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Sanctum marks the 2nd release on EMF Media from composer Robert Scott Thompson. Again working in the field of electroacoustic music - much like his previous EMF CD ‘Acousma’ - Sanctum incorporates a diverse collection of raw sound sources edited, processed, re-synthesized and morphed into nine distinct tracks. Sound sources include crotales, metallics, vocal sounds and violoncello. With Sanctum, Robert Scott Thompson once again displays why he is one of the most highly regarded modern composers today.
2007 AMBIENT MUSIC SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS ~ New Age Reporter
Two recordings listed below stand apart from the "Ten Best" list which follows because of how atypical they each are compared to the rest of the releases as well as how each one represents an unparalleled achievement in musical vision as well as an amazingly rich listening experience. I simply couldn't place them into the usual ambient category since their "sound" is so unlike the other albums here.
Like its sonic (not chronological) predecessor, Acousma, Sanctum travels the path of abstract musicality through the sonic manipulation of assorted (and sometimes unexpected) sound sources, leading the adventurous listener to landscapes of startling yet idiosyncratic beauty. It's an album to be savored and experienced in rapt attentive detail.
- Bill Binkleman
As an admirerer of Robert Scott Thompson, one gets used to throwing around words such as "amazing", "stupendous" and "surreal", but with this new CD one tends to search for new words. This electroacoustic work, based on many and varied sound sources (winds, voices, pure electronics, etc), and where even the titles are pure poetry, RST breaks, for me at least, new ground with dramatic and surreal musical beauty. Here, for instance, low-frequency rumblings are more pronounced than on perhaps any RST CD I've heard, which results in a slightly ominous mood at times (but as all horror fans know, ominous moods can be very juicy). The tonal clusters and sculptural sound shifts invites the listener into a world of sublime and sometimes eerie beauty, and I do not hesitate to put this CD amongst RSTs 4-5 best. This is (yes, I know I sound like a parrot) amazing, stupendous and (you guessed it) surreal music, and those not perceptive enough to enjoy it should have their heads examined.
- Ulf Claesson
This release from 2007 features 71 minutes of electro-acoustic music.
Electronic tonalities conspire with orchestral elements to produce moody atmospheric that embody classical and ambient sensibilities.
Haunting textures waft on sedate breezes. Electronic effects include: harnessed feedback, burbling diodes, and manipulated mechanical noises. These aspects surface periodically throughout the songs, only to submerge in a churning orchestral miasma. Actually, the electronics are mostly understated, remaining a subliminal factor in the tunes.
The music's major presence is orchestral. These contributions are generally harmonic, reminiscent of the period when an orchestra is tuning up, before they get to any definite melody. Sawing cellos mutter through cracks in the flow. Pensive woodwinds sigh in the distance or tweet with petulant emphasis. Ranks of violins moan softly, generating a protracted tension.
Percussion doesn't really play a major part in this tuneage, although chimes and bells are featured in an incidental manner, more as punctuations than as rhythms.
These compositions establish a moody ambience tinged with an intellectual air mainly attributable to the orchestral dominance throughout the pieces. This instrumentation tends to walk a fine line between ambient and abstract classic music, but the result is definitely a calming one with an undercurrent of cerebral agitation.
The term musical alchemist best describes modern music composer Robert Scott Thompson. Combining his mastery of the
electroacoustic, contemporary instrumental, and avant-garde genres into a swirling cohesive whole, he is an important pioneer on music's new frontier.
supported by 6 fans who also own “Sanctum (2020 Remaster)”
Right from the first sound you hear, to the last note - this album will transport you to a natural place. I cannot put into words how this album has been such a huge help. It’s like a friend now - like someone who is always there. An amazing album that everyone should own. Thanks so much, Robert. darkstarr666
supported by 6 fans who also own “Sanctum (2020 Remaster)”
This album will grow on you. Listen in headphones or earbuds. It will blow your mind. Steve has so many amazing textures and dimensions on this release. It's hard to pick a favorite track. Probably in his top 5, if there is such a thing. 53Guitarman
Ambient artist charaxes creates the soundscape of an alien forest, with gentle melodies fading into environmental textures. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 10, 2023
"Seabed-Sunbath" evokes temporal emotions, transporting the listener to the beaches of Aruba or the reefs of the South Pacific. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jun 21, 2022
Designed to mirror the reverence of meditative spaces, the gentle ambient tracks on the new LP from Alejandro Morse envelop you. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 8, 2022
supported by 5 fans who also own “Sanctum (2020 Remaster)”
This is an outstanding collaboration, so far one of my favorite releases this year! BTW, be sure to check out Frank Beissel's own Bandcamp page, and his album Random Abstractions - so far, it's one of the best kept secrets of the year. mysticwolf75