April 4, 2025

New Age Instrumental Review: Richard Theisen-Shambhala

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Richard Theisen's Shambhala, with its vibrant cover art depicting a meditating figure and chakras, sets the stage for a profound spiritual journey. The angelic vision in the foreground prepares you for the introspective and contemplative experience that awaits in this auditory voyage.

"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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