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MUSIC NEWS NOVEMBER 1999

ethereal

ATARAXIA
Lost Atlantis
1999 Cruel Moon International CD
51:54

This pagan opera devoted to the myth of Atlantis follows the Historiae CD. It has been three years in the making and is stamped with Ataraxia's unique musical and theatrical style. Whilst the theme might be a little New Agey for some of our dark-souled readers, one cannot fail to  be impressed by the sound and atmosphere which the group never fails to conjure. In mid-October I had the privilege to see Ataraxia's live performance in London. The first set was of previous material, whilst the second was drawn from this forthcoming album. Despite having heard and enjoyed their recordings, this live performance surpassed my expectations. I was immediately struck by the amazing power and range of Francesca Nicoli's voice (superior - in my opinion - to Lisa Gerrard's), Vittorio Vandelli's sustained acoustic guitar-playing and Giovanni Pagliari's dramatic drumming. The trio were joined by a keyboard player and a masked carnival dancer who added an element of baroque fantasy. The combination of music and theatre transmuted the performance into a dream.

RIK - 30 October 1999

• http://www.ataraxia.net
• http://www.coldmeat.se

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