STYLE..... Darkwave, Medieval, Folk, Neo-Classical, Gothic
LABEL.... Ultra Mail Productions
REL.DATE... 03.20.2009
Ultra-Mail Productions is a label based in Hong Kong, which has released one of the most beautiful pieces of art in the discography and history of Ataraxia. This album has been released in a box containing a cd (in digipak format), 3 postcards and a very artistic book including 96 pages in full colour format. On these pages you can find verses and lyrics written by Francesca Nicoli, which are illustrated with very artistic pictures. Images of artwork, nature, isolated and abandoned rooms... which are like the mirror reflecting the soul of Ataraxia. The album is collection of 14 songs released all over the years and the impressive discography of this band. I think it would be wrong to speak about a "best of", but more about a selection of songs fitting into a kind of conceptual idea behind this release and its format, which leads me to the opening sentence of the text inside the digipak: 'Music is the gift of Muses, their own sacred voice'. I guess this is quite appropriated to the sound of Ataraxia. This Italian band characterized by the enigmatic voice of singer Francesca Nicoli has always moved in between different styles and influences. Ethereal, medieval, folk, neo-classical and gothic are like the main influences that have always made the splendour of this band. But more than simply splendour, Ataraxia is a band full of grace and magic. I don't know much bands able to produce this kind of magic from rather melancholic songs. "Oil On Canvas" is a sonic universe full of reverie, which totally fits to the title of this album. With some imagination you can easily imagine the songs becoming the oil and the painting on a canvas. The song writing of Ataraxia is delicate while the sound is rather unique. This impressive release limited to 800 copies is a good opportunity to rediscover some of their most essential songs like ôPastoraleö, ôLa Reine Des Hommes Aux Yeux Vertsö, ôEaudelamerö or yet ôMon Ame SorciΦreö. The absolute high light is an unreleased track composed in 2007 and entitled ôTemenosö. This song brings an irresistible climax through a well-crafted rhythmic that goes crescendo. The last song is another little gift for the heaviest fans of the band. ôRashanö is an exclusive track composed in 2008 and bringing this album to a good end! This is not just a collector's item for the fans of Ataraxia, but a homage to the genius of this band!
96 pages, hard cover, full colour book + 3 postcards + 14 tracks six panel digipack CD (12 remastered songs with 1 rarity and 1 exclusive new track)
Collector's item limited to 800 copies!
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