Beautiful, dark mysticism from Finland
596259
Beautiful album. Kind of reminds me of being in an long-abandoned Finnish summer cottage on autumn while contemplating the thought of suicide.. The first track, Nkin Laulu, is by no doubt the most shiny gem of the album where as some songs sound a bit like some old Finnish ballads ("iskelm"). While they play more like gloomy folk songs with acoustic instruments and sort of in a progressive rock kind of way, Tenhi has this certain metal-thing going on in the background and I think the resolution works very well, especially if your into Finnish folklores and mystics and/or folk music in general. The music is very polished,songs are well arranged and the instrument playing is good. This album would be certainly one of my recommendations if your thinking of a souvenir from Finland since this works just fine for non-metal listeners also (if you liked Ulver's Kveldssanger, you're most likely gonna dig this one too). For those pitch-black autumn nights preferably with some cheap red wine.
1570417
Kirja oli erinomaista Dannika Darkia. Se alkoi vauhdikkaasti ja intensiivisesti, mutta silti riitt&auml;v&auml;n syv&auml;llisesti, ett&auml; p&auml;&auml;henkil&ouml;&ouml;n pystyi samaistumaan. Kannattaa ehdottomasti lukea, jos kaipaa paranormaalia fantasiaa sopivasti romantiikalla ja huumorilla h&ouml;ystettyn&auml;.

Nelj&auml; t&auml;hte&auml; tulee siit&auml;, ett&auml; loppu tuntui hieman nopeasti kasaan kurotulta. Ihan kuin sivum&auml;&auml;r&auml; olisi t&auml;yttynyt eik&auml; kirjaa olisi saanut viimeistell&auml;.
1711782
This is one of those great albums that may suffer from oblivion, unless people who appreciated its beauty begin to share about it. The whole set of songs maintains an amazing level of realization, both lyrically and in terms of its hushed arrangements. Early on, its mood and unassuming depth of feeling, reminded me of another, recent folk jewell: Damien Rice's "O." Like Rice's, this a work profound longing and immediate tenderness. Both these CDs showed the possibilities of nuance and range that new Folk singers are exploring. Its easy access is far from announcing its lack of superficiality. It's hard to recommend songs here, given the quality of all of them, yet "Amanda's Dream," "Poetry and Aeroplanes" and "I Was Just Thinking," are particularly glorious. I love that young men, like Teitur, are willing to shudder and wonder at their lives this openly, in the context of truly wonderful songs.
1986069
Finland definately has some great bands that comes out from its fridgid temperatures yearly. Amorphis, Children of Bodom, Sentenced, Kalmah, are just a few. However, when I purchased Norther's Mirror of Madness, I found yet another great album and band from Finland.
  Now, I should get this out of the way first and foremost before going on. Norther does sound like Children of Bodom on Bodom's album Follow the Reaper, but only in two aspects. Number one, the vocals. The vocals definately sound like Alexi Laiho, I mean, almost indestinguishable. Not that this is a bad thing, but people could get confused if they don't know who Bodom is to begin with. Like COB, Norther uses a dual guitar attack with melodic and harmonizing keyboards. Unlike Children of Bodom however, Norther uses their keyboards more as a seperate independent entity, meaning the keyboards are more in the background then in Children of Bodom, who uses their keyboards heavily to influence the guitars, especially the leads. Norther uses the keyboards not to necessarily flow with the guitars, but to compliment them in certain fills, and to be used as a completely seperate instrument.
  As I mentioned eariler, vocalist Petri Lindroos sounds almost exactly like Alexi. However, he also plays lead guitar, like Alexi...but hes an excellent guitarist with some blazing solos on this album. Now even though he even looks like Alexi, could probably pass as his long lost brother, right down to the black painted finger nails, this is only a very eerie thing I am pointing out to anyone who watches the bonus video that comes on the USA version.
  Now the music itself. Norther's music is much more mid tempo and mid paced then bands like Kalmah and Children of Bodom. Where as Kalmah is more black metal, and Bodom is much more fast paced thrash, Norther goes inbetween and blends very nicely, a mixture of mid paced, melodic thrash black metal. The guitars, like a lot of Finland bands, sounds like there is a lot of chorus or reverb on them to give them that special "Finland" sound. Even though some of the songs on this album are mid paced, Norther does pick it up pretty damn fast in songs such as "Blackhearted" and the title track "Mirror of Madness". The bass on this album is heavy hitting, with some impressive lines that compliment the hammering drums nicely.
  The one thing that makes Norther stand above Children of Bodom are the lyrics. Where as Children of Bodom's lyrics are very short, not seemingly to be well thought out, and just thrown onto an album as an after thought, Norther's lyrics are much more in depth, and more well written.
Is Norther better then Children of Bodom? In my opinion no, but they sound great anyway and I look forward to many more releases from this band.
 Memorable Tracks: Blackhearted, Unleash Hell, Mirror of Madness
182673
This is Wardruna's debut album, and the first part of a planned trilogy. It wasn't what I expected, because reviews seemed to compare them to Sigur Ros, but I found this music to be very different. In a nutshell the music is traditional Nordic instruments (different types of percussion, flutes, and violins) combined with the Tuvan mouth harp. The Tuvan mouth harp has a twangy guttural quality that is multi-tonal in nature and is extremely hypnotic. Just for fun I played this album and simply fell asleep with it playing one night expecting to have horrifying dreams of demons and pagan worship. It actually had the reverse effect and I had a very calming, peaceful dream.

If you're a fan of more natural sounding music and don't mind Tuvan throat singing, I strongly recommend this album. I have to say I fell in love right away. As a side note, each song I believe is influenced by a different Nordic rune. Each rune having a quality or persona that is embodied by the song, such as fire or wind. I really think repeated listenings are necessary because each song embodies so much. It's really genius, and I commend the band for producing something so magnificent.

Thanks!
1521169
Utilizing her unique, powerful voice and seemingly unlimited creative sprit to update the traditional music of her Sami cultural roots, Mari Boine takes the listener on a journey back in time, to when these songs and stories were uses to preserve the history and soul of a people.  She beautifully combines ancient, traditional instruments and forms with an unmistakable, unrelenting 'groove' -- not totally unlike the work of Hedningarna and other young Scandinavian bands, but completely individual.  No one else sounds like this.
The album is generous in length, at over an hour, and attractively and informatively packaged.  The booklet offers English translations of the songs, and there's also a nice essay on the cultural background of the artist and the material.  The songs speak of love, of the hardship of living in such a rigorous, demanding environment, of family, of joys and sorrows, and of the stark beauty of the natural world.
For a recording utilizing mainly acoustic instruments, the power here is stunning.  The only electric instruments credited are guitar and bass.  Also present are violin, ocarina, flutes, dulcimer, melodica, chillador, charango (!), drums, and a vast array of percussives.  The effect is beautiful, hypnotic, mesmerizing -- and extremely powerful.
Mari has one other recording, GULA GULA, available domestically (it quite appropriately appeared on Peter Gabriel's Real World label), and several available as imports.  How she has escaped wider attention on these shores is a mystery to me.
4019922
By Beth Lowell for the Reiki Digest

Celeste is a Reiki Master/Teacher and holistic practitioner in the South West of England who has taught Reiki in its original form since 1997. Her CD, Reiki Meditations - Energy Purification, Self Healing and Distant Healing, includes Japanese Reiki meditations in the tradition of Mikao Usui. It starts out by introducing the listener to Hatsurei Ho, and then continues through each step clearly explaining the meaning of the Japanese name and purpose for each ritual:

 Kenyoku or dry bathing
 Connecting to Reiki
 Joshin Kokkyu Ho - a breathing exercise in which the listener visualizes breathing white light in through the crown and out through the body into the universe
 Gassho to focus
 - an exercise in which the listener imagines breathing in and out of the tanden, through his or her hands
 Contemplation on the precepts

Hatsurei Ho is followed by two guided meditations, the first on self-healing, and the other on distant healing.

Celeste includes explanations of Japanese concepts, phenomena practitioners may or may not experience, and her gentle guidance allows the listener ample time to relax, connect and remain focused throughout. I would recommend her CD for these reasons alone.

But Celeste is not only a Reiki practitioner. She's also a gifted singer who believes in the healing power of music. The background on this CD is a rich tapestry, woven of layers of Celeste's voice, birdsong from her garden, and the sound of water. The combination is amazing and the result is transcendent. It's hard to describe it with any word but ethereal.  Listening to Celeste's music alone is a healing experience, one in which the love and intention she brings to it are undeniably evident. This in combination with the relaxed pace of the Reiki meditations creates a powerful and resonant experience that listeners will want to hear often.

Celeste says she sings with the angels. After listening to this CD, I'm inclined to agree.
901806
Rachmaninov's wonderful setting of Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Bells" certainly does not get enough attention. Jarvi and the Scottish National Orchestra make this abundantly clear in this atmospheric, almost mystical recording of it. When in top form (and he certainly is in top form here) Jarvi is a master of the Russian romantic idiom. He imparts a passion to these proceedings which has rarely been matched. It is almost a sin to compare this excellent recording with others. The only one in the same league would be Dutoit's with Philadelphia. Yet for all of the Dutoit's icy beauty, there is something to be said for the warmth and space brought by Jarvi and his team. The Tchaikovsky Festival Coronation March makes an ideal counterpoint to The Bells. All in all, a great program. Highly recommended.
3616505
Dark paganism and spirituality aside, this book is a fantastic modern adaptation of Jungian theory (esp. "the shadow"), which can be very therapeutic for those who find themselves stuck between the "goodie-goodies" and the gung-ho Satanists.  While this book definitely appeals to those who veer towards the "darker" path, it is in no way extreme to that end.  I found it to be much more about the theories behind darkness and paganism (or whichever alternative lifestyles), rather than about the nuts and bolts of practical paganism.  It is very refreshing to see someone else who is paying attention to the concept of achieving **balance** for personal growth, rather than adopting a brand of spirituality as some crutch or political statement.  I was on Mr. Coughlin's mailing list for a long time awaiting this book's release, upon which it greatly exceeded all my expectations.  If you like dark spirituality and/or paganism, but can't stand the "fluffies" and don't agree with the Satanists, this is your book.
2544279
Innerst I Sjelen from 1994 is the first of Sissel's albums that consists predominantly of traditional Scandinavian folk music. It is exquisitely beautiful and my favorite among her releases. Many of the songs have a religious bent and the music reflects it in their gentle hymn-like nature. I love almost every piece here but standouts include "Tidin Rennur" (Time is Flowing), "Som Fagre Blomen" (Like the Fairest Flower), "Bred Dina Vida Vingar" (Spread Your Wide Wings) and of course the title track, "Innerst I Sjelen" (Deepest In The Soul). "Se Ilden Lyse" (See the Fiery Light) is the Norwegian version of the official theme song of the 1994 Winter Olympics, "Fire In Your Heart", which she sings here with Placido Domingo. "Alma Redemtoris Mater" (Loving Mother of the Redeemer) is a Marian antiphon dating back almost a thousand years to the 11th Century but Sissel's version, even with its modern drumbeat, is the one I prefer over other more traditional settings (usually with unaccompanied male chorus). As a previous reviewer has said, these songs come from all across the Nordic lands and we get to hear Sissel singing in Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish. Beautifully recorded, this is a delight to listen to.

Note: This was just $20 a few weeks ago. It seems Amazon has upped the price recently. You might want to wait till it drops again to something more reasonable.
2959492
This splendid book, written by one of the greatest influences on western occultism, is highly recommended for the sincere and serious students and initiates of the Western Occult Tradition.  The book is broken down into two books of 22 chapters, 22 to signify the 22 Greater Arcanum of the Tarot and Kabballah.  Yet, sadly, as most of the modern great occult minds are confused with the new age isms and skisms, the secret keys of this Kabbalistic, Gnostic treatise is either lost or forgotten.  There is another book, that has been recently translated from its original language that not only unveils the Kabbalistic synthesis within all ancient religion (as Levi beautifully expounds upon) but also this book reveals the ancient and secret keys that are the "foundation" of all the Occult traditions.  This book was written by the Gnostic Master Samael Aun Weor.  The book is called "The Initiatic Path in the Arcana of Tarot and Kabalah".  It is difficult to find, yet one can contact a Gnostic Institute nearest you (gnosticinstitute.com).
4489014
Estonian composer Erkki-Sven T&uuml;&uuml;r (b. 1959) started his musical career in a progressive rock group, but the music on this disk is quite far removed from that style. Indeed, it is difficult to categorize T&uuml;&uuml;r's music. It is clearly contemporary, but yet has elements of many musical eras as structural elements, but yet without at all sounding like a mere concatenation of styles. This is music that is boldly original, striking in sonority, and although it may seem off-putting at first hearing, it is very, very compelling, pulling the listener into a new universe of sound. The first few measures of the first cut, Architectonics VI, announce that this is music not quite like anything else you have heard before. The five selections on this CD vary in musical style and setting, ranging from orchestral to chamber to choral settings, but all are filled with vision, imagination, and wonder. How exciting and wonderful to it is to herald a major new composer!
1272733
This is a quite an interesting album. Metamorphosis of greek chants, avantgard  and electronic music. It is quite dark, moody and cinematic. Highly recommend it.
3051927
Description From the back of the book: The ancient Norse knew a rough magic drawn from the beautiful grandeur of vast mountains and deep forests, from the power of rolling oceans and thundering storms. This religious and  magical system of explorers, farmers, warriors and hunters went with the  Vikings to the to the New World, and was practiced across Europe &  eastward to the steppes of Central Asia. The rites and beliefs that  sustained the Norsemen have been brought compellingly into the present in  The Rites Of Odin. Here is a complete sourcebook on Odinism which brings  the ancient values back to these turbulent times. The material is authentic  and the presentation is poetic and powerful. This book opens the door for  the solitary seeker, for groups who have chosen to follow fhe Old Ways, and  for families who wish to be unified by warm and close ceremonies. This book  puts forth the message, in rites, practice and background lore, that you  are uniquely important. You are in charge of your own destiny. The family  and friends that constitute your "extended Family" are also  important: by working together and helping one another, all of you can  prosper and be happy. The archaic Way of Valhalla has a beauty, magic,  magnificence and power that has not lessened over the last 100 years.  Today, as well as in ages long past, it remains the way of the bold.  "...For many years Norse and Saxon neopagans have been starved of  suitable ritual inspiration. This has now changed and Fitch's ritual  workbook will be one of the great benefit to those following the Northers  Mysteries." --The Cauldron  "...For those with children who are  looking for a Pagan way that is warm and poetic, with magic and mystery,  and with powerful messages for us all, here is a book to look at."  --Pan Pipes  Write me and I can tell you if we have it on sale NOW at our  auctions!
1346762
Take everything you love about Tom Waits' junykard orchestra and combine it with the elegance and beauty of Icelandic folk music. This is Amiina, the female quartet who will make you wonder why more musicians don't learn to play the saw. Their debut album, Kurr, (the Icelandic word for a bird's coo), is a 12-song lullaby on acid. It employs twenty instruments, each woman taking a turn at playing each instrument to achieve a multitude of unique sounds. Sparely used vocals add to the ethereal quality, and by the end you'll want both a mug of warm milk and an unfiltered cigarette.

Unlike most industrial music, their sound is rooted in the organic element of folk instrumentals, which lends a tender quality. The four bandmembers first gained recognition as the string backup for fellow Icelandic band, Sigur Rs. But these talented ladies, who first met at the Reykjavik College of Music as classically trained students, shine brightest when they have the spotlight to themselves. Their delicate attention to the subtleties of each instrument, and their perfect pitch and timing, betray their classical background. Kurr quickly rises above such limitations, to explore an atmospheric sound that conjures images of damp Icelandic winters, volcanic mountain ranges and rocky seaside cliffs.

Iceland is a magical land, at least that's what Bjork told me. Now, thanks to Amiina, I know it's true.
2063665
This is one of the best albums I've heard in years. Music is uplifting, powerful and cinematic. It's not dark like some of the Nightwish material but it's still very much Tuomas Holopainen! Majestic choruses, huge strings and percussion. Definitely for music enthusiasts who want to hear something different.
1498566
Silvana Licursi creates beautiful, haunting, ethereal songs that sound medieval and classical rather than traditional - they are a tribute to the Albanian community which has existed in Italy for over 500 years. The photo of Silvana ... looking into the distance, as if experienceing a vision, while holding an Albanian styled lute, carved with a double headed eagle ... is highly symbolic of her nostalgic expressive voice ... as well as the contents of the CD.
Nostalgia, memories, longing - these are what I feel although I do not understand Albanian. The quality of Silvana's voice, the emotional inflection, express the depth and feeling of her soul.
The English translations of the lyrics in the liner notes are simple words that express the heart-felt complexity of life ...  For instance, on track #1, "The Hawk" we learn it is a sunny day without a wind, when the singer views a hawk in the sky, who speaks her language... she also sees a violet of great beauty which she picks ... flowers become a symbol of love as a lover speaks about the girl in the mountains, who needs to show her heart (feelings) to him. He invites her to visit him. "The Nightengale" is one of the most meaningful songs on this CD.  It describes a young girl beseeching whoever hears her, to bury her with two wholes in the ground so she can hear the song of the nightengale. The chorus beckons everyone to dance & let's us know "he picked the most beautiful girl". Next verse, the yong girl heard a price being discussed ("the bride's price". The young girl is weeping - at the thought of leaving her mother and father. She is reassured by the chorus, there are still beautiful flowers on the mountains and the plains. She is reassured life is still beautiful and good ... the chorus tells her she will have other relatives and family. The girl agrees to live where "her palace is built" - the new home she creates with her husband. Track #8, sounds Sephardic, the music is extraordinairy, very Meditarranean, with a Yiddish sound.
This CD is very valuable because it preserves Albanian songs and music from the past. The CD is extraordinairy due to the voice of Silvana Licursi. Ms Licursi provides an artistic interpretation and quality to each song which few can equal. Erika Borsos (erikab93)