Illumination

Lesiem | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 24, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Intent City
• ASIN: B000092Q93
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,048 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

BILLBOARD TOP 10 ARTIST

For fans of Enigma & Pink Floyd

So begins the second chapter within the story of Lesiem. Where the mystery of romance and the wonders of mythology tell the tale of a golden age called Illumination.

Based on a gregorian chanting tradition that has been handed down for the past 50 years, Lesiem have created a universal musical style that will appeal to fans and lovers of the human voice.

Where the world of fantasy and reality merge into one, Lesiem open the heavens and paint the starry filled skies with the sensualness of operatic voices, worldbeat grooves, new age melodies and electronica elements into a musical genre they call Mystic-Pop.

Journey with Lesiem as the mystic, the lover and dreamer as you navigate through far away lands and magical places into Illumination.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enigma and Pink Floyd??, October 4, 2003

By 

GarionOrb (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illumination (Audio CD)

I discovered Lesiem as it was playing in a Barnes & Noble store. So I decided to go on a leap of faith and buy it. Immediately I noticed the sticker on it that said "For fans of Enigma and Pink Floyd". Upon listening to the album, I wouldn't think it necessary to compare Lesiem to anyone, but since they're so keen to be compared to these bands (their first album had a similar sticker), then let's compare!

As far as Pink Floyd goes, there is not one iota of a second on this record that comes close to reminding me of Pink Floyd. Enough said. I can see where the Enigma reference comes from, but true Enigma fans will see there's no comparison there either, especially since they're in a completely different level and genre now musically. Enigma used Gregorian chants in three tracks of their album MCMXC a.D. (which is far superior than Illumination), then never used them again save for background noise in a few of their future releases. They was never about Gregorian chants. In fact, the chants disappeared completely from their latest release, Voyageur. So Lesiem is a bit similar to Enigma from 13 years ago. Those listening to Lesiem with Enigma and Floyd in mind will hate this record beyond anything.

Now for Illumination itself. Without comparison, this record is very well-made. The chants are VERY melodic, and blend into every song perfectly. Even on the track "Africa", the chants sound right at home in an African-style rhythm. The song "Navigator" sounds downright epic! And the song "Britannia" is so tender and musical you'll want to listen to it over and over. I'm not too keen on using the exact same song to begin and end the album, and singer Felix Lauschus sounds like a Michael Cretu wannabe on "Diva". If you listen to Enigma's "Why...?", "Out From the Deep" or "Total Eclipse of the Moon" you'll see what I mean. But this album overall is a magnificent soundscape...like a soundtrack to a grand masterpiece. Any new age fan should check this record out.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unquestionably better than the first release, June 27, 2003

By 

Jason (Connecticut, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illumination (Audio CD)

I was very pleased with "Illumination", particularly with the path they have seemed to take with their music. The first album featured too many (I thought, anyway) female "rock'n'roll-like" vocals that seemed to hinder the primal, powerful choir chants and percussion that roared throughout the album. This album, however, definately minimized these vocals, leaving perhaps 90% of the album to chant and drums. Every song is worthwhile, particularly songs 5 thru 10. The song entitled "Diva" had tremendous potential, with its more complex choir arrangements, but it was destroyed (in my opinion) by a kind of harsh male singing/yelling that doesn't fit at all. Anyway, the reasons why I didn't give this terrific album 5 stars are : 1) The album is on the short side, and songs 1+13 are repeats - 2) I thought that they could have employed a few more unique combinations of electronic tones and drums (The drum beats have been used countless times before) - 3) No individual song was as powerful or awe-inspiring as the song "Fundamentum" from the first album.
(though some close) Anyway, I look forward to release number 3.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Review, October 31, 2004

By 

bert livingston (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illumination (Audio CD)

This album is one of the most impressive CDs I've ever heard. With the exception of the vocals on track 11, it is perfect from start to finish. If you enjoyed Enigma's first album, this will certainly leave you pleased. For a period of time I was listening to this CD several times a day and was showing it to everyone I had the chance to. The haunting chants, the beautiful melodies, the orchestrations, the effects, the beats...this album can really take you places, opening up your imagination, and even getting you more in touch with your Self.