Customer Reviews

Illumination

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Lesiem should not be classified with Enigma. Enigma and Lesiem are far different in style. Lesiem stands on its own as a tribute to the human voice and the enchanting rythmns that this group provides. It is a magical journey in which the listener (me and you) should lie down relax and close your eyes and embark on a journey that each song takes you along.

Wonderfully crafted songs with intrinsic beats that will not leave the listener for a long time to come

The sticker on Lesiem's 2003 album, "Illumination," says "For Fans Of Enigma And Pink Floyd." I thought, "Well, that definitely describes me," so I bought the disc. Having now played it twice, my impression of this German studio group's 2nd album is this: "Illumination" is nice, pleasant ambient music, with excellent sound quality and production values. My problem with Lesiem is that they sound a little *too* much like an Enigma wanna-be group (though I don't know why Pink Floyd's name was put on the promotional sticker, as Lesiem sound nothing like Floyd). Think of the landmark first Enigma album, "MCMXC A.D.," with the chanting monks, lush keyboards & rhythms, the sultry female voices, etc., and then listen to this album. You got the chanting male choirs (though they're not monks, I'll give 'em that), the Enigma-esque keyboards and rhythms, sultry female & male lead vocals, it's all there. I won't call it a rip-off job, but I just think Lesiem borrow a little too heavily from the musical blueprint that Enigma leader Michael Cretu drew up. Now, if you really want an album that Enigma fans will love but is NOT a carbon copy of Enigma, then I recommend the outstanding "Worlds Within" by Govinda (which, coincidently, is released on the same label as Lesiem, Intentcity Records). As it stands, Lesiem's "Illumination" is not a bad disc at all. It's a pleasant, soothing soundscape you can kick back with some late evening. But with the arrival of Enigma thirteen years earlier, Lesiem, while unquestionably a talented group, simply aren't all that original.

I bought this watching I woundn't buy the German original (entitled "Second chapter"), the only difference it appears to be the order of the tracks.

I'd bought it long ago, but for a good review it had to pass some time and good it did, so I have a good impression on all the songs.

I like them all, in general, Lesiem has that special that makes you like it from the first time without hesitating, but for me, the bests were "Pater patriæ", "Navigator" (the best), "Africa" and "Britannia".

Good work that links with the previous one!

Exquisite and simply incredible. I just picked up this cd and was blown away by the music on it. I am a fan of the group and have been following them for the past few years. Their first cd called Mystic Spirit Voices transported me somewhere while listening to it and NOW this new cd by them is an excellent follow up to the previous one. If you love the human voice and appreciate it's rich harmonies and angelicness. This cd will take you to heaven and beyond. My pick for this years New Age record. You will get chills when you listen to this music.
Open to ILLUMINATION!!!!!!

Caveat emptor - don't buy into the intriguing promise on the cover that herein lie influences of "Enigma and Pink Floyd". Someone please "illuminate" me where I can find a trace of Pink Floyd here, thank you.

It takes a great deal of musical creativity to cobble together the kind of epic compilations Michael Cretu's Enigma team is known to produce, but Lesiem seems to have picked up on one element thereof -- gregorian chants -- and spun a dozen tracks over what seems to be the same drum beats, hoping at least a few gullible shnooks would lap it up.

The curious may be well advised to give "La Rose" and "Roma" a listen to get a general idea, but the rest of it is mostly self-same filler sung by your local choir's back row.

Lesiem blurs the line between world/new age music. Most of the songs on Illumination focus on vocal chanting, but the music in the backround adds a new age element that keeps you listening. There are also multicultural influences abound...each track seems to have a different theme. For example...the song Africa uses African vocals and instruments, and Brittania carries a distict British atmosphere. I really can't think of a dull track on the album. The sticker on the cover claims Lesiem is "for fans of Enigma and Pink Floyd". While I can certainly see the Enigma comparison, there is not much to base a Pink Floyd comparison on (perhaps the electric guitar used in the second track?). Aside from that false ploy, Lesiem stands by itself as an intriguing new artist that will surely capture the ears of new age and world music fans alike.

More compelling and inventive groove chant from German musicians Alex Wende, Henning Westland, Heiko Jerke and a cast of thousands (well, not literally, but too many to squint at and retype here). This is my favorite of Lesien's releases. All the best elements from Lesiem's debut album are back in full force--the vocal soloists, Latin chants, men's choirs, and world beat underpinnings, all stylishly orchestrated and passionately presented. I especially like the use of Klingon (yes, Klingon--hey, if a language has been created, why not use it?) in track #4. This sweeping soundscape is music that tells a story--and probably a different story for each listener. Join Lesiem in their journey to a place "where the mystery of romance and the wonders of mythology tell the tale of a golden age," and "where the world of fantasy and reality merge into one." The third album in the trilogy that begins with "Mystic Spirit Voices" and continues with "Illumination" is "Auracle" (released as "Times" in Europe). If you like the work of Lesiem, try also that of Magna Canta and Era - very similar, and also Amethystium. For sacred chants of other cultures set to music with a similar dark intensity, try Oceania and Uttara-Kuru.