Release Date: July 1, 2024
Label: QDV Music
Quest For The Runestone Listening Party on June 30.
CDs are available at https://davidarkenstone.bandcamp.com
Quest For
The Runestone is
a unique and captivating release that is set to captivate audiences worldwide
with its distinct blend of new-age music.
The CD box of Quest
For The Runestone offers more than just music. It includes a 48-page
booklet, custom sleeve, *Vellum, sticker, pendant, magnet, and miniature
rhinestone, providing a truly immersive experience.
(*Vellum-It
is often distinguished from parchment, either by being made from calfskin
(rather than the skin of other animals) or simply by being of a higher quality.
Vellum is prepared for writing and printing on single pages, scrolls, and
codices (books).
"Prophecy"
starts with a dreamy, esoteric atmosphere. Then, as the percussion comes in,
the track begins to build. The bell tolls, and the vocals call to the heavens
as the story's meaning takes another turn. The orchestrations soothe and excite
at the same time. Will the "Prophecy" be fulfilled?
"The
Soothsayer Speaks" as the instruments and voices merge to emphasize the track's
meaning. It reaches an apex and then starts to wind down as the wordless vocals
come in like a chant from a faraway land. Once again, the pace picks up to convey
more emotion and meaning to convey the crucial information they receive. It is
one of the best tracks, for sure. It's so colorful and exciting.
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"Réann"
begins with the Uillean pipes, which always give a song that original Celtic
imprint. The old meets the new as the keys, violin, and cello enter the mix.
This is the first track where the pipes are the main instrument, and everything
else builds around it. It is very different from all the previous tracks
and is the most effective.
In "Eyes
Of Skata," the violin starts accompanied by a beautiful acoustic guitar.
Then, that fantastic percussion comes in, this time more subtle but rhythmic.
The vocals are in sync with the rhythms and atmosphere of the music.
"Oceans
Of Ice" is like a veil of satin brushing over your skin. The story
continues, beginning slowly, and then the tempo changes as the cello and
acoustic guitar partner. The bass tones are a strong undercurrent, replacing
the previous track's vital percussion parts.
"Path Of The Mountain's
Bones" brings back the march of the percussion, and Celtic solid
influences take over to inspire the climb up the mountain. The path is clear,
and the people traveling do it purposefully. The rhythm and chants push them
along to their journey's end. The vocals are strong and hold the promise of its
people. Think of an Irish gig combined with a battle hymn—epic echoes of the
past launch you into the future.
"Stars
Without Light": For what is a star without its light? It begins with a
mystical tone, and the wordless vocals give it a spiritual feeling. The music
and vocals are soft. The cello cries, the violin answers, and a
gentle picking of the acoustic guitar adds substance and beauty. A touch of
melancholy towards the end makes you think about what could come next as it
picks up the energy and flows again. It ends with those spirit-like vocals and
leaves you wondering.
"The
Arbos Stirs" begins quietly and thoughtfully as you anticipate a change.
It arrives quickly, a bit more subtly than the opener, until the percussion
arrives. As the track title indicates, the booming drums are an awakening, a
stirring. Nice guitar picking accompanies the anthemic vocals. It is a powerful
song that ends definitively and suddenly. It sounded like a warning to me that
something was about to happen.
"Inscriptions"
begins pensively as the violin enters the mix. The feeling is anticipation, as
the measured beat of the drums enhances the overall atmosphere. As you move
through those feelings, the track gently fades.
"Secrets
Of The Runestone" you expect to be magical, and it is. The mystery and the
secrets held are expressed in the feelings of the music as it takes shape. The
familiar march of the Celts returns with percussive elements, moving along with
strength and purpose and powerful wordless vocals to match. I appreciated a
sharp electric guitar part about three-quarters of the way through; then, it
continued to change and gather strength to the finish. It was my favorite
track.
"Keeper
Of The Flame" brings back the Uillean pipes and that fantastic violin. As
the song gathers momentum, it gives you the feeling of watching a picturesque
scene in a movie, like people traveling to an ultimate destination. The
instruments merge into a gorgeous orchestration that provides inspiration to
carry on and keep the flame burning.
Quest For
The Runestone is
an engaging and musically complex project for which David Arkenstone will
receive many compliments. He created all the compositions, and he played a
multitude of instruments. With some help from his friends, he has created an
instant new-age and world classic.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
May 21, 2024
Tracks:
01. Prophecy 5:24
02. The Soothsayer Speaks 5:25
03. Ancient Magic Awakens 4:53
04. Réann 4:03
05. Eyes Of Skata 4:44
06. Oceans Of Ice 4:20
07. Path Of The Mountain's Bones 4:33
08. Stars Without Light 4:12
09. The Arbos Stirs 4:34
10. Inscriptions 4:30
11. Secrets Of The Runestone
12. Keeper Of The Flame 5:39