Search - Lesiem :: Illumination

Enigma and Pink Floyd??

GarionOrb | Houston, Texas United States | 10/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A pleasing Lesiem release

Petar Vodogaz | Sydney, NSW Australia | 09/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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"

Unquestionably better than the first release

Jason | Connecticut, United States | 06/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."