Laren d'Or -- War of Angels -- Synthphonic & Progressive, An Independent Release in 2000 [Last Sigh Magazine]

War of Angels (Synthphonia)

1. 4.12 (April Ride}
2. Fifth Dream
3. Gothic I-V
4. Heart of a Dragon
5. War of Angels

War of Angels (Progressive)

6. Purification
7. Sidestep Walking
8. Swarming
9. Arcadia
10. Precursor I
11. Precursor II
12. Pearldance
13. Liberate Me

    War of Angels (Synthphonia) is an incredible performance that represents a life time of work and study by Attila Héger, alias Laren d'Or. These movements in the classical genre are extraordinary! Delightful strings, horns, spacious synths, organs, and rich melodies combine in exploding and cascading symphonics on the first half of this release. The background is at times filled with classical violin, bursting brass and (some) classical vox with a great amount of shifting and changes. The composition is excellent. The percussion is fabulous, deep resonating drumming, a bit of exotic eastern european style melody and crashing timbre bring out the title of the release, "War of Angels". There are more mellow sections such as with "Heart of the Dragon" -- it makes me feel as if I am in a fairy tale, watching this ancient story unfold, a tale of danger, solitude, conflict and passion -- an ambitious track.
    It's no wonder this release is excellent. Attila Héger started playing piano at the age of six. After a few years, he "started to feel that kind of power, that means instrumental knowledge and the feeling of possessing music" within himself. He comes from Hungary, a country with a rich history of music, culture and writers, of whom had an influence on Mr. Héger's learning and practice. And rightfully so, in listening to his work, I can invision travel in a world of fantasy, into yet unchartered realms, and dangerous inquisitive times.
    The latter half of this release moves into "Progressive", as with the first half, entirely electronic (which amazes me that so many sounds can come from a keyboard), and instrumental. When I read Attila's notes that were sent to me with this release, I was more than anxious to get home and put it in the player.
    "Progressive" is equally as good as part I, "Synthphonia". The beats are quicker, the tempo is more upbeat and it has a more modern feel. I can hear influences of Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre and yes, even YES. Other influences to Attila's composing include, Moby, The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack and Morcheeba.
   Attila, for eight years, has been a professional composer in game developing as an "in-house" composer, and has worked on over twenty games as well as film soundtracks. Platforms include: Sony PSX, SEGA, Dreamcast, Sega PICO, Genesis and Super Nintendo. His achievements include: Three Dirty Dwarves, Tiny Tank, Wacky Races, Lost World/Jurassic Park, Star Trek, Museum Madness, and music for the US Kidsite: www.bonus.com to name a few.
    Laren d'Or is seeking a sponsor for his upcoming album: "Books". He is a "composer" in the true sense of the word. This release shows Laren d'Or's diversity in creating music. A release not to be missed! Laren d'or, where have you been hiding all these years? If someone doesn't snatch this guy up, I'd be quite amazed. Thank you for sending in this release.

Associated Links to Laren d'Or:

http://www.larendor.homestead.com
http://www.mp3.com/larendor
http://www.mp3.com/alnorder
http://www.besonic.com/draco

You can contact Attila at: gonzo412 (at) matavnet.nu and order this release.

Attila Héger
Photo kindly taken with all respect from his web site at:
http://www.larendor.homestead.com/gbangelwar.html