(2008) Arcana's approach to Neoclassical and symphonic ethno-ambient could well be defined in the meaning of the word "Arcana" itself: specialised knowledge of something generally considered a mystery or a secret. On their 6th album, "Raspail", the powerfully moving music of this Swedish quintet creates a magical atmosphere which weaves together lush elements familiar to Arcana fans old and new. Mystery, silence and revealed secrets are interconnected within the 10 new songs. Lush electronics mix with acoustic guitar, serene piano and intricate oriental percussions. Warm vocals return to the focus, with obvious comparisons to Dead Can Dance: a heavenly blend of baritone and soprano courtesy of Peter Bjärgö and Ann-Mari Thim. In fact, never before has an Arcana album contained so many vocals giving "Raspail" an emotional touch, a deeper thoughtfulness, a profound feeling of mysterious vision and a sense of secrets.
(2008) Chandeen returns with another timeless jewel. As one of the originators of the genre that came to be known as "Heavenly Voices," Harald Löwy remains as chief song-writer and instrumentalist, with a new vocalist for this incarnation of Chandeen: Julia Beyer who lends a more fragile, autumn character to the songs. These songs sound more inspired, more intimate and yes, in some respects more mature and developed then past releases. Julia Beyer's sad, but strong voice stands in sympathetic contrast and floats in concurrent harmony with Löwy's tearfully beautiful songs.
