Customer Reviews

Crossing the Trail

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The most amazing thing about this beautiful work of art is that minimal tribal components are woven into a constantly evolving cascade of synth-orchestral textures and natural sounds (no, not the flute over waterfall routine!) to draw a listener into a meditative yet fully aware state of relaxation and focused concentration. Whereas much of Dirk's (Vidna's) vast volume of work is based on loops and drones, Crossing the Trail singularly succeeds in elevating the slow/barely perceivably structured pieces that flow with emotion and remain in memory despite a dearth of melody. This CD is a landmark of depth, darkness and light that is perfect for studying, relaxing or dissecting. I have many of Vidna Obmana's CDs and, though I enjoy them all, this work remains my favorite, an expansive yet intimate, cold yet enveloping, majestic yet delicate soundscape that raises the bar for what is possible from this sort of ambient music. I needn't comment on the pieces separately because the entire CD is one seamless whole, incapable of being wrenched apart. Every thing I listen to in this genre gets rated according to the perfection of Crossing the Trail.

Dirk Serries aka Vidna Obmana is showing his skills in crafting beautifully realized ambience. On this 1998 release, Obmana uses natural water swishing sounds, full sounding tones and drones which overlap and compliment eachother in a whirlwind of sounds. The tracks are somewhat like-sounding, with the basis of the tracks having a consistent slower, tribal edge. The water trickle sound appears frequently, and the high light tones are found on many of the pieces.

Though this may seem like it would weigh down one's hopes of an excellent release, it really doesn't due to the beautiful nature of Crossing the Trail. The tempos of the percussion change, though the sounds within the percussion are similar. The varying shifts and textures are a delight, and the lovely sounds that Obmana creates on this disc are very enlightening. One of my all-time favourite ambient tracks has to be the closing 'This Splendid Place', a fourteen minute foray into a slowly evolving powerful masterpiece. It fills with glorious tones and it is striking in its power and depth.

Overall, I would recommend this release highly. It's devoid of darkness and is a pure delight to immerse oneself in.

Vidna, like Steve Roach, has a way of sculpting sound that is both abstract and sacred. These two elements lead the listener into an escapism that is peacful and mysterious. This CD is sure to take one back to that Secret Sacred Place where spiritual peace can be found a gain.

...I'd have to say this is one of Vidna's best works (a close tie with "Terrace Of Memories"..which is a little bit more maudlin)....tribal ambient w/o going overboard with the men in loincloths beating on hollowed out logs effect...gentle..swaying...relaxing...especially after a hard day's work....put this on...light up a cigar..open up a stout..fire up the bong...and drift away...who cares about the world...?