Soft, Dreamy Perfection In Relaxation Music From Halonen And Syversen

Lillian

New member
Norwegian new age music keyboard wizard Tron Syversen has teamed with fellow Norway sound-healer Runar Halonen to put together a recording called VOICES FROM HEAVEN which Halonen says in the press materials is specifically meant “to build bridges between heaven and earth.” The album is comprised of synthesized electronic-keyboard space or ambient music by Syversen mixed with heartfelt non-word-singing by Halonen (occasionally multi-tracked). The CD comes in a plastic jewel-case (I did not know they were still making those!). It has only three songs (all quite long), and each is slightly different.

The first track, “Voices in Heaven’s Cathedral,” features a heavy-synth with some synthesized percussion (some snare as well as sandpaper rhythms) giving it almost a bit of an industrial feel (remember Kraftwerk’s machine music?). The vocal pops in at the 1:40 mark and serves as a drone instrument (very effective as a backdrop for astral projection or organic tripping). The second tune is “Voices for Mother Earth” and still has the vocal primarily on drone-cycle, but the synth is much lighter and higher. The changes are very slooooow, like gentle waves, and the vocal lends a bit of church or temple-like ambiance to the piece. By the time you get to the last song, “Voice of Dreams,” you realize Runar is the master of the drone-vocal. This time he makes his voice sound like he is playing on crystal bowls, quite a feat. His vocal notes are so drawn-out, they actually sound synthesized. I bet this guy could re-create a Pink Floyd album just using voice. However, Halonen does mix it up a bit with some different wordless vowel notes (“e,” “o,” “ohm”) held to eternity, or at least longer than a Tibetan monk does. Meanwhile the electronic keyboards are doing a drone wash in the background (sometimes string-section-like) with some higher notes over the top.

Enough of the dissecting analysis and let’s cut to the bottom-line. If you are looking for one of those new age albums you can drift away to, this is your baby. Pretty much perfect for relaxation and stress-reduction or to take your blues away and put you on a soft, dreamy cloud. Utopia for those on a budget.
 
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