Mimi Page &#8211; SIDE-LINE

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil.

https://frontlineassembly.bandcamp.com/track/neuromotive

Bill Leeb – Model Kollapse (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Metropolis Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Bill Leeb, the legendary frontman of Frontline Assembly, as well as Delerium, Noise Unit, Intermix, Cyberaktif, and numerous other projects, is finally releasing his first solo-album after all these years. Model Kollapse draws inspiration from the world of AI and is infused with Leeb’s signature sound. While there are unmistakable EBM influences that echo Frontline Assembly, the album also incorporates elements from his other projects, making it distinctly Leeb. “Model Kollapse” is a meticulously crafted Electro piece that balances between intense, driving sections -my personal favorites, and more atmospheric, Ambient moments carried by rhythms. The album features guest appearances from members of ACTORS, contributing guitars and female backing vocals, and Mimi Page, known for her work with Delerium, lends her voice to the final track. Longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber also returns to produce several songs. Despite its strong start, the album concludes with a few weaker tracks, but overall, “Model Kollapse” stands as a compelling and polished addition to Leeb’s impressive discography. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Neuromotive”:

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

More details on Bill Leeb solo album ‘Model Kollapse’ out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:02:14 +0000

Out on September 13th via Metropolis Records is the first all solo album from Bill Leeb, titled “Model Kollapse”. The 11-track album “Model Kollapse” comes in two versions, a CD in digipak and a thick 16 pages booklet, and as a limited bleach effect double vinyl. The vinyl is limited to 500 copies and comes in extra heavy gatefold sleeve with seperate printed inner sleeves.

The first single “Terror Forms” features Shannon Hemmett of Actors and Leathers and will be out on July 9.

The album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance provided by production duo Dream Bullet and long-term Front Line Assembly / Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, plus regular mixing engineer Greg Reely.

Two tracks on the album feature Shannon and Jason from Canadian Electropop act Actors and one track has American singer-songwriter Mimi Page, who already collaborated with Bill on his Delerium project.

Tracks:

Demons
Exotic Matter
Neuromotive
Folded Hands
Pinned Down
Terror Forms (feat. Actors)
Muted Obsession (feat. Actors)
Simulation
Infernum
Fusion
Erosion through Time (feat. Mimi Page)

Bill Leeb from Front Line Assembly and Delerium fame to release debut solo album on Metropolis Records

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:13:20 +0000

(Photo by Bobby Talamine) Metropolis Records announces the signing of industrial-electronic Vancouver-based music legend Bill Leeb for his debut solo effort “Model Kollapse”, out September 13.

“The album explores the intricacies of artificial intelligence and the survival of humanity itself,” says Bill Leeb.

The first single “Terror Forms” features Shannon Hemmett of Actors and Leathers and will be out on July 9. This album also involves Front Line Assembly / Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, mixing engineer Greg Reely, Actors’ frontman Jason Corbett, and LA artist Mimi Page.

“We are proud to announce that Metropolis Records has signed Bill Leeb for his first solo project. Bill Leeb has had a prolific career as a founding member of Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly and Delerium. His music has been highly influential, and we are excited to see what this new chapter in his career will bring for him and his listeners,” says Nina Heckman of Metropolis Records. “I’m honored to fulfill my father’s (Dave Heckman who died in the summer of 2022) lifelong vision and to be doing this project with a lifelong family friend I can honestly call family (Bill Leeb). This project is near and dear to all of our hearts here at Metropolis and I know it would make my father proud.”

“Model Kollapse” marks Leeb’s very first solo venture since the mid-80s days of Front Line Assembly, when he used to make recordings in his bedroom and released them on limited edition cassette format. Almost four decades on, his new album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance from Vancouver/Toronto-based production duo Dream Bullet.

The “Terror Forms” single will be unleashed digitally everywhere on July 9. The full “Model Kollapse” album will be released on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally, on September 13.

About Bill Leeb

Bill Leeb, born Wilhelm Anton Leeb on September 21, 1966, in Vienna, Austria, is best known as the founder and lead member of the industrial music group Front Line Assembly (FLA). Leeb moved to Canada in the 1980s, where he began his music career.

Before forming Front Line Assembly in 1986, Leeb was a member of the influential industrial group Skinny Puppy, where he performed under the pseudonym Wilhelm Schroeder. His departure from Skinny Puppy marked the beginning of his prolific career with Front Line Assembly.

In addition to Front Line Assembly, Leeb has been involved in several other music projects, including Delerium, which achieved commercial success with its fusion of ambient and pop music elements. Leeb’s other projects include Noise Unit, Intermix, and Conjure One, each exploring different facets of electronic music.

Bill Leeb discography

Bill Leeb has had a diverse range of musical projects, each with its own unique style and sound. Here’s an easy-to-read breakdown of the differences between his major projects:

Front Line Assembly (FLA) is characterized by a dark and aggressive style, blending industrial, Electronic Body Music (EBM), and electro-industrial sounds. The music features heavy use of synthesizers and electronic beats, often exploring dystopian and sci-fi themes.

Delerium, on the other hand, focuses on ambient, ethereal, and electronic music with a new age twist. Its sound is soothing and atmospheric, emphasizing melodies and textures. Delerium often incorporates world music elements and features various guest vocalists, achieving mainstream success with tracks like “Silence” featuring Sarah McLachlan.

Noise Unit showcases a mix of industrial, EBM, and techno influences. Over time, the project’s sound has varied, combining harsh industrial elements with more danceable EBM and techno beats. Collaborations with artists like Marc Verhaeghen of Klinik add to its diverse range of styles.

Intermix leans more towards techno, ambient, and electronic music. This project focuses on instrumental tracks, blending electronic and ambient music with techno rhythms. It is generally less aggressive than Front Line Assembly.

Conjure One presents a melodic and ethereal sound, incorporating ambient, electronic, world music, and pop influences. It features prominent guest vocalists and offers polished production with a radio-friendly appeal, blending electronic beats with organic instruments.

Cyberaktif, a collaboration with cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy, delivers a dark and experimental sound. Combining the signature styles of Front Line Assembly and Skinny Puppy, Cyberaktif features heavy use of samples and aggressive beats, resulting in a dense, experimental industrial sound.

Equinox focuses on ambient and atmospheric soundscapes, similar to early Delerium works but more abstract and experimental. It emphasizes creating immersive sound environments with a minimalistic approach.

Pro>Tech is a dance-oriented project with techno and trance influences. It features high-energy beats and repetitive, hypnotic structures, offering a clear departure from the darker styles of Leeb’s other projects, aiming for a more mainstream dance music appeal.

Below are the releases.

Front Line Assembly

The Initial Command (1987)
State of Mind (1988)
Gashed Senses & Crossfire (1989)
Caustic Grip (1990)
Tactical Neural Implant (1992)
Millennium (1994)
Hard Wired (1995)
FLAvour of the Weak (1997)
Implode (1999)
Epitaph (2001)
Civilization (2004)
Artificial Soldier (2006)
Improvised. Electronic. Device. (2010)
Echogenetic (2013)
Wake Up the Coma (2019)
Mechanical Soul (2021)

Delerium

Faces, Forms & Illusions (1989)
Morpheus (1989)
Syrophenikan (1990)
Spiritual Archives (1991)
Stone Tower (1991)
Spheres (1994)
Spheres 2 (1994)
Semantic Spaces (1994)
Karma (1997)
Poem (2000)
Chimera (2003)
Nuages du Monde (2006)
Music Box Opera (2012)
Mythologie (2016)

Noise Unit

Grinding into Emptiness (1989)
Response Frequency (1990)
Strategy of Violence (1992)
Decoder (1995)
Drill (1996)
Voyeur (1998)
Dead Sector (1999)
Deviator (2021)

Intermix

Intermix (1992)
Phaze Two (1993)
Future Primitives (1995)

Conjure One

Conjure One (2002)
Extraordinary Ways (2005)
Exilarch (2010)
Holoscenic (2015)
Innovation Zero (2023)

Cyberaktif

Tenebrae Vision (1991)
Temper (EP) (1990)

Equinox

Holon (1998)

Pro>Tech

Orbiting Cathedrals (1997)

Delerium releases two singles feat. Mimi Page – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 22 May 2024 09:51:04 +0000

Out now are the new Delerium singles “Remember Love (Zanias Justified Remix)” and “Falling Back to You (Myon Remixes)” featuring Mimi Page.

US singer-songwriter Mimi Page was a featured vocalist on “Signs”, the 2023 album by Canadian electronic duo Delerium (Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber of Front Line Assembly). Two of the songs she contributed to on that release have been remixed by the US DJ and artist Myon and Australia-born but now Berlin-based solo performer, DJ and producer Zanias, with both issued as singles simultaneously. “Signs” also featured contributions from Phildel, Inna Walters and KANGA, next to Page.

Below are the two singles. First is the “Falling Back to You (Myon Remixes)” 3-track single.

Falling Back to You (Myon Remixes) by Delerium feat. Mimi Page

This is the “Remember Love (Zanias Justified Remix)” download on Bandcamp.

Remember Love (Zanias Justified Remix) by Delerium feat. Mimi Page

About Mimi Page

Mimi Page is an American singer, songwriter, and composer known for her ethereal, atmospheric music. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, and is classically trained in piano. She attended the Berklee College of Music, where she focused on composition and production.

Her music blends ambient, electronic, and dream pop elements, characterized by a dreamy, otherworldly sound. Influenced by a wide range of genres, from classical to modern electronic and alternative, her eclectic soundscapes are a key feature.

She has released several albums and EPs, including “Breathe Me In” (2011), “The Ethereal Blues” (2013), and “The Cure for Sleep” (2015) and has collaborated with various artists and producers, notably working with the electronic duo Delerium on their song “Days Turn into Nights.”

Mimi has composed music for film and television, creating immersive and emotive soundscapes well-suited for visual media and has also contributed to video game soundtracks, showcasing her versatility as a composer.

Interview with Bill Leeb Of Delerium: ‘Delerium Is A Healing Process, A Perfect Escape From The Aggression In The World’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber have been working together since the late 80s. They got international recognition in the EBM scene with Front Line Assembly. Next to other side-projects they also worked together as Delerium. The first album bring us back to 1988. I remember “Faces, Forms, And Illusions” as a kind of Industrial-Ambient work which also was the band’s main source of inspiration for the next few years. “Semantic Spaces” (1994) and “Karma” (1997) both revealed a different sound becoming more Downtempo-like while driven by sensual, female vocals. “Silence” became a word-wide famous hit while Delerium never stopped releasing new works in a similar style. They this year strike back with “Signs” (Metropolis Records) which is the duo’s first album in seven years. Sensual, mysterious and refined Ambient-Electronics featuring a few new potential hits. I asked a few questions to Bill Leeb.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: “Signs” is your first new Delerium album in seven years. Why did it take so long to release a new opus and what was the spark to start writing “Signs”?

Bill: We were taking a little breather from Delerium when the complications of Covid extended the giant gap between releases. What ultimately made a difference is that Rhys moved back to Vancouver, Canada, so with him being close by, we were able to start working again. Being in the same room creating together is what provided the spark that we needed.

Q: What are these “Signs” all about and how did you transpose it into songs?

Bill: Well, the title of the album alludes to the sign of the times. So much has happened in the world since we released the last Delerium album “Mythologie” in 2016. Yet with “Signs” the title came last. When we were on tour Front Line Assembly, we were talking about titles for the album, our guitarist Tim Skold threw the title at us and Rhys and I both liked it so it stuck. We gave Tim Skold an actual credit for the title on the album.

Q: What have been the different stages in writing, recording and production of “Signs” you’d to go through? And what have been the main challenges and difficulties you encountered?

Bill: When Rhys moved back to Vancouver (about 40 minutes from my house), it was great to be able to get together in a room and start writing. After 35 years of doing Delerium, that is still the best way. Ideas came up and we were able to the kick them around and work on them with consistency.

It is always a challenge to find the right people to work with. Many artists are working on their own bands and projects, collaborating is a different game these days and many are doing their own thing. I think we found the right balance. Rhys had worked with Kanga in the past, some of the other great vocalists on “Signs,” we’ve worked with before including Emily Haines (from Metric), Mimi Page and Phidel.

Q: That brings me to ask if you handle specific criteria to work with vocalists? And what’s their real input and impact in the lyrical themes and singing?

Bill: I think the thing that differentiates FLA from Delerium is that when we write the music, we think in terms of what voice would work on this or that song. The singers themselves write the lyrics, the magical part is that the instrumental music often drives the vocalists to lean heavily on atmospheric vocals and that is what Delerium is all about. It is collaboration in the truest sense. Mimi Page, contributes in a different way as she often presents song ideas as well.

In general, we always know when we hear something if it is going to work. This is the zone and kind of environment we like Delerium to work in. On “Signs” we found that perfect balance with all of the songs and the singers.

Q: I’m always wondering if you handle specific criteria and/or references when you’re composing your music? Are you perfectionists?

Bill: I definitely hear music and voices that influence the compositions. In the past, I’ve heard singers that I myself have contacted to collaborate on songs.

As for being a perfectionist? When we write something and it’s done, later, I always think I could have done that better or change that. Music is never ending, like painting. Even when it’s done, I think at the end of the day you have to know when to walk away and let other people hear it and hope for the best.

Q: Did you both need a special and/or different mindset when working on Delerium than on one of your other music projects like Frontline Assembly for example? How does it happen?

Bill: That’s really easy, most artists, painters or musicians have two sides. I find when tour with FLA, afterwards, we want to turn off that side of ourselves and become someone else for a while. Delerium is a healing process, a perfect escape from the aggression in the world. Delerium opens the door for us to diversity and brings us to the Trance, Ambient side of things and remix possibilities. That Dance world has created a whole new platform for us to exist on that is very separate from the world of Industrial music. It’s like a great escape.

Q: What does the front cover of “Signs” stand for and how important is the artwork -especially in times people are more into streaming than physical productions?

Bill: Dave McKean created the artwork for “Signs.” We’ve been working with him since the Front Line Assembly album “Millennium“ In 1994. Dave’s first Delerium-album cover was “Mythologie” in 2016 and it blew us away, so it was a no brainer for us to have him do this cover. Dave is somewhat like the singers in Delerium, he collaborates with us. We give him the title, send him some songs to listen to and he sends us image ideas. It is a real collaboration, he then sends us art and it ends up being the ideal cover. Dave does his artwork from scratch. It’s not an AI thing, it is real voices with real art. The bird on the cover of “Signs,” is like a phoenix rising in the face of the way things are in the world these days.

Q: Early Delerium-albums were remastered and re-released in 2022. There’s a gap of nearly thirty five years between your debut album “Faces, Forms, And Illusions” and “Signs” but is there still a deeper sound-connection between both periods? How do you perceive this impressive evolution?

Bill: Well, I wanted to give a shout out to the late Dave Heckman for rereleasing these on Metropolis and presenting them exactly as an artist would want. As far as the evolution of Delerium from those early years, many things came into play. During the first album I was still in Skinny Puppy, so it was really a side project. I was bouncing off things like Ofra Haza, The Orb and even Pink Floyd. I started experimenting with ideas, much of it was organic and made by hand, perhaps using some cassette recorders for sampling. We’ve evolved so much with technology, it was a natural evolution for Delerium.

“Semantic Spaces” in 1994, was the first time we would write songs like that and brought in Kristy Thirsk to sing. We received legitimate radio play and it was quite an evolution from our earlier material. We were able to bridge the two parts later with monks, angelic voices and classical influences with “Silence”, featuring Sarah McLachlan, and evolved even further. Now, with “Signs” it has quickly become one my personal favorite Delerium albums. And the flow continues even after 35 years. If it all ended today with this album I’d be ok with it, full circle, old meets new, keeping all of the elements and the sincerity of the project intact.

Q: What are the plans for Delerium in the next few months?

Bill: As of now, the album is only a few weeks old and we have just released the video with Kanga. We are working on another video, this time for “Coast To Coast” featuring Phildel. Then looking at possible remixes. There’s a lot to work with.

Delerium – Signs (Album – Metropolis Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electronic, Ambient, Cinematic.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: “Signs” is the first new Delerium studio album in seven years. Thirty five years separate this new work by Canadian duo Bill Leeb – Rhys Fulber and the debut opus “Faces, Forms, And Illusions”. Delerium went through an important evolution in sound and influences and became world-wide known for their master hit “Silence” (1997).

Content: The sound formula of “Signs” is quite comparable to the past Delerium albums. They create a heavenly, wafting, Electro-Ambient composition driven by slow, sensual, danceable rhythms. Mimi Page, Phildel, Inna Walters, and Kanga have been invited as guest singers for this work. Each of the singers injecting their own, sensual, touch to the work.

+ + + : Delerium remains a very unique experience in sound. I’ve always wondered how musicians who got some world-wide fame by a dark project like Frontline Assembly transposed themselves into a more accessible, danceable -and I dare to say commercial, project like Delerium. The songs are produced with subtle arrangements and refined by elevating electronics. The down tempo and vocals create a lovely, sensual, touch which remains a trademark of the project. I like the opening cut “Falling Back To You’ featuring the talented Mimi Page -who already sung on earlier songs. Another and more classical song is “Sun Storm”. Other noticeable songs are the dreamy “Glimmer” and the instrumental “The Astronomer”.

– – – : This is a well-crafted and ultra professional production which Bill Leeb’s consider as the best Delerium album to date. I’m however missing the early magic when Delerium moves from their darker Ambient experiments into their renowned downtempo, sensual, Ambient. That brings us back to the period of “Semantic Spaces” and “Karma”.

Conclusion: If you like Delerium you for sure are going to like “Signs” which features a few more new hits.

Best songs: “Falling Back To You”, “Sun Storm”, “Glimmer”, “The Astronomer”, “Coast To Coast”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Delerium

Label: www.metropolis-records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords

Delerium releases video for song ‘In The Deep (feat. Kanga)’ – new album ‘Signs’ out today

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:20:57 +0000

Out today is the all new Delerium video by the Canadian duo of Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber. Titled “In The Deep (feat. Kanga)” the track is taken from the band’s new album “Signs” which is out today as well. “Signs” features contributions from Mimi Page, Phildel, Inna Walters and Kanga.

Here’s the video for the new single, directed By Vicente Cordero / Industrialism Films.

Listen to the new Delerium single ‘Coast to Coast’ from forthcoming album ‘Signs’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 15:55:44 +0000

(Photo by Bobby Talamine) Metropolis is set to release the new Delerium album entitled “Signs” on March 10th. According to Bill Leeb, one half of the duo behind Delerium (next to Rhys Fulber), “Signs” represents a full-circle arc of the group, from its experimental beginnings to where they are today. Over the course of their 35-year career, the project has explored various genres of electronic music, including dark ambient, techno, and world music.

The lead single from “Signs,” titled “Coast to Coast,” features female vocal contributions from Mimi Page, Phildel, Inna Walters, and Kanga, each adding their voice and style to the music.

In addition to the upcoming release of “Signs,” Metropolis Records recently re-released the project’s entire catalog from 1988 through 1994, allowing fans to rediscover the group’s early experimental sound. The new album will be available on very limited edition white vinyl and compact disc, as well as all digital and streaming platforms.

Delirium released its last album in 2015, “Mythologie”, which is the fourteenth studio album by Canadian band. It was their first album for Metropolis Records. The album was produced by Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber with the help of Jared Slingerland and Craig Johnsen. Guestvocalists included Mimi Page, Phildel, Jaël, JES, Geri Soriano-Lightwood and Leah Randi.

Delerium returns with all new album in February 2023

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 17:40:09 +0000

A new Delerium album wil come out on February 3rd,2023 on Metropolis records. The release will be dedicated to the late Dave Heckman who passed away on Friday, July 29th this year, only 68 years old.

The album has been mastered already in September but you will have to wait a few months before its gets released. Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb didn’t announce any guest vocalists yet but Los Angeles based singer Lillian Kanga Duchamp will be part of the line-up for sure.

No more details are known for the moment about the new Delerium album.

PIG vocalist Raymond Watts featured on new single Black Needle Noise – listen here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 08:07:28 +0000

Black Needle Noise, featuring legendary producer John Fryer (Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, This Mortal Coil), has teamed up with PIG for the download track “Seed Of Evil”. “Seed of Evil” features PIG vocalist Raymond Watts.

Watts explains how the collaboration started: “When John Fryer called, it was like cream was fed to my poison crop. I was thrilled to lend Satan’s little helping hand to Black Needle Noise,” says Watts of the devilish collaboration. “The result from this marriage made in hell was appropriately called ‘Seed of Evil’ … it pours out of me into the night, where the devil ties it nice and tight.”

Fryer meanwhile states: “After many a moon passing we finally get to work together again. I had to find the right song for Raymond but I think we have a great noise-pop hit on our hands. It’s been a real pleasure working with Raymond on this and I can’t wait to hear it in the clubs.”

Black Needle Noise has previously released music featururing a diverse who’s who of alternative vocalists such as Mimi Page (Delirium), Jennie Vee (bassist, Hole), Ana Breton (Dead Leaf Echo), Omniflux (Puscifer), Kendra Frost (Kite Base), Andrea Kerr (Colt), Sivert Hoyem, Antic Clay, and ZiaLand, among others.

“Seed Of Evil” is now available on Bandcamp, and you can check it out below.

Seed Of Evil by Black Needle Noise with

Black Needle Noise – Lost In Reflections (Digital Album – Black Needle Noise)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 12 May 2018 19:30:15 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, experimental.

Background/Info: Black Needle Noise has been introduced as ‘music for the movies you haven’t dream of yet…’ It first of all is the music project set up by John Fryer who gained an international reputation as producer for legendary artists such as Fad Gadget, Depeche Mode, Clan Of Xymox, NIN, Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil ao. From time to time John Fryer also like to compose his own songs under the Black Needle Noise moniker.

Content: For “Lost In reflections” the legendary British producer invited some great artists to sing on his compositions. Bill Leeb (FLA, Delirium), Mimi Page (Delirium), Jennie Vee (Hole), Ana Breton (Dead Leaf Echo), Omniflux (Puscifer), Kendra Frost (Kite Base), Andrea Kerr (Colt), Sivert Hoyem, ZiaLand and Dr. Strangefryer joined hands with John Fryer.

The sonic universe of Fryer is clearly reflecting his passion for electronic sound creation. It sounds pretty pop-minded with a sensual touch on top because of the great singers. But the artists also like to create- and manipulate sounds and noises. It injects an experimental element to the songs, but also sounds minimal-like.
+ + + : What you expect from a sound producer is that he deals with a very own vision in sound and that’s precisely what comes through when discovering this album. John Fryer deals with pop, but composes his songs with industrial-like sounds. It creates a delicious contrast with the mainly female and sensual vocals. But the song featuring Bill Leeb (still released as EP title track) is also worthy of examination as it’s pretty hard to recognize Leeb singing in a different and still a bit sensual way as well. The singers have been chosen for their exceptional skills. Singers and music together create a styled sonic osmosis resulting in a few outstanding pieces such as “Teeth To Grey” featuring Omniflux, “Warning Sign” featuring Kendra Frost, “She Stands On A Storm” featuring Andrea Kerr and “Breathless Speechless” featuring Sivert Hoyem (reminding me of Nick Cave).

– – – : It’s not that easy to define the music of John Fryer. Even if I think that’s rather positive it’s not the most accessible pop releases and not the kind of songs you’ll directly keep in mind and sing along.

Conclusion: John Fryer accomplished an album filled with reverie, which also is an intimate composition featuring talented vocalists. But it mainly reveals a creative electro-pop process from one of the cult producers from the 4AD label roster.

Best songs: “Teeth To Grey”, “Warning Sign”, “She Stands On A Storm”, “Breathless Speechless”, “A Shiver Of Want”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /BlackNeedleNoise

Band: www.facebook .com /Delerium

Delerium – Mythologie (CD Album – Metropolis Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:05:52 +0000

Genre/Influences: Ethereal-electro, ambient-pop.

Background/Info: In 2017 Delerium will celebrate their 30^th anniversary. What originally started as a side-project by Frontline Assembly members Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber progressively evolved towards an international recognized formation. Delerium progressively moved into an ethereal-electronic sound mixing sensual trip-hop rhythms together with Gregorian chants and later on heavenly female voices. Their newest opus also is the first one released on Metropolis Records.

Content: “Mythologie” remains faithful to the sound-formula Delerium ever created for “Semantic Spaces” (1994). The songs are driven by slow cadences injecting this delicious, sensual feeling while recovered by low, resonating bass lines and impressive astral synth layers. The multiple piano arrangements sound like the finishing touch to this evasive opus.

You indeed feel like transposed among the stars listening to the angelic voices of five different female guest singers. Mimi Page is the main vocalist who was featured on four of the 12 songs. The common point between the singers is their transcendental power to get you into pure reverie. It sometimes becomes pretty cinematographic and I often get the feeling that the music has been composed to reinforce the magic of the vocals.

+ + + : “Mythologie” is an album in the purest tradition of Delerium. It’s not really into innovation, but it reveals a terrific, high-tech sound production and brilliant vocal parts. I also have to say a word about the lyrical content reflecting poetry and meaningful subjects about live and love. Delerium has created a very unique sound, which is accessible for a wider audience. The mix between ambient, ethereal and electro-pop is pure chemistry.

– – – : All the releases after the visionary albums “Semantic Spaces” and “Karma” never reached the same level of magic and that’s probably the main point that hurts. “Mythologie” is a beautiful album –and even better than some previous releases, but the magic is a bit gone and especially there when some passages are maybe a little less commercial-like.

Conclusion: If you’ve some doubt about the existence of angels you’d better listen to Delerium who makes them sing on the cadence of a sensual slow rhythm and the dreamy atmospheres of electronics.

Best songs: “Zero”, “Ghost Requiem”, “Angels”, “Blue Fires”, “Keep On Dreaming”.

Rate: (8).

Label: www .metropolis –records .com / www .facebook .com /MetropolisRecords