Pyramid Peak
Himalaya
The sound of the wind brings to mind being on the top of a mountain and as this is the title track its rather appropriate. Less than a minute in however and the first sequence makes its presence felt. A high hat rhythm joins it and at two minutes in comes the melody, lasting just a short while until everything is swept away leaving the sequence in isolation. Another even better melody then enters. Half way in all descends to an awesome deep bass drone from which a melodic sequence builds accompanied by lush chords. Slow bass rumblings and bell tree type effects get ‘Dhaulagizi’ underway. A sweetish melody enters but doesn’t last for long before another sequence replaces it and carries us onwards to the end of the track. ‘Kasakosum’ is a joyous little ditty full of uplifting melody and optimism. Its a superb track if you like that sort of thing, incredibly well done in fact but not 100% to my taste. ‘Pyramid Peak’ is a complete contrast beginning darkly, as if something really unpleasant is just about to happen. More effects are added then the main sequence comes in building all the time becoming meaner and meaner. All is change three minutes from the end when a superb organ sound is used with a gentle melody in juxtaposition, very effective. A beautiful sequence introduces ‘Mount Everest’, expansive synth pads add to the feeling of awe but we are hardly started yet. Another sequence and simple melody are thrown in making this already first rate track even better.

‘Nanga Pasbat' might sound like an Indian film but its yet another superb sequencer based number. The lead is particularly impressive with great sweeping effects as it dives low over the pulsating backdrop only to soar again in preparation for another plunge. At just over half way there is a sudden change. Everything dies away except for a few repeated notes then in comes a heavy but slow rhythm. Wind effects sweep over the next track ‘K2’. Fittingly the whole feel of the track is one of immensity and grandeur. As in many of the tracks here there is a significant change of direction just after half way as the sequences come bounding in and the whole mood is more aggressive, as if there has been a sudden but unexpected worsening of the weather. ‘Broad Peak’ is a more relaxing number and was where the original album finished but on this release there are two bonus tracks from their early cassette only album ‘Eclipse’.

Its certainly a very brooding start to ‘Abendstille’, choral effects come and go but of course these are just setting the scene for the sequence, which is, as expected, first rate. The uplifting lead contrasts the darker side of the track but it doesn’t last for long before we are back to the depths. ‘Time Machine’ is a superb way to finish, dark but with a stonking bass sequence. Both ‘Himalaya’ and ‘Explorer’ are good albums. Neither quite has the polish of ‘Ocean Drive’ but they contain some excellent tracks which are well worth having. (DL)

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