays homage to the power of the volcanic phenomenon- building up slowly and bringing the various elementals into focus. Similar to the alchemical process, it brings into light the balance between the hot and semi-liquid state, pressure and temperature, amidst a mixture of minerals and gases. Buddhist meditation gongs are used to signify an awakening of sorts as one enters a sacred temple, ready to be enlightened. In musical terms, it is a metamorphosis of sorts; transforming audio textures behind a vast soundscape.

VISCOSITY FLOW

This track continues the journey and picks up speed- going into more expansive transient details as it examines the various mineral properties. Textures are both subtle and heavy at times- always moving constantly, multi-directional and never in conflict. Rhythmic pulses are scattered sporadically and blended into the ebb and flow of various ethereal drones and pads.

AMORPHOUS JOURNEY

Amorphous Journey continues with the ebb and flow of the previous track with sparkling arpeggios and gentle layering of atmospheric sound textures. The second half takes on an airy and meditative existence along the currents of an imaginary cosmic wind. The result is much more relaxing in tone, preparing for the next phase of the journey that is much more intense and dynamic.

ELIXIR OF HEALING

The last track comes full circle and confronts the mystical elements of the Obsidian Stone, interlaced with smooth synth patterns, and even timpani rhythms, highlighting the transformative nature of the volcanic forces at work. The addition of Buddhist celestial gongs reconnects ideas from Spirit of Magma. Thus, some previous themes are revisited before the final phase that slowly shifts into a soft radiant glow, enveloping the aural being back into the warm comfort of a divine light to mark the end of this journey.


From Obsidian Dreams, released November, 2019