Search - Qntal :: Illuminate

A Mystical and Energetic Experience

John R. Harford | United States | 06/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Qntal - for those not immersed in both the medieval and electronic music underground - may come as quite a shock.



Their basis is Estampie - a German medieval ensemble playing very traditional songs on authentic instruments. Their influences are drawn from the member's diverse backgrounds such as the important electronic act: Deine Deine Lakaien. Qntal however, does something different. They are experimental and at times become ambient and trance-like. They fuse electronica and traditional music to create a sound which is dreamy, electrifying, moody and bright.



This CD, featuring many remixes and remasters is a great example of their musical spectrum. It is also a very accessible way for those not use to world or medieval music to begin to appreciate the subtleties of these genres. Long time fans will likely appreciate the renovations undertaken when resculpting these tracks. Most of these edits are slightly more dancy and less trancy than the originals. They are neither superior or inferior but simply different - and bear listening to.



I recommend everything Qntal has released, but this disc is an excellent starting point."

Vibrant & Exotic

Clarissa | Ontario, California | 08/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Qntal, unfamiliar to me at the time, started showing up everywhere--in my Amazon recommendations; magazine articles I read; compilations I purchased...they were impossible to dismiss! So when I was fortunate enough to find a used copy of 'Illumination' there was no reluctance to buy it, and not only was my curiousity of the group piqued but my thirst for something new and fresh was finally sated!



The name QNTAL is a nonexistent word that came about in a fateful dream Syrah had one night, and it fits this band perfectly as they defied being labeled in any specific genre when they were first formed in '92.



To me Qntal sounds a lot like Corvus Corax in the sense that they fuse traditional medieval music, using instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes, in with modern-day electronics. Qntal, however, is led by a female vocalist (Syrah) and is a bit more melodic and darker in tone.



With the exception of one song (my introduction to Qntal), I have yet to hear the original versions of all the rest so it should be interesting to hear how they defer from the ones heard here since 'Illumination' is a collection of remixes...most of which are amplified with club-friendly beats that range from dance to industrial to exotic world rhythms.



This record has definitely taken a hold of me and I plan on buying their other works very soon! I've gone far too long without knowing Qntal's music."

This is awesome!!!

A Kat Person | Bay Area | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For Qntal fans I think this is a must. For those new to Qntal... I am not even sure how to describe this music, it does not fit a mold, but I can't imagine how someone couldn't like it :) It's sort of a combination of medieval/renaissance, techno, and industrial, and they really make this combination work! Very creative music, and the singing is gorgeous.



The remixes are great, generally they are faster-paced than the original versions with more of a beat... maybe I could describe this as a 'clubby' or 'more danceable' version of a regular Qntal CD... and really I love their music so much that any varying renditions or remixes are very welcome! The extra goodies (video and pics) are great too. Especially for the price, this is totally worth it."