Celestial by Energi

Celestial – A Meditational Journey (79:43)

An inspirational mind-journey through time and space

Keyboards, Synth, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, Voice, Percussion, FX samples and processors.

In this concept album, Energi explores space, in four movements. Created in 2003, the concept album Celestial was Energi’s debut release – and the first in the series of Meditational Journeys – though it is unique from the later albums in the series which are more traditional to the meditation music genre.

An experimental soundscape, Celestial takes the listener on a journey from ethereal serenity to cataclysmic extremes… and back again. After a light-speed soundscape journey through space and an ego-shattering awakening, the aural traveler is returned safely to the calm and serene outer edge of their own universe.

Music passages move through space, time and moods – initially transporting the listener through timeless space to a void of calm, peace and tranquility, before catapulting them through a cataclysmically turbulent asteroid belt of percussive sounds, then on past the majesty of ancient planets, before delivering them to a new place in space – their own mind.

Celestial explores the many moods of deep space – the alignment of the mind with the planets, the stars and the whole cosmos. Gently soaring, mesmeric guitar melodies overlay peaceful, yet powerful, layered keyboard harmonies, cutting overdriven guitar phrases and throbbing bass lines; this album takes the listener on an exploration through their own consciousness.

A fusion of traditional musical instruments and electronica, Celestial is influenced by the work of music artists Karlheinz Stockhausen, Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Gary Numan, Peter Gabriel and many others who have crafted visually-stimulating music.

Tracks:

Celestial – Part 1 (35:43)

The Search for Answers & Meaning

The first movement takes the listener from rural earth, where grasshoppers chirp in the waning golden light of a dying day to quickly propel them into orbit, transporting them to outer space and beyond – to a timeless, endless space – enveloping them in an aural-fusion of warmth, calm and serenity, before introducing uncertainties about the meaning of everything. The music seems to ask, “Why are we here…and what does it all mean?”

In this section, warm seductive synth pads and electronic horns, and smooth cycling keyboard voicings give way to edgy overdriven guitar phrases, and bursts of electronic energy, then eventually turn into the main rhythm and beat theme of mellow, yet pumping bass, strident percussion and a mesmerizing guitar riff – building in tone and melody to achieve a calm, wistful, reflective, hopeful and positively invigorating mood.

Celestial – Part 2 (13:00)

Challenges & Mistakes

The second movement catapults the aural traveler through a turbulent asteroid belt of self-questioning, with percussive sounds that eventually propel them into a burning sun that explodes cataclysmically, turning the whole universe into cold purple light.

The themes of this movement – a preponderance of delusion and ego-driven self-doubt – are expressed by a plethora of insistent and abrasive percussive instruments combined with massive overloads of radio frequency static and weak, floaty synth-created reverse notations sets up an insecure atmosphere. Suspense is created by suspended notes, chords and phrases and driven higher by distorted guitar slides to a climactic crescendo, until finally it explodes into light, leaving nothing but processed guitar-designed static, which seems to be asking “Where the hell are we going?”

Celestial – Part 3 (14:16)

Contemplation – Overcoming Ignorance & Finding Maturity

The third movement floats the listener past magnificent ancient planets – through, under, over and beyond suns, moons, planets with rings, and myriad colorful constellations. It takes them on a deep inner journey into their minds, where questions about self can be asked and perhaps even answered.

In this section, deliciously fat and sumptuously layered violin, cello and bowed contrabass strings move this way and that, held in place by a darkly mellow, yet insistent electronic bass and a strident set of percussion instruments. This movement builds, then gives way to a deceptively simple and effective electric bass guitar and drum rhythm kick that transports the listener through a minefield of questioning electronica before delivering an uplifting rhythmic guitar riff with another heavily-reverberating counterpoint guitar answering from across the galaxy, that produces the effect of lightening everything up and driving the whole back end of the movement into a warm, glowing, positive place – beyond doubt and uncertainty.

Celestial – Part 4 (16:40)

The Final Journey

In the fourth movement, the listener is finally delivered safely to the calm and serenity of the outer edge of their own universe, having contemplated the meaning of everything.

Deep warm electronic pads and suspended strings begin this last movement. A far-off echoing piano sets up the scenario for the final journey. A mellow guitar answers with delicately processed phrases. As the theme pads become stronger and more defined, the guitar becomes more electronic – setting up a contemplative and reflective mood – that eventually melts into a reprise of the main theme, with a return to the rhythm and beat of the mellow, pumping bass, percussion and mesmerizing guitar riff, full of uplifting hope. The positive, riff-driven theme gradually fades into the distance, leaving the aural traveler enlightened by the experience and by their journey into themselves.

Average Customer Review: 5