The Atlantis Factor by Mark Dwane

" -- Houston WEST

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"A neo-progressive rock quality dominates this 1993 release, as Dwane pursues the philosophy that Atlantis was the probable cradle of human civilization, aided by possible extraterrestrial dolphins and leonid creatures from Sirius. Dwane unites his emergent rhythmic sense with a quasi-symphonic ambience to produce 45 minutes of poignant and captivating instrumental music that seethes with aquatic and soaring aerial spirit. Joining the MIDI guitar driven electronics and languid e-perc, heavenly choirs and synthesized flutes attribute an edge of romantic fantasy to the cosmic airs. As the CD progresses, the listener is transported through this lost civilization's period of greatness with epic compositions of robust tranquillity and inspired melodies. So vivid is this music, one can clearly envision stately marble pillars with herculean seas lapping on forgotten shores. The melodies evoke grand crystals supplying incredible power and emotional focus for now-departed Atlanteans. This grandeur takes a dark and ominous turn near the conclusion of the CD, articulating Atlantis' downfall and dissolution with epic riffs tinged with an astral affinity. Just as this lost continent is a fixture of the humanracial consciousness, the impact of Dwane's music will not soon fade from your memory."-- Matt Howarth / Space.com

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"THE ATLANTIS FACTOR" piqued my interest from the first note with it's mesmerizing harmonic structures, sparkling sounds, and enthralling polyrhythms. Drips and waves, seductive sirens, crystalline shafts of light ("THE FIRESTONE") and sonic echoes of swirling dolphins stimulate inner visions of mysterious and ancient civilization. The dark energies of Atlantis are expressed by music that sounds sawn and stretched beyond the comfort zone. The sky darkens and seagulls warn in "REIGN OF CHAOS" with voices like a Greek tragic choir leading into a pulsing swirl of ocean overcoming land. Finally, "ETERNAL ECHOES" floats abstract solo piano arpeggios against swirls and glitters of sound in a lyrical song of remembrance." -- Carol Wright, NAPRA Review

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"... The Atlantis Factor is Mark's third release so far, as well as his best to date. Mark has stuck with the sounds and FX that made him so immensely popular right from the get-go with THE MONUMENTS OF MARS. And the increased use of rhythm and melodies on ANGELS, ALIENS & ARCHETYPES is carried forward here, too. Mark implements what worked so well on both previous albums along with fresh ideas culled from the subject matter he's tackling.

"All of the tracks on this CD refer to the lore surrounding the myth of the great island continent. Second song, "Chalidocean", is perhaps the best one because of its formidable compositional qualities, namely: a great melody and a nifty hook that'll stick in your mind and have you humming around the house. Because Chalidocean was the capital of Atlantis, Mark knew the song should be strong. If Chalidocean was the cornerstone to Atlantis, then "Chalidocean" should be the cornerstone of the album. Mark makes it so. The following piece, "The Firestone", is a spacy, mellow track yet it resounds with mysterious power, just as the firestone (the giant crystal which supplied power to all Atlantis) did. In "The Reign Of Chaos", Mark musically depicts the fall of Atlantis. Its first few minutes are serene and melodic until a thundering chorus of foreboding voices crashes in, disturbing the "normal" rhythms. Dolphin calls (used throughout the CD) become high pitched as if agitated, heavy percussion / drumming represent the ensuing chaos and impending doom, and, finally, we hear the rumble of Atlantis slowly sinking into its watery grave.

"No sinking into a watery grave for Mark, thank you very much, due to much deserved popular and critical acclaim, which has him comfortably buoyed upon the potentially treacherous Seas of Electronic Music." -- Jason Marcewicz, SYNTHESIS

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"... This dynamic, creative album was performed entirely (save the drums) on MIDI guitar. Thematically it's of particular interest, as Mark uses all of the pieces to evoke the long-lost realm of Atlantis, in her glory and downfall.

"Age Of Order" is a hard driven exposition, rhythmic plucked strings and swelling string sounds being pushed along by explosive percussion. "Chaldeocean", which was the capital city of Atlantis, has a jazz-rock feel, with bass and drums and sparse voices, flute, strings and guitar riding along. "The Firestone" thunderously evokes the mysterious vibrations of the giant crystal said to power the land. As a nice counterpoint, "Song Of The Dolphin" gives us a oceanically peaceful glimpse into an underwater realm, with strings, glissandos of harp, and serene high echoes of warm flute-like tones. Droning, brooding "Dark Energies" portrays the ominous signs and portents of impending cataclysm. The sky darkens and seagulls warn in "Reign Of Chaos", becoming alarming, with voices like a Greek tragic choir leading into a pulsing swirl of ocean overcoming land. Finally, "Eternal Echoes" of waves wash over us as strings and a piano sound a melancholy and lyrical song of remembrance.

"Dwane offers us his vivid, imaginative and deft interpretation of the ...legend? ... ancient history? You decide. Great for mind pictures, visioning & its vital electronic rock sensibilities." -- Don St. Clair, Heartsong Review

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