Search - Lesiem :: Times

An interesting, uplifting departure from Lesiem's first two

Brianna Neal | USA | 10/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Times" seems to be the German-packaged version of Lesiem's third CD, released in the States with different cover art as "Auracle." The songs are the same, although they are presented in a different order, and a bonus DTS repetition of the song "Fides" is included on "Times." Overall, I have to say that I prefer the track order of "Times," which opens with a much more intriguing piece ("Prudentia") than does "Auracle." Neither version of the disc, however, was quite what I'd expected from Alex Wende, Henning Westland, Sven Meisel and company as a follow up to "Mystic Spirit Voices" and "`Illumination." Gone is much of the dark, brooding, almost Wagnerian atmosphere, replaced instead by many pieces in a major key that feature simplistic pop vocals. The glorious, deep-voiced choir drops in and out between the solo verses and voiceovers, but it's not as much the focus that it was in previous albums. I miss that. Granted, the insistent, Celtic-style drumwork that crops up in several pieces is a welcome addition to Lesiem's sound. And the happy, new melodies are nice enough, sticking pleasantly in one's memory after a few listens. But that's not what made Lesiem stand out so strikingly from all the other groups out there. "Times" (and/or "Auracle") is a worthy work in its own right, with high production values, impeccable musicianship and lots of heart. But compared to the group's preceding albums, it's hard not to view it as a bit watered down. For other uplifting Latin chants with modern underpinnings, try "Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen," arranged and enhanced by Richard Souther, and "Libera," the luminous, self-titled debut album of Robert Prizeman and his talented boy choir.

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Superb Lesiem release

ekovalsky | Scottsdale, Arizona United States | 03/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Different than Mystic Spirit Voices and Chapter II but in a very good way. Lesiem seems to be moving more towards pop and away from chant, though the chanting is still there and used to good effect. As in the previous releases sonics are excellent and there is some amazing low bass if you have a capable audio system. Great female vocals also thanks to Maggie Reilly. Favorite tracs are Humilitas (3), Caritas (7), and Invidia (11). The latter is really powerful, combining some rather angry sounding chant vocals with awesome bass chords, particularly at the beginning and end of the song. Track 14 is recorded in DTS format, it plays as high level static on players that cannot decode the digital stream!"

AMAZING

Jose R. Patino | the windy city | 10/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"indeed one of the best cd's i have heard in my life, one of the best purchases i have made fomr amazon. This cd is great! i highly recommend it to those who have illumination and mystic spirit voices. again, GREAT ALBUM!!!"