Celebrating the closing chapters of the dragonfly trilogy, Emblem is a retrospective collection of Amethystium music to date with a little twist. Featuring personal liner notes from the artist, the music has been re-mastered and also includes a couple of surprises making Emblem not only a good introduction to new fans but also enticing the established supporter.

Norway’s Oystein Ramfjord, better known as Amethystium, began creating his freshman effort Odonata in his late teens though it was not officially released until 2001 by which time he had turned 20. Much like his label mate, Ryan Farish, the insignia of Amethystium’ music revolves around swirling synthesizers, progressive drum loops and a rhythmic bass line. However the almost Gregorian chants fetch a mystical factor that differentiates him from the more optimistic Farish bringing comparison more in line with the ambient group Enigma. However, Amethystium conveys his own musical message.

Creating a retrospective will never please everyone as each individual has their own preconceived favorites. That said, Odonata and the most recent effort Evermind is represented by four tracks each while Aphelion is accredited five tracks to its name. To even the distribution, the album closes out with two bonus tracks that will entice even the Amethystium loyalists.

The first surprise is “Meadowlands” that was previously recorded for a 2000 demo around the time of the Odonata sessions. According to the personal liner notes the melody line is intact however it is a re-working of the recording process. In addition, there is the closing track “Anthemoessa” that was created during the Evermind sessions or thereabouts, but for whatever reason did not make the album. Neither tracks represent after thoughts but rather continue to display Ametheystium’s unique ability to integrate melancholy mystical ambient themes with just enough melodic sensibilities to keep matters accessible.

CD available at:
amethystium.com
neurodisc.com

Evermind
Amethystium
2004/Neurodisc Records
52:46

This represents the third release from the impressive Norwegian artist Oystein Ramfjord also known as Amethystium. Certainly 2002's striking Aphelion helped him evade the sophomore slump. Meanwhile, Ramfjord continues to explore the effective use of drum loops and tribal percussion embellishments with his eerie and atmospheric keyboard arrangements.

According to the press release from the label this is the third installment in the "dragonfly trilogy". With the exception of a dragonfly illustration on each album cover this reviewer is not sure to what extent this dragonfly theme plays out either lyrically or musically. However, the musical theme of ambient grooves with spiritual atmospheric layers intertwining with each other makes for another warm and interesting presentation which makes Ramfjord one of today's prominently accessible ambient artists.

In relation to its predecessors, Evermind while engaging is a little less energetic but does not detract from its charm. In fact, by being a little more reflective it allows the artist to extend his musical horizons giving the album a little more personal touch despite the continued extensive use of drum loops and keyboard superfluities. "Into The Twilight" plays this effect out magically with the luscious warm touch of the cello. Whether by keyboard sampling or the real thing the results are the same.

Ramfjord continues to explore more mellow meanderings and this is best illustrated by the awakening themes via the gorgeous "Break Of Dawn". There is no question that this is the album's finer moment. However, "Imaginatio" comes a close second where Oystein continues to make effective use of vocal chants. The vocal work, though never generic, is not overstated and always compliments the instrumental arrangements rather than being distracting.

CD available at:
amazon.com
amethystium.com
neurodisc.com