Release Date: April 4, 2025
Label: Wayfarer Records
"The Sacred Path of the Warrior" begins the recording.
Soft keys start with a backing wordless vocal for a short time. Then, another
layer is introduced by a synth as the wordless vocals reappear. This mix effortlessly
creates an ambient atmosphere and fosters a spiritual connection for the opener.
"Astral Forest" evokes an exciting blend of sound,
sight, and color vision. The interpretation alone has you embraced from the
first note onward. The swirling and whirling synths, accompanied by the sounds
of crickets, pull you quickly into that time and space, and you sink into
Richard's meditative, relaxing, and easy chair of sounds and textures. Now, as
you listen and gaze at the album artwork, it seems so fitting and easily
imaginable in your mind's eye. Whatever is authentic to you is yours alone as
you travel through this forest of sound.
The "White Lotus" is, of course, significant in the
practice of meditation, yoga, and other disciplines that focus on the mind,
body, and soul. At this point, the music is trance-like, and you find yourself
immersed in the instrumental beauty and bliss. The keys are gorgeous, and the
synths are layered and orchestral, adding more beauty to the existing beauty.
It is as beautiful as the morning flower opening to accept the first rays of
the rising sun, its pure light.
"The Seventh Veil" begins with a more upbeat tempo and
the addition of a flute, which gives the track a distinctly different mood and
atmosphere. It is light and airy, evoking a smile from within your soul. The
music offers optimism and positivity, adding another layer of symphonic synths.
Beauty is in the ears of the beholder, so behold and be grateful for the
sounds.
"Rebirth" is a significant and profoundly positive
concept to embrace as you discover the realization of self through the healing
powers of sound and rhythm. Once again, the music possesses a warm and
consistent sound and texture that can transport a listener to another realm or
a different time. The synth layer is always right and orchestral as it builds
during the song. There is a constant sound of a ringing bell or plucking of a
harp; that is the best way I could describe it. It also serves as the focal
point of the track's length, as you take in all the other sounds.
"Tibetan Rain" begins with a rapid tinkling sound,
almost like an acoustic guitar, but you know it's not; it's synth generated or
a keyboard as it mixes with those marvelous layers of synths and the mini
orchestra being so inviting, you, as always, just let your consciousness melt
right into it. What could be more relaxing than a soft rain in the serene
mountains of Tibet? This track emulates that feeling and picture in your mind.
It's very uplifting and cinematic.
"The Essence" sounds like a prolific musical
statement, as the title indicates. It begins purposefully with a solo piano
run, inducing a classical sound, as one hand plays the lower-end bass and the
other creates light, elegant sounds. Then, the added synth layer provides for
more depth and feeling. Yes, it is prolific musically as it reaches out and
touches your spirit. It opens the door, and the light and energy shine into you
with conviction. It is one of the most beautiful tracks on the album, living up
to its name and message.
"Shiva's Hand" begins in an entirely different way,
with the sound of an ancient stringed instrument, such as a sitar, as the
wordless vocals return, sounding ethereal and angelic simultaneously. It calls
to you to bring yourself home as your spirit ascends to another level of
existence, where the elders live to impart the knowledge, you can use for your
spiritual growth. In case you are curious, in Vaishnavism, Shiva's hand
symbolizes the physical aspect of Shiva that Parvati holds, reflecting the
dynamic tension between them. It is a spirit working from within.
"Shambhala" is the title track as we get closer to the
end of our journey. The sounds begin with some drama and color, sounding spacey
and mysterious. It's like the wonders of the universe rushing to meet you all
at once, then the flute and wind chimes sound off as the wind sound continues
to move the track forward. It holds consistently, giving it a sound movement
that is graceful and inviting at the same time. It feels like the wilderness of
one's soul reaching for a conclusion to the journey.
"Muladhara" is a Sanskrit word meaning the root of
existence. You are coming to the close of this musical landscape, finalizing
your discoveries. Your very existence can be found in the music, the truth
revealed without any interference or complexities. It's just you and the music,
and it always has been once you started listening. With the sound of the
percussion arousing an epic feeling, as if reaching the summit of the mountain,
and the synths and wordless vocals conveying the energy and grandeur of the
spirit, you have reached the pinnacle of selflessness and realization. This is
an epic way to wrap up this excellent recording.
Shambhala is a collection of ten tracks featuring ambient, new age, world, and instrumental sounds, colors, and emotions, all presented beautifully within the music's arrangements. The production values are at a high watermark for the artist as well, giving the listener the sense of being surrounded by the warmth and light of the music, which soothes the soul. You will want to listen again!
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
April 4, 2025
Tracks:
01. The Sacred Path of The Warrior 4:37
02. Astral Forest 4:37
03. White Lotus 3:57
04. The Seventh Veil 3:47
05. Rebirth 4:01
06. Tibetan Rain 4:14
07. The Essence 4:11
08. Shiva's Hand 4:10
09. Shambhala 4:48
10. Muladhara 4:45
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