Customer Reviews

Auracle

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Amazon lists the Lesiem CD "Times" with this one as a special. Don't be fooled to think these are different CDs!! they are the same, though this one has English titles. Plus, the Import version contains vocals on a few songs by the fabulous Maggie Reilly (former vocalist with Mike Oldfield) and an excellent artist in her own right. Check out her solo works (her greatest hits is a nice place to start if unfamiliar with her) and buy Lesiem's "Times" instead!

I am hesitant to write a review about music because it is the most personal kind of taste of all. Most of us hold the secret belief that if people listen to our music long enough, they will see how good our taste in it is.

I heard this in one of those "artsy" crafts and dish stores, where they sold a lot of wood and ceramic products, in Cape Cod. They were playing it over their P.A. to get customers to buy it, and they succeeded.

The woman behind the counter told me that it was a modern-day "Gergorian Chant." But having been raised Catholic and taught to sing this and the "Tantum Ergo" in Latin, I was skeptical.

"Gregorian Chant," it isn't. It does sound like a cross between that group that played background music in Tom Clancy's "Patriot Games," and a new age done by that Dutch fiddler who overproduces his performances in European squares at night. (Okay, so I'm not so good with names!)

This won't beat classical, but it does beat new age. I enjoyed the harmonies. That's my preference. Read the other reviews and then decide.

It's strictly a matter of taste.

Dona nobis pacem!

This is the third cd from the amazing group Lesiem. The music on this cd is simply amazing and takes me on a journey from beginning to end without losing my interest. From the first track Humilitas that is majestic and moving to the powerful choir based song Caritas, this cd is so consistent and thematic it is such a gift. The production and song writing is more mature than their previous two records and it shows a growth in several directions for the group. More female singers involved on more tracks and full on string arrangements make this music mystical and magical. Hopefully, this group will receive the recognition they deserve. For anyone that loves the sounds of Enigma, Era and groups in this genre, Lesiem's (Auracle) is right up there all the way around.

I thought it was a bit of a departure from the previous albums Illumination, and even Mystic Spirit Voices. With those two it sounded like the beats were designed AROUND the chanting, while in contrast, the chanting in Auracle sounded to me like they were designed SPECIFICALLY for the beats. I mean, honestly, if any of the guys at my church started chanting like THAT, we'd assume they were on CRACK :)

Anyway, this album was more pop-like, to the point where I wasn't even sure it was Lesiem anymore (check out the track "Bonitas"). A lot more English vocals this time. It's definitely something different, nothing negative at all. I liked the CD a lot. I'd give it 5 stars, but I reserve that for albums that are TRULY special (like the album Odonata by Amethystium).

Auracle is a great addition to my library, and a must-have for every fan of the genre.

Having just recieved this ordered CD from Amazon.com, I decided to listen to it and was impressed. Lesiem has not weakened in its third installment and its road down mysticism and spirituality is set. 'Auracle', keeps the same ingredience as in the first 2 album releases by Lesiem.

Having knowledge in Latin served to strengthen my bond and feelings with Lesiem. Lesiem continues to provide amazement and finesse in its music. All tracks on this album from 1 to 12 are perfect and easy to listen to. The echantment of Lesiem continues.

Auracle continues Lesiem's musical journey with a magnificent collection of tracks. All your favorite qualities from the first two albums are here, but it still manages to move into new territory. There is more emphasis on non-chant vocals, so the Gregorian chants take a slight turn as accompaniment. For me, this gives the music more meaning. The electronic orchestrations are more lush this time around, which gives the feeling of being lulled and carried by the sweeping melodies. If you're a fan of Gregorian chants, this is a great record for you.

One more thing, the sticker on the case says "Sarah Brightman meets Enigma". This is the worst comparison. While Sarah uses choirs and such, the Gregorian chants do not evoke her style. Enigma simply doesn't sound like Lesiem (or vice versa) at all. They're more upbeat, electronic and abstract. A better band for compairson would be Era, which is almost identical to Lesiem's style.

"Auracle" seems to be the U.S.-packaged version of Lesiem's third CD, released in Germany with different cover art as "Times." The songs are the same, although they are presented in a different order, and a bonus DTS repetition of the song "Fides" is included on "Times." Overall, I have to say that I prefer the track order of "Times," which opens with a much more intriguing piece ("Prudentia") than does "Auracle." Neither version of the disc, however, was what I'd expected from Alex Wende, Henning Westland, Sven Meisel and company as a follow up to "Mystic Spirit Voices" and "`Illumination." Gone is much of the dark, brooding, almost Wagnerian atmosphere, replaced instead by many pieces in a major key that feature simplistic pop vocals. The glorious, deep-voiced choir drops in and out between the solo verses and voiceovers, but it's not as much the focus as in previous albums. I miss that. Granted, the insistent, Celtic-style drumwork that crops up in several pieces is a welcome addition to Lesiem's sound. And the happy, new melodies are nice enough, sticking pleasantly in one's memory after a few listens. But that's not what made Lesiem stand out so strikingly from all the other groove-chant groups out there. "Auracle" (and/or "Times") is a worthy work in its own right, with high production values, impeccable musicianship and lots of heart. But compared to the group's preceding albums, it's hard not to view it as a bit watered down. For other uplifting Latin chants with modern underpinnings, try "Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen" by Richard Souther, and "Libera," the luminous, self-titled debut album of Robert Prizeman and his talented boy choir.

I was very intrigued at the radical change in music style that LEsiem went through between "Illumination" and this newest album of their's "Auracle". Much brighter, more pop-like, the Enigma-like atmosphere of their last album is replaced by a more natural, earthier and generally much brighter sound and a lot of the electronic drum machines are replaced by what sound like more actual drums as well as a more classical sound.

The THIRD through fifth tracks "Caritas", "Fides" and "Justitia" begin similar manner, starting with classical strings ranging from pizzicato to Cello intros before becoming either pop-rock sounding tracks to slow relaxing songs. Overall, this album reminds me a lot of the music of Sarah Brightman.

My favorite song is likely "Times" which begins with a beautiful intro and becomes a very energetic pop-like song with a beautiful echoing vocal. The song also goes through some very unique melodic changes.

As a third year Latin student, i was very happy when my parents introduced me to Lesiem. The music is upbeat and even though not all the words are comprehendable, it leaves me with the emotions of happiness and enlightenment. My only negative comment is that no lyrics are included.

The magic expands with the third Lesiem release. Heavenly female vocals woven with deep Gregorian chants and the familiar mystical grove. Auracle carries the listener further on the mystical journey through legends, myths and fabled lands. A magnificent blending of voices and world textures to inspire any spirit.

"Life is a journey we all must travel... it's the roads we take and the people we meet on the way that make all the difference." ~Anonymous