Immaculada [Import]

Ion | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Format: Import
• Label: Equilibrium Music
• ASIN: B003NAIJRU
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,008,812 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The second album from Duncan Patterson's Ion. 'Immaculada' is hypnotic and alluring, balancing the freshness of Irish landscapes and the warmth of Mediterranean sunbathed seashores, as its haunting Celtic vibe thrives and builds upon tribal rhythmic patterns. Much like its predecessor, 'Madre, Protegenos,'the straightforward and minimalistic tone of the album is misleading, as its layered complexity and resonant harmonies reveal themselves at each listen, one mystery at a time, and one step closer to the end of this spiritual quest. As with all Equilibrium releases, this is beautifully packaged, coming in a nice digipak case.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars ION "Immaculada" (review in English from Greek webzine www.rockway.gr ), October 2, 2011

By 

Helen Liverakou (Greece) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Immaculada (Audio CD)

ION "Immaculada"

The name alone of Duncan Patterson is a no-return ticket to a musical voyage of wander. And, of course, how can you think of returning when the sounds that accompany you are going to fascinate you. His spells and herbs of notes and compositions will carry you away to an incredibly long journey. There where time stops and now becomes reality; there will all the nations of the world be united under musical tones that only Duncan can blend with such melodic care, creating "Immaculada".

Four years after "Madre, Protegenos", he is with us again and it seems as if he never was away. A wanderer seeking musical phrases, he will choose the musical instruments and the exotic voices that will be his companions. Peculiar and adored, Duncan Patterson chooses his own destination, traveling through many places all over the planet and composes the album. His personal experiences of this particular period of his life will be embedded in "Immaculada" as ballads.

The album was composed in both Greece and Ireland; its rhythms and musical direction lead you to the Celtic culture and the Mediterranean beauty and peace of mind. An enigmatic album, atmospheric yet not catatonic, charming, harmonic and along with the wonderfully ethereal and sweet voice of Lisa Guthberg, it will lead you to the depths of the Irish lands. Alongside will be Aoife Guthberg, Mark Kelson from "Of The Eternal" and the gothic-alternative Vic Anselmo. In the album you will hear voices and characteristics of the places Duncan travels and lets himself get lost in their beauty: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Rumania. From his versatile talent you will hear sounds from flute, violin, cello, piano, some drums and, above all, his distinguishable mandolin. Duncan Patterson is the case of musician you just want to watch, having almost twenty years of musical career, which wasn't always at that genre, if you think that his seven-year presence at Anathema didn't give him such a quiet and calm reputation. As for his presence at Antimatter, which was also seven-year-long, it was the beginning of another different direction. Patterson, playing bass, guitar, keyboards, celtic harp and mandolin, invites you to join him at this unique journey of balance between good and evil, light and shadow, salvation and loss. Eight enchanting pieces with instrumental parts among them:

Immaculada/Temptation/Adoration/Damhsa Na Gceithre Ghaoth/ Invidia/Cetatea Cisnadioara/The Silent Stars/Return to Spirit.

It's not the silent approach of winter that promises you this journey, it's the knowledge of your guide to that musical destination.

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...Across the stream, Decembers child, This tranquil place where murmers die, The frigid air, a twilight kiss, The deepest peace, the quiet earth combine... (The Silent Stars)

HELEN LIVERAKOU

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful, July 13, 2011

By 

Dons Word "Don C" "D Cavanaugh" (Schenectady, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Immaculada (Audio CD)

As smooth as the cover would indicate, this is a very beautiful CD. So relaxing and hopeful. It is World music with all the elements. Many different instruments, sweet melodies and just absolutely stunning female vocals. Its a truly uplifting experience.

This is what Duncan Patterson (Anathema, Antimatter) does at this point and I will say that this CD may be a bit better than the first. Maybe not as haunting, but you feel almost like you are in a dream. On 'Adoration' for example, you can almost envision the image of the woman in the cover photo dancing alone in a field somewhere. The track is both Celtic and charming as is most of the CD.

'Cetatea Cisnadioara' is a stunning track even though I don't understand a word of the spoken parts. But its mood and Vocals create a somber yet hopeful state. Another testament to just 'good' music. It is the light notes and very well layered background Voices that let your imagination soar as you listen.

These are just a couple examples.

If You bought the first Disc, expect more of the same except more focused and laid back. Many instruments abound and there are some really cool flute parts. Not overly sophisticated or overbearing, just works well and you really get the ambiance that Patterson was trying to create. Being from here (America) I get very little in terms of this style so I am grateful to the man (Patterson) for opening my eyes to the World music stuff. I would not have taken the time if his name were not attached, and I am glad I did. It may even open doors to getting more in the genre.

If your just seeing this CD in passing and read this I would highly recommend it. Especially for World music listeners. You really have to absorb this stuff, so if your looking for background music or another Metal/Prog band then get something else.

Again, this is NOT Metal, but it is really really good. Takes you away for a little while, to places we have never been, but crave to see. A beautiful CD and excellent piece of work.