surroundinmind
Member
Hello QuadrophonicQuad!
You are looking for new surround titles?! Have a look here:
M Y T H O S & M.A.S.S.
Actually I recorded a lot of music in Surround during my career in different styles.
11 of about 40 cds and lps are produced predominantly in 5.1 Surround, SACD and SQ Quad.
Please have a look in the list below.
I don't know how big is your interest in my work. That's why I only add an express biography and a some reviews in english to this email.
More informations and some mp3 cuts for all Electronic Music fans are to find on
www.mythos-music-berlin.de
Some also in english. Please have a look!
In Europe all these titles are available from certain shops and mail order traders. In the U.S. I i.e. know about www.eurock.com.
Now please enjoy the facts and the music!
Stephan Kaske
MYTHOS (Surround) DISCOGRAPHY
(* = mainly Surround Sound titles)
(** = Super Audio CD)
(*** = SQ Quad)
**2006 MYSTERIA - AN ELECTRONIC JOURNEY INTO SOUND (3SACD)
*2002 THE MODERN ELECTRONIC KAMASUTRA (incl.Booklet,adults only!)
*2001 THE ELECTRONIC FOUR SEASONS (4CD)
*2001 THE POWER OF SILENCE (Mythos-Sampler / 8 Songs from 8 CD’s)
*2001 FEUILLAGE
*2000 EMERALD SUMMER
*2000 THE DARK SIDE OF MYTHOS
*1998 LE PRINTEMPS MYSTIQUE
*1998 (W)INTERMEZZO
*1997 PURRR-SYMPHONY
***1975 DREAMLAB
Express Biography
MYTHOS was founded in 1969 by the multiinstrumentalist Stephan Kaske with Thomas Hildebrand (Drums) and Harald Weiße (Bass).
1971 after several hundred concerts they performed extremely successful in the legendary "Langelsheim Festival" the "German Woodstock" and were signed by the famous OHR-Label. The first lp MYTHOS was published in 1972.
With other musicians Kaske recorded the MYTHOS-lps DREAMLAB (1975), STRANGE GUYS (1978) and CONCRETE CITY (1979).
In 1980 Kaske produced his first solo-lp for the SKY-Label, the QUASAR, followed by the GRAND PRIX (1981).
Also in 1981 Kaske founded the MYTHOS STUDIO BERLIN (MSB) which became a kind of "goldmine" right from the start because of MYTHOS' popularity.
In the following years Kaske produced countless bands and projects as well as music for TV, radio, film and commercials.
Not until 1989 he published pure MYTHOS music again, the MYTHOS LIVE. This led to the probably most important contract ever in the MYTHOS history.
Since 1990 up to the present day Kaske is producing for MEMBRAN.
From this cooperation resulted up to now more than a dozen MYTHOS single and multi cds and moreover numerous productions of other styles, i.e. the MYTHOS CLASSIC, PLUGGED ON or M.A.S.S. series.
Additionally to the multiinstrumentalist, Kaske became a multi-STYLIST.
Traditionally his productions are not only reviewed and recommended by critics from all over the world, but furthermore got awards and mentions.
2002 i.e., on the occasion of the 4cd album "The ELECTRONIC Four Seasons", Kaske was presented in front of a big audience with the SCHWINGUNGEN AWARD OF HONOUR for "his life's work up to date and his continuous influence on the international Electronic Music".
In 2005 the Dutch music magazine E-DITION has given the title "CD of the year" to the double cd "The Dramatic And Fantastic Stories Of EDGAR ALLEN POE".
At the end of 2006 the triple SACD Album "MYSTERIA - An Electronic Journey Into Sound" has been released.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTHUSIASTS READ MYSTERIA REVIEWS:
Lothar Lubitz writes in SYNGATE:
This is pure Electronic Music made in 2006 on the highest sound level!!!
You must listen to this music on a SA(SuperAudio)CD-Player to hear the full range of this melodic, rythmic modern electronic journey into sound.
SONIC CURIOUSITY / U.S.A.:
This release from 2006 offers a total of 160 minutes of delightful electronic music.
Fanciful keyboards drive these melodies, assisted by percussion and an assortment of sampled instruments. The electronics are versatile, sometimes rumbling other times glistening. A certain jubilant flavor is present, bestowing the melodies with a bouncy quality. Grittier elements provide a tasty counterpart to this joviality, infusing the tunes with a sense of mystery that never becomes too foreboding. While the keyboards ring with a lustrous clarity, a murky demeanor gnaws at the edge of the chords. A stance of amused majesty might better describe the overall mood.
Sparkling melodies are established, then embellished by auxiliary cadence. Repetition plays only a small role in the music's structure, as passages unfurl with inventive variations. Fresh riffs are constantly surfacing, tirelessly bolstering things with entertaining diversions.
The percussion is nimble and generous, providing the melodies with sumptuous locomotion. Traditional drums share the rhythmic stage with a bevy of synthetic beats.
Vocal strains are manifest in several songs, generating a human presence, grounding the music's effervescent mystique.
Compositionally, this music is tight and ripe. Classical styles blend with modern sensibilities to produce rich melodies with wide-range appeal. Passion is suitably present but under studied restraint. Despite their enigmatic aspects, the tunes remain amiable and wholly accessible. Their drama exists on a fundamental level, albeit cocooned with layers of jocular motivation. Good-time tuneage with strong maturity.
Groove (The Netherlands)
After his astonishing epos about Edgar Allen Poe, Stephan Kaske (M.A.S.S./Mythos) presents his follow up and celebrates his 40 th release with a triple album in an awesome digipak (with the complete history of Mythos).
The first CD opens crystal clear with a phenomenal depth in the sound as only is possible on a hybrid SACD and a DDD recording! The pleasant and accessible melodies are played by a sample of a violin and accompanied by refined percussion and light orchestrations.
The next track “Metrosexual” is a somewhat jazzy shuffle, enriched by numerous subtle effects. The sample of a female vocal gives this track a bit of an erotic edge.
Track 3 falls into the same category but has a bit more rhythm and a slightly different beat. Some parts remind a little of the beautiful instrumental songs by the Alan Parsons Project.
Track 4 is a an easy-listening tune, almost danceable and parts make you think you’re in a merry-go-round. In between there is tasteful more quiet piece.
The last track happens to be in the same tone but has some changing rhythm patterns but I’m not particularly fond of the distorted male vocals that have been used here.
CD2 opens with a Tangerine Dream-like track but there are major resemblances between “Ceep Kool Tonite” and “Metrosexual”, while the melody-lines of “Everybody Out” and “Dynamic Relaxation” are comparable as well.
The atmosphere in “Easy Rotations” is the same as in “Metrosexual” but the solo-instrument is a trumpet (or a remarkably perfect sample of it) and the music has got a little more swing.
The last track called “Flightseeing” is the highlight for me: sounds like Tangerine Dream in greatest form but then ‘Kaske’s way’.
CD3 is my favourite and opens with a track very much like “Metrosexual” (again!) but a bit slower and with different noises and effects.
“Mytomorphosis” reminds of Kraftwerk but a little more playful a.o. because of a theme returning halfway when the ‘steam-train is accelerating’.
The most symphonic/progressive tracks are top of the bill: “Pimp Your Guitar” could be considered a cross-over between Tangerine Dream and Porcupine Tree and “Fourthreetwoone” is a delightful and cheerful synthi-pop track.
The closing piece is a long modern, melodic track full of rhythm and with a nice groove.
All together a very impressive release!
Menno von Brucken Fock
AMAZINGSOUNDS (Spain)
"Mysteria" is a magnificent triple cd by M.A.S.S., the artistic name of Stephan Kaske, a founding member of the mythical band Mythos, created in 1969.
This album joins Space Music with Synth-Pop in a very imaginative manner, which proves why the artist succeeded in becoming a musical visionary at a time when shaping risky concepts of sound was by no means as technologically easy as it is now.
Kaske, who since then has been developing an intense musical career in various recording projects as well as being the author of soundtracks and music for television advertisements, displays an excellent combination of artistic creativity and mastery in his skills with the electronic medium, which means in fact that this work is a true jewel for the lovers of innovative electronic music, with a remarkable beauty, while at the same time avoiding arid experimentation or commercial formulae which are repeated ad nauseam.
MORPHEUS MUSIC (GB)
STYLE
An impressive three CD collection of melodic electronica with programmed beats and occasional world elements. Mythos delivers here a suite of fifteen synthesiser compositions evolved out of Berlin school origins. The musical approach is dramatic, energetic and colourful - strong programmed rhythms propel multi-layered electronic arrangements where imaginative themes luxuriate among swirling effects, morphing sequences and delicate textural films. Lending an additional range of expression there are oriental er-hu violins, emotional female vocal utterances that suggest the Middle East and a number of other global influences. The variation here comes primarily from fluctuations in intensity and layering rather than chordal arrangements, repetition is well employed and cycling, developing motifs build into vibrant compositions.
MOOD
The mood here is one of exotic digital professionalism - Kaske delivering some evocative compositions that wring surprisingly passionate responses from the wires and circuitry at his disposal. Mysteria is unarguably synthesiser music in the grand tradition, twinkling with inviting artificial light and rippling in sequenced regularity - yet the music here is certainly not mechanical or predictable. Monumental and imposing at times, many of the tracks have a regal quality about them as if drawing on a distinguished and extensive history.
ARTWORK
Mysteria comes in a double opening digipack that unfolds into four sections. Three hold discs and the fourth pockets a twenty eight page booklet that charts the history of the Mythos legend. A series of double page spreads describe the origins of the band, the development of their sound and the albums that have spanned almost four decades. Swirling fractal images accompany the information both within the generous booklet and the digipack sections themselves. The front cover puts a beautiful computer graphic to the fore - the words "Music is both an art and a craft based on acoustic principles yet subject to various interpretations hence its artistic merit" lurking to the bottom right. The rear cover contains a track list with timings and relevant contact details.
OVERALL
Mythos (not to be confused with the Canadian duo of the same name) was founded in 1969 by the multi-instrumentalist Stephan Kaske along with Thomas Hildebrand (Drums) and Harald Weiße (Bass) and was one of the original bands on the famous German Ohr label. The band gradually slimmed down so that currently it is a solo project of Stephan Kaske. M.A.S.S. - Mysteria comes two years after the 2 CD set Edgar Allen Poe ... but there is a large discography preceding these that points to a powerful sonic heritage. Promotional material suggests "You must listen to this music on a SA(SuperAudio)CD-Player to hear the full range of this melodic, rhythmic modern electronic journey into sound".
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
Mythos / M.A.S.S. is an act well known to electronica fans and this three CD set will doubtless delight those already in the know. Mysteria is a must for lovers of German synthesiser music with its roots in the seventies, delivered here with a new millennium clarity.
Dene Bebbington / Ambient Visions (GB):
Stephan Kaske has had a long career in electronic music, going back to 1969 when he joined two other musicians to form the group Mythos. In the 1990s he started to record under the moniker M.A.S.S, initially to put his own interpretation on the music of selected classical and modern composers. His latest release is a three CD set called Mysteria -each consisting of five tracks- which is best appreciated by those who have a Super Audio CD player.
Not having heard any Mythos or M.A.S.S albums before I had no idea what to expect from Mysteria. I'd describe it as thinly layered synth pop ranging from some great tunes to somewhat boring ones. But across the CDs there's enough to keep the listener interested.
On disc 1 the first but shortest track “Karakuri” is the highlight. Lush synth lines with a frisson like humming power lines combine with a skittering rhythm and an exotic style melody hinting at suppressed emotions.
In some tracks there's a sensuousness lurking in the rhythms and melodies, and especially in “Metrosexual Zone” the aching ethnic and androgynous vocals bring out this aspect.
Onto disc 2 and the sonics are familiar. Musically it's more dramatic and perhaps a little more melodic. By now there seems to be a pattern, at least for me, that the first track on each CD is the best.
On “Adrenalin Hunters” it's not surprising that the music is upbeat with an infectious rhythm and melody of sparkling notes that sometimes reached an intensity like fireworks exploding in the sky. Apart from losing its way in parts this track is wonderful.
By now you get the idea of how this disc set goes musically. I'd say that Mysteria fits into the well populated category of good EM.
--------------------------------------------------------------
KAMASUTRA reviews:
Mythos - The Modern Electronic Kamasutra
This album is some kind of milestone, a modern electronic interpretation of the Kamasutra, both the music, and the artistic content is fully realized. Musically it is the best electronic music Stephan Kaske has made in a decade or more. A state of the art production and incredibly exotic sonically, it plays like a virtual whirling dervish of tone colors, rich sonic seasonings, and powerful rhythmic pulsations. Enchanting listening! As for the “content”, I’ll only say it is enlightening and provocative, plus totally enhances the CDs overall concept perfectly.
Archie Patterson, Eurock,
Morpheus Music Reviews 2007:
STYLE
Global fusion electronica with a rich sonic palette and powerful rhythms. The Modern Electronic Karma Sutra brings together a variety of colourful global vocalisation and instrumentation and a wide range of vibrant synthesiser sound. The electronic aspects are doubtless the foundation of the music - dramatic themes led by exotic melodic tones, underneath liquid arpeggios bubble and squelch softened by the broad spreading textures of smooth swells and light floating washes. Indeed Kaske's employment of current sound synthesis is masterful and absorbing in itself. Embellishing the main structures are a wealth of international performances and samples - Indian female vocals, Pygmy calls, tribal chants, Chinese er-hu, finger cymbals along with some soulful brass and wordless singing. Beats on the album are frequently a fusion of deft programming and global percussion loops - tablas and other hand drums along with twinkling metalics and bells.
MOOD
The mood is one of theatrical vibrancy - strident beats drive romantic compositions with lush layers of synthetic-organic tone where different world flavours gracefully appear and perform almost like characters in a dream pageant. The sound is one of many interwoven layers and of deeply saturated colour that calls to mind the coloured lights and bold make-up of the stage. Many passages have an oriental feel - not simply because of the use of Eastern samples, but the synthetic voices and the musical modes chosen work together to evoke the atmosphere and mythos of distant Asia.
ARTWORK
The CD comes in a two panel glossy digipack with a 32 page booklet. The imagery throughout the package is primarily taken from original Indian source material - a series of hand drawn illustrations. The front cover presents an embracing couple framed in double decorative borders with the simple title 'The Modern Electronic Karmasutra'. The reverse contains the only musical information - a track list with full times, all composing, performing and programming credited to Stephan Kaske, contact details are here also. Within all remaining space is given over to pictures and information from the source material.
OVERALL
This is not the latest album from the Mythos / Stephan Kaske catalogue - originally released in 2002 it was followed by The Dramatic and Fantastic Stories of Edger Allen Poe in 2004 and Mysteria - An Electronic Journey Into Sound in 2006. The music, however, is still fresh and clearly contemporary. For those that don't know Mythos began back in 1969 with multi-instrumentalist Stephan Kaske, drummer Thomas Hildebrand and bassist Harald Weiße. Kaske went solo around 1980 Kaske with the album Quasar and worked extensively producing other artists and writing for TV, radio, film and commercials.
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
This album will appeal to fans of European synthesiser music that enjoy traditional international elements fused with cutting edge technology.
Sylvain Lupari from Québec, Canada (2007)
Guts Of Darkness; French Home of Dark & Experimental Music
Here is the last musical extravaganza of Stephan Kaske. Initially realized
in 2001, Modern Electronic Kamasutra is a work at the size of the copulative
imagination of Mythos; an electronic fresco, tinted of Eastern breaths to
bodily and delirious spiritual that only Stephan Kaske can offer with
the pretension of its cultural deviations.
As the first hints of Climaxutra, we are plunged in a mythical world of lust
where rhythm is slow, impresses of a latent sensuality propel by rich
mellotron sonorities, and the violins form the rhythmic structure which
grows on more fluid passages and samplings of Chinese chorus. A short but
effective one, Love Your Rythm is dry and nailing with metal percussions
which hammer a progressive tempo, on superb mellotrons violins. A percussive
title which combines roughness and tenderness on strong orchestrations. More
tribal, but as much blowing A Tribal Affair deeply brings us in the Eastern
roots on heavy and solid rhythms, for an electronic fresco. After the wise
Total Passion, Hymnosutra borrows a more sequenced corridor with the
sulphurous mellotrons which releases a very suggestive and melodious
sensuality, on tribal pulsations. The synthetic violins flights are
contagious on heavy and involving sequences. One of the good tracks on this
opus. To be taste with the same approach as body contact. On a more
progressive structure and a strong Eastern incandescence, Un Desir Ardent
floats on the chords of Chinese violins. A beautiful melody on hesitant bass
structures with beautiful synthetic orchestrations which plunges us in the
musical universe of the Eastern spiritualities.
Much more musical, Pagode D’amour involves us in the first electronic
boiling of Thierry Fervant. Softly, synth sails on a serene sequencer which
filters a slightly galloping structure where sound effects and flowing bass
trace an extremely melodious print. Heat-A-Sutra has a very jazzed odour,
with suggestive vocal incantations. Perhaps the only title which loses a
little of this Eastern essence, the track derives to take a more musical
tangent, and very sensual, on an echotic mode with permissive appearances.
Modern Electronic Kamasutra is a work more musical than complex, soaked with
an Eastern sensuality which transports and opens the senses. There are
superb moments where electronic is master. But the Chinese theatrical
aspect, of a rapturous tribalism, gives an unexpected direction to this opus
where synthetic odes, and superb mellotron, mix melodiously with Chinese
shades.
-----------------------------------------------
Mythos - Feuillage
Stephan Kaske produced one of the first great "Cosmic Music" albums for the OHR Label way back when. Over the years he has continued recording and producing music outside the EM fan scene that’s uniformly excellent. Recently I was able to do an interview with him, you can read it here. 'Feuillage' is his new album of state of the art electronic music recorded in Mythos Studio Berlin and it’s stunning. The sonic textures, combination of melodic themes, and effects Stephan creates, literally create a Technicolor spectrum of electronic sound as both production and layered themes burst with imagination & creativity.
Archie Patterson, Eurock,
Mythos - Le Printemps Mystique
Finally Stephan Kaske alias Mythos is back with genuine Electronic Music. I still don´t like the unsuitable paraphrase ´Meditation´. MYTHOS - MYSTIC SPRING would have been a better title.
In fact on Le Printemps Mystique (french: mystic spring) Stephan used a lot of fine new sounds to weave a mystic spring atmosphere. Sometimes it seems that the music drifts into insignificanse, but in the same moment it returns with a new fantastic sound.
If you have already listened to one of the former Meditition works don´t hesitate to listen to Le Printemps Mystique. It has only the strange unsuitable paraphrase ´Meditation´ in common with them. Start the CD, skip track 1 and you would be amazed!
Lothar Lubitz, SynGate
Mythos - Mystic Spring
If you want further evidence that the wellspring of musical creativity never runs dry, Stephan Kaske´s new Mythos album offers proof. Kaske has continued producing albums over the years in a variety of synthetic styles, his new one is the best he´s done since the golden age and one of the best electronic music albums I´ve heard in some time. The music is composed of dense synthetic sounscapes that pulse with rhythmic energy, and powerful melodic themes overflowing with rich tone colors and stricking effects. The multiple sonic seasonings blend into captivating and entrancing listening session that exemplifies the EM genre at its best.
Archie Patterson, Eurock
Mythos: Purrr - Symphony
Tracks such as 'Magic Black Forest' and `Indian Monsoon' are impressionistic pieces which create images of exotic landscapes and untamed nature for the mind's eye. Expansive synthesizer sounds, slow tempos and glowing chords spread an Asian flair, which is strengthened by the integration of sounds from exotic countries. The electronic magazine AUDION (Great Britain) found the album worthy of the assessment "..surprising album, full of rich textures and melody...".
Klaus Kehrle
You are looking for new surround titles?! Have a look here:
M Y T H O S & M.A.S.S.
Actually I recorded a lot of music in Surround during my career in different styles.
11 of about 40 cds and lps are produced predominantly in 5.1 Surround, SACD and SQ Quad.
Please have a look in the list below.
I don't know how big is your interest in my work. That's why I only add an express biography and a some reviews in english to this email.
More informations and some mp3 cuts for all Electronic Music fans are to find on
www.mythos-music-berlin.de
Some also in english. Please have a look!
In Europe all these titles are available from certain shops and mail order traders. In the U.S. I i.e. know about www.eurock.com.
Now please enjoy the facts and the music!
Stephan Kaske
MYTHOS (Surround) DISCOGRAPHY
(* = mainly Surround Sound titles)
(** = Super Audio CD)
(*** = SQ Quad)
**2006 MYSTERIA - AN ELECTRONIC JOURNEY INTO SOUND (3SACD)
*2002 THE MODERN ELECTRONIC KAMASUTRA (incl.Booklet,adults only!)
*2001 THE ELECTRONIC FOUR SEASONS (4CD)
*2001 THE POWER OF SILENCE (Mythos-Sampler / 8 Songs from 8 CD’s)
*2001 FEUILLAGE
*2000 EMERALD SUMMER
*2000 THE DARK SIDE OF MYTHOS
*1998 LE PRINTEMPS MYSTIQUE
*1998 (W)INTERMEZZO
*1997 PURRR-SYMPHONY
***1975 DREAMLAB
Express Biography
MYTHOS was founded in 1969 by the multiinstrumentalist Stephan Kaske with Thomas Hildebrand (Drums) and Harald Weiße (Bass).
1971 after several hundred concerts they performed extremely successful in the legendary "Langelsheim Festival" the "German Woodstock" and were signed by the famous OHR-Label. The first lp MYTHOS was published in 1972.
With other musicians Kaske recorded the MYTHOS-lps DREAMLAB (1975), STRANGE GUYS (1978) and CONCRETE CITY (1979).
In 1980 Kaske produced his first solo-lp for the SKY-Label, the QUASAR, followed by the GRAND PRIX (1981).
Also in 1981 Kaske founded the MYTHOS STUDIO BERLIN (MSB) which became a kind of "goldmine" right from the start because of MYTHOS' popularity.
In the following years Kaske produced countless bands and projects as well as music for TV, radio, film and commercials.
Not until 1989 he published pure MYTHOS music again, the MYTHOS LIVE. This led to the probably most important contract ever in the MYTHOS history.
Since 1990 up to the present day Kaske is producing for MEMBRAN.
From this cooperation resulted up to now more than a dozen MYTHOS single and multi cds and moreover numerous productions of other styles, i.e. the MYTHOS CLASSIC, PLUGGED ON or M.A.S.S. series.
Additionally to the multiinstrumentalist, Kaske became a multi-STYLIST.
Traditionally his productions are not only reviewed and recommended by critics from all over the world, but furthermore got awards and mentions.
2002 i.e., on the occasion of the 4cd album "The ELECTRONIC Four Seasons", Kaske was presented in front of a big audience with the SCHWINGUNGEN AWARD OF HONOUR for "his life's work up to date and his continuous influence on the international Electronic Music".
In 2005 the Dutch music magazine E-DITION has given the title "CD of the year" to the double cd "The Dramatic And Fantastic Stories Of EDGAR ALLEN POE".
At the end of 2006 the triple SACD Album "MYSTERIA - An Electronic Journey Into Sound" has been released.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTHUSIASTS READ MYSTERIA REVIEWS:
Lothar Lubitz writes in SYNGATE:
This is pure Electronic Music made in 2006 on the highest sound level!!!
You must listen to this music on a SA(SuperAudio)CD-Player to hear the full range of this melodic, rythmic modern electronic journey into sound.
SONIC CURIOUSITY / U.S.A.:
This release from 2006 offers a total of 160 minutes of delightful electronic music.
Fanciful keyboards drive these melodies, assisted by percussion and an assortment of sampled instruments. The electronics are versatile, sometimes rumbling other times glistening. A certain jubilant flavor is present, bestowing the melodies with a bouncy quality. Grittier elements provide a tasty counterpart to this joviality, infusing the tunes with a sense of mystery that never becomes too foreboding. While the keyboards ring with a lustrous clarity, a murky demeanor gnaws at the edge of the chords. A stance of amused majesty might better describe the overall mood.
Sparkling melodies are established, then embellished by auxiliary cadence. Repetition plays only a small role in the music's structure, as passages unfurl with inventive variations. Fresh riffs are constantly surfacing, tirelessly bolstering things with entertaining diversions.
The percussion is nimble and generous, providing the melodies with sumptuous locomotion. Traditional drums share the rhythmic stage with a bevy of synthetic beats.
Vocal strains are manifest in several songs, generating a human presence, grounding the music's effervescent mystique.
Compositionally, this music is tight and ripe. Classical styles blend with modern sensibilities to produce rich melodies with wide-range appeal. Passion is suitably present but under studied restraint. Despite their enigmatic aspects, the tunes remain amiable and wholly accessible. Their drama exists on a fundamental level, albeit cocooned with layers of jocular motivation. Good-time tuneage with strong maturity.
Groove (The Netherlands)
After his astonishing epos about Edgar Allen Poe, Stephan Kaske (M.A.S.S./Mythos) presents his follow up and celebrates his 40 th release with a triple album in an awesome digipak (with the complete history of Mythos).
The first CD opens crystal clear with a phenomenal depth in the sound as only is possible on a hybrid SACD and a DDD recording! The pleasant and accessible melodies are played by a sample of a violin and accompanied by refined percussion and light orchestrations.
The next track “Metrosexual” is a somewhat jazzy shuffle, enriched by numerous subtle effects. The sample of a female vocal gives this track a bit of an erotic edge.
Track 3 falls into the same category but has a bit more rhythm and a slightly different beat. Some parts remind a little of the beautiful instrumental songs by the Alan Parsons Project.
Track 4 is a an easy-listening tune, almost danceable and parts make you think you’re in a merry-go-round. In between there is tasteful more quiet piece.
The last track happens to be in the same tone but has some changing rhythm patterns but I’m not particularly fond of the distorted male vocals that have been used here.
CD2 opens with a Tangerine Dream-like track but there are major resemblances between “Ceep Kool Tonite” and “Metrosexual”, while the melody-lines of “Everybody Out” and “Dynamic Relaxation” are comparable as well.
The atmosphere in “Easy Rotations” is the same as in “Metrosexual” but the solo-instrument is a trumpet (or a remarkably perfect sample of it) and the music has got a little more swing.
The last track called “Flightseeing” is the highlight for me: sounds like Tangerine Dream in greatest form but then ‘Kaske’s way’.
CD3 is my favourite and opens with a track very much like “Metrosexual” (again!) but a bit slower and with different noises and effects.
“Mytomorphosis” reminds of Kraftwerk but a little more playful a.o. because of a theme returning halfway when the ‘steam-train is accelerating’.
The most symphonic/progressive tracks are top of the bill: “Pimp Your Guitar” could be considered a cross-over between Tangerine Dream and Porcupine Tree and “Fourthreetwoone” is a delightful and cheerful synthi-pop track.
The closing piece is a long modern, melodic track full of rhythm and with a nice groove.
All together a very impressive release!
Menno von Brucken Fock
AMAZINGSOUNDS (Spain)
"Mysteria" is a magnificent triple cd by M.A.S.S., the artistic name of Stephan Kaske, a founding member of the mythical band Mythos, created in 1969.
This album joins Space Music with Synth-Pop in a very imaginative manner, which proves why the artist succeeded in becoming a musical visionary at a time when shaping risky concepts of sound was by no means as technologically easy as it is now.
Kaske, who since then has been developing an intense musical career in various recording projects as well as being the author of soundtracks and music for television advertisements, displays an excellent combination of artistic creativity and mastery in his skills with the electronic medium, which means in fact that this work is a true jewel for the lovers of innovative electronic music, with a remarkable beauty, while at the same time avoiding arid experimentation or commercial formulae which are repeated ad nauseam.
MORPHEUS MUSIC (GB)
STYLE
An impressive three CD collection of melodic electronica with programmed beats and occasional world elements. Mythos delivers here a suite of fifteen synthesiser compositions evolved out of Berlin school origins. The musical approach is dramatic, energetic and colourful - strong programmed rhythms propel multi-layered electronic arrangements where imaginative themes luxuriate among swirling effects, morphing sequences and delicate textural films. Lending an additional range of expression there are oriental er-hu violins, emotional female vocal utterances that suggest the Middle East and a number of other global influences. The variation here comes primarily from fluctuations in intensity and layering rather than chordal arrangements, repetition is well employed and cycling, developing motifs build into vibrant compositions.
MOOD
The mood here is one of exotic digital professionalism - Kaske delivering some evocative compositions that wring surprisingly passionate responses from the wires and circuitry at his disposal. Mysteria is unarguably synthesiser music in the grand tradition, twinkling with inviting artificial light and rippling in sequenced regularity - yet the music here is certainly not mechanical or predictable. Monumental and imposing at times, many of the tracks have a regal quality about them as if drawing on a distinguished and extensive history.
ARTWORK
Mysteria comes in a double opening digipack that unfolds into four sections. Three hold discs and the fourth pockets a twenty eight page booklet that charts the history of the Mythos legend. A series of double page spreads describe the origins of the band, the development of their sound and the albums that have spanned almost four decades. Swirling fractal images accompany the information both within the generous booklet and the digipack sections themselves. The front cover puts a beautiful computer graphic to the fore - the words "Music is both an art and a craft based on acoustic principles yet subject to various interpretations hence its artistic merit" lurking to the bottom right. The rear cover contains a track list with timings and relevant contact details.
OVERALL
Mythos (not to be confused with the Canadian duo of the same name) was founded in 1969 by the multi-instrumentalist Stephan Kaske along with Thomas Hildebrand (Drums) and Harald Weiße (Bass) and was one of the original bands on the famous German Ohr label. The band gradually slimmed down so that currently it is a solo project of Stephan Kaske. M.A.S.S. - Mysteria comes two years after the 2 CD set Edgar Allen Poe ... but there is a large discography preceding these that points to a powerful sonic heritage. Promotional material suggests "You must listen to this music on a SA(SuperAudio)CD-Player to hear the full range of this melodic, rhythmic modern electronic journey into sound".
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
Mythos / M.A.S.S. is an act well known to electronica fans and this three CD set will doubtless delight those already in the know. Mysteria is a must for lovers of German synthesiser music with its roots in the seventies, delivered here with a new millennium clarity.
Dene Bebbington / Ambient Visions (GB):
Stephan Kaske has had a long career in electronic music, going back to 1969 when he joined two other musicians to form the group Mythos. In the 1990s he started to record under the moniker M.A.S.S, initially to put his own interpretation on the music of selected classical and modern composers. His latest release is a three CD set called Mysteria -each consisting of five tracks- which is best appreciated by those who have a Super Audio CD player.
Not having heard any Mythos or M.A.S.S albums before I had no idea what to expect from Mysteria. I'd describe it as thinly layered synth pop ranging from some great tunes to somewhat boring ones. But across the CDs there's enough to keep the listener interested.
On disc 1 the first but shortest track “Karakuri” is the highlight. Lush synth lines with a frisson like humming power lines combine with a skittering rhythm and an exotic style melody hinting at suppressed emotions.
In some tracks there's a sensuousness lurking in the rhythms and melodies, and especially in “Metrosexual Zone” the aching ethnic and androgynous vocals bring out this aspect.
Onto disc 2 and the sonics are familiar. Musically it's more dramatic and perhaps a little more melodic. By now there seems to be a pattern, at least for me, that the first track on each CD is the best.
On “Adrenalin Hunters” it's not surprising that the music is upbeat with an infectious rhythm and melody of sparkling notes that sometimes reached an intensity like fireworks exploding in the sky. Apart from losing its way in parts this track is wonderful.
By now you get the idea of how this disc set goes musically. I'd say that Mysteria fits into the well populated category of good EM.
--------------------------------------------------------------
KAMASUTRA reviews:
Mythos - The Modern Electronic Kamasutra
This album is some kind of milestone, a modern electronic interpretation of the Kamasutra, both the music, and the artistic content is fully realized. Musically it is the best electronic music Stephan Kaske has made in a decade or more. A state of the art production and incredibly exotic sonically, it plays like a virtual whirling dervish of tone colors, rich sonic seasonings, and powerful rhythmic pulsations. Enchanting listening! As for the “content”, I’ll only say it is enlightening and provocative, plus totally enhances the CDs overall concept perfectly.
Archie Patterson, Eurock,
Morpheus Music Reviews 2007:
STYLE
Global fusion electronica with a rich sonic palette and powerful rhythms. The Modern Electronic Karma Sutra brings together a variety of colourful global vocalisation and instrumentation and a wide range of vibrant synthesiser sound. The electronic aspects are doubtless the foundation of the music - dramatic themes led by exotic melodic tones, underneath liquid arpeggios bubble and squelch softened by the broad spreading textures of smooth swells and light floating washes. Indeed Kaske's employment of current sound synthesis is masterful and absorbing in itself. Embellishing the main structures are a wealth of international performances and samples - Indian female vocals, Pygmy calls, tribal chants, Chinese er-hu, finger cymbals along with some soulful brass and wordless singing. Beats on the album are frequently a fusion of deft programming and global percussion loops - tablas and other hand drums along with twinkling metalics and bells.
MOOD
The mood is one of theatrical vibrancy - strident beats drive romantic compositions with lush layers of synthetic-organic tone where different world flavours gracefully appear and perform almost like characters in a dream pageant. The sound is one of many interwoven layers and of deeply saturated colour that calls to mind the coloured lights and bold make-up of the stage. Many passages have an oriental feel - not simply because of the use of Eastern samples, but the synthetic voices and the musical modes chosen work together to evoke the atmosphere and mythos of distant Asia.
ARTWORK
The CD comes in a two panel glossy digipack with a 32 page booklet. The imagery throughout the package is primarily taken from original Indian source material - a series of hand drawn illustrations. The front cover presents an embracing couple framed in double decorative borders with the simple title 'The Modern Electronic Karmasutra'. The reverse contains the only musical information - a track list with full times, all composing, performing and programming credited to Stephan Kaske, contact details are here also. Within all remaining space is given over to pictures and information from the source material.
OVERALL
This is not the latest album from the Mythos / Stephan Kaske catalogue - originally released in 2002 it was followed by The Dramatic and Fantastic Stories of Edger Allen Poe in 2004 and Mysteria - An Electronic Journey Into Sound in 2006. The music, however, is still fresh and clearly contemporary. For those that don't know Mythos began back in 1969 with multi-instrumentalist Stephan Kaske, drummer Thomas Hildebrand and bassist Harald Weiße. Kaske went solo around 1980 Kaske with the album Quasar and worked extensively producing other artists and writing for TV, radio, film and commercials.
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
This album will appeal to fans of European synthesiser music that enjoy traditional international elements fused with cutting edge technology.
Sylvain Lupari from Québec, Canada (2007)
Guts Of Darkness; French Home of Dark & Experimental Music
Here is the last musical extravaganza of Stephan Kaske. Initially realized
in 2001, Modern Electronic Kamasutra is a work at the size of the copulative
imagination of Mythos; an electronic fresco, tinted of Eastern breaths to
bodily and delirious spiritual that only Stephan Kaske can offer with
the pretension of its cultural deviations.
As the first hints of Climaxutra, we are plunged in a mythical world of lust
where rhythm is slow, impresses of a latent sensuality propel by rich
mellotron sonorities, and the violins form the rhythmic structure which
grows on more fluid passages and samplings of Chinese chorus. A short but
effective one, Love Your Rythm is dry and nailing with metal percussions
which hammer a progressive tempo, on superb mellotrons violins. A percussive
title which combines roughness and tenderness on strong orchestrations. More
tribal, but as much blowing A Tribal Affair deeply brings us in the Eastern
roots on heavy and solid rhythms, for an electronic fresco. After the wise
Total Passion, Hymnosutra borrows a more sequenced corridor with the
sulphurous mellotrons which releases a very suggestive and melodious
sensuality, on tribal pulsations. The synthetic violins flights are
contagious on heavy and involving sequences. One of the good tracks on this
opus. To be taste with the same approach as body contact. On a more
progressive structure and a strong Eastern incandescence, Un Desir Ardent
floats on the chords of Chinese violins. A beautiful melody on hesitant bass
structures with beautiful synthetic orchestrations which plunges us in the
musical universe of the Eastern spiritualities.
Much more musical, Pagode D’amour involves us in the first electronic
boiling of Thierry Fervant. Softly, synth sails on a serene sequencer which
filters a slightly galloping structure where sound effects and flowing bass
trace an extremely melodious print. Heat-A-Sutra has a very jazzed odour,
with suggestive vocal incantations. Perhaps the only title which loses a
little of this Eastern essence, the track derives to take a more musical
tangent, and very sensual, on an echotic mode with permissive appearances.
Modern Electronic Kamasutra is a work more musical than complex, soaked with
an Eastern sensuality which transports and opens the senses. There are
superb moments where electronic is master. But the Chinese theatrical
aspect, of a rapturous tribalism, gives an unexpected direction to this opus
where synthetic odes, and superb mellotron, mix melodiously with Chinese
shades.
-----------------------------------------------
Mythos - Feuillage
Stephan Kaske produced one of the first great "Cosmic Music" albums for the OHR Label way back when. Over the years he has continued recording and producing music outside the EM fan scene that’s uniformly excellent. Recently I was able to do an interview with him, you can read it here. 'Feuillage' is his new album of state of the art electronic music recorded in Mythos Studio Berlin and it’s stunning. The sonic textures, combination of melodic themes, and effects Stephan creates, literally create a Technicolor spectrum of electronic sound as both production and layered themes burst with imagination & creativity.
Archie Patterson, Eurock,
Mythos - Le Printemps Mystique
Finally Stephan Kaske alias Mythos is back with genuine Electronic Music. I still don´t like the unsuitable paraphrase ´Meditation´. MYTHOS - MYSTIC SPRING would have been a better title.
In fact on Le Printemps Mystique (french: mystic spring) Stephan used a lot of fine new sounds to weave a mystic spring atmosphere. Sometimes it seems that the music drifts into insignificanse, but in the same moment it returns with a new fantastic sound.
If you have already listened to one of the former Meditition works don´t hesitate to listen to Le Printemps Mystique. It has only the strange unsuitable paraphrase ´Meditation´ in common with them. Start the CD, skip track 1 and you would be amazed!
Lothar Lubitz, SynGate
Mythos - Mystic Spring
If you want further evidence that the wellspring of musical creativity never runs dry, Stephan Kaske´s new Mythos album offers proof. Kaske has continued producing albums over the years in a variety of synthetic styles, his new one is the best he´s done since the golden age and one of the best electronic music albums I´ve heard in some time. The music is composed of dense synthetic sounscapes that pulse with rhythmic energy, and powerful melodic themes overflowing with rich tone colors and stricking effects. The multiple sonic seasonings blend into captivating and entrancing listening session that exemplifies the EM genre at its best.
Archie Patterson, Eurock
Mythos: Purrr - Symphony
Tracks such as 'Magic Black Forest' and `Indian Monsoon' are impressionistic pieces which create images of exotic landscapes and untamed nature for the mind's eye. Expansive synthesizer sounds, slow tempos and glowing chords spread an Asian flair, which is strengthened by the integration of sounds from exotic countries. The electronic magazine AUDION (Great Britain) found the album worthy of the assessment "..surprising album, full of rich textures and melody...".
Klaus Kehrle
Last edited:
