Lynne Witchwood

Music penned for an abandoned computer game, which may explain why the album contains a massive 19 tracks with some as short as 26 seconds, though many are over the 4 minute mark and they all blend together very professionally anyway. Bjørn Lynne admits himself that this album is somewhat of a departure from previous releases, and those expecting "pounding rhythms, big synth arrangements and massive chord progressions" are in for a surprise (though the sleevenotes promise "business as usual" for the next release). This album is (relatively) a more relaxing, delicate and thoughtful affair which seeks to evoke the atmosphere of vast Norwegian forests on which the computer game would have been based, and which Tobias J. Richter has used as inspiration for the impressive artwork. The sheer amount of work which has gone into creating so many themes, backings, textures and atmospheric interludes is impressive. Quality throughout is high with only the vocals on the title track tempting a prod of the skip button. Bear with them though because the melodics during subsequent sections of this, the longest track at 8:26, are worth waiting for. Production too is top notch and the style and quality brings to mind Waveform's albums—especially 'Virtual World"— though perhaps the melodies are not quite as strong and infectious and the more powerful moments present in Waveform's music are not here. I've only had the briefest of encounters with this album though and it could be that, like the Norwegian fjords, there are hidden depths to be charted. (GG)

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