Mortiis -- Stargate -- Earache Records 1999

Prologue
The Stargate:
1. Child of curiousity and the old man of Knowledge
2. I am the World
3. World Essence*
4. Across the World of Wonders
5. (Blessing by) and raped Village*
6. Towards the gate of Stars
7. Spirit of Conquest / The Warfare
8. Army of Conquest / The Warfare [ever onwards]
(To be continued...)

Vocals by Sarah Jezebel Deva.
*Acoustic Guitars by Niklas Trané.
Male vocals by Kalle Metz.
Backing vocals by Mortiis and Metz.
Produced and mixed by Mortiis, Conny Larrson and Niklas Trané.

Mortiis once again releases another fine example of high quality neo-classical/pagan ritual music with Startgate. Laden with the classical female vocals of Sarah Jezebel Deva and supporting vocals of Kalle Metz and Mortiis himself, the music defines itself by the track titles, dark brooding apocalyptic expressions of unrest, suffering, tension, faith, fear, retribution, and hope.

Elements within the release range from deep and strikingly pensive kettle drums, moving timbre, militaristic beats, neo-classical melody ]with the clip-clop of horses hooves on the earth] backed by wind instruments, orchestral synth, acoustic guitar, treated vocals, lyrics of mortal struggle, lost dreams of peace and glory, wonderment and faith of an omnipotent power, and visions of a new world yet to be attained.

The overall sound of Stargate is warm and dramatic, peaceful yet disturbing and is noted on the last track on the CD cover to be continued. One can only hope! Stargate in an incredibly moving and emotional release. Thank you Mortiis!

Skip over to see Photos of Mortiis and a Live review in Detroit Michigan, October 1999.