Delerium Karma
Nettwerk 301142 1999
By Russell Garwood
Karma is the follow up to Semantic Spaces from industrial masterminds Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb, the sole members of Delerium, who were also responsible for Front Line Assembly and Intermix. Deleriums music differs greatly from that of Front Line Assembly however, being primarily world ambient; albeit in a particularly dance-like form. Karma is the pairs most Enigma-esque album, but is darker, more electronically based and edgy than their counterparts. Noticeably, the majority of the flowing songs on Karma feature prominent vocals with lyrics written by the singer; on this album these include Canadian folk musician Sarah McLaughlan (Silence), Camille Henderson (Duende), label-mate Single Gun Theorys Jacqui Hunt (Euphoria (Firefly)) and Kristy Thirsk of Rose Chronicles on 3 tracks.
If you are new to the band, Deleriums music contains myriad instruments, including middle eastern percussion, ethnic woodwind instruments, Spanish guitar and Indian Sitar as well as Gregorian choirs (for the first time recorded live) all within carefully structured dance music. Standout tracks include the hit single Silence in its original form (not the less substantial, simplified version released into the charts), and Euphoria (Firefly). Both Forgotten Worlds and Remembrance feature Dead Can Dance samples which complement the detailed programming, strong drums and inter-woven melodies well. The album is well produced by the duo and Greg Reely, and while not hugely original, the music is extremely well executed, complex and intricate.
Whilst this is one of Deleriums darkest and least accessible albums, Karma is also one of their most rewarding and emotional. Poem may be the best album to familiarise yourself with the band, but this should definitely be your second purchase.
Nettwerk 301142 1999
By Russell Garwood
Karma is the follow up to Semantic Spaces from industrial masterminds Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb, the sole members of Delerium, who were also responsible for Front Line Assembly and Intermix. Deleriums music differs greatly from that of Front Line Assembly however, being primarily world ambient; albeit in a particularly dance-like form. Karma is the pairs most Enigma-esque album, but is darker, more electronically based and edgy than their counterparts. Noticeably, the majority of the flowing songs on Karma feature prominent vocals with lyrics written by the singer; on this album these include Canadian folk musician Sarah McLaughlan (Silence), Camille Henderson (Duende), label-mate Single Gun Theorys Jacqui Hunt (Euphoria (Firefly)) and Kristy Thirsk of Rose Chronicles on 3 tracks.
If you are new to the band, Deleriums music contains myriad instruments, including middle eastern percussion, ethnic woodwind instruments, Spanish guitar and Indian Sitar as well as Gregorian choirs (for the first time recorded live) all within carefully structured dance music. Standout tracks include the hit single Silence in its original form (not the less substantial, simplified version released into the charts), and Euphoria (Firefly). Both Forgotten Worlds and Remembrance feature Dead Can Dance samples which complement the detailed programming, strong drums and inter-woven melodies well. The album is well produced by the duo and Greg Reely, and while not hugely original, the music is extremely well executed, complex and intricate.
Whilst this is one of Deleriums darkest and least accessible albums, Karma is also one of their most rewarding and emotional. Poem may be the best album to familiarise yourself with the band, but this should definitely be your second purchase.
