Artist: Astral Projection Album: Amen

Year: 2002
Duration: 1:19:20

Amen by Astral Projection: A Critique and Brief History

Welcome to my of the album Amen, by the Israeli group Astral Projection! This album, released in 1999, is considered a milestone for goa trance music and a must-listen for anyone into the genre. In this post, I will give you a brief history of the group, analyze the style of music presented in the album, highlight the best tracks, and offer my personal opinion on the album. So, sit back, put on your headphones, and let's get started!
First, a brief history of Astral Projection. The group was formed in 1993 in Israel by Avi Nissim and Lior Perlmutter, and later joined by Yaniv Haviv. They quickly gained international recognition for their energetic and hypnotic live performances, which combined trance-inducing music, visuals, and stage effects. Their early sound was influenced by classic electronic acts like Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre, and Tangerine Dream, as well as the rave, techno, and psy-trance scenes of the 90s.
Now, let's talk about the music genre of the Amen album. Goa trance, also known as psy-trance, is a subgenre of trance that originated in Goa, India, in the late 80s and early 90s. It is characterized by its heavy use of electronic instruments, percussion, and repetitive patterns, as well as its mystical and spiritual themes. Goa trance has a distinctive psychedelic and trance-inducing quality, often described as a journey or a trip. The Amen album is considered a culmination of the goa trance style, featuring intricate melodies, tribal rhythms, eerie soundscapes, and uplifting hooks.
Moving on to the best songs of the album. The opening track, Mahadeva, is a classic goa trance anthem that sets the tone for the album. It starts with a hypnotic beat and a sample of an Indian mantra, then adds layers of synths and percussion until it reaches a euphoric climax. Cosmic Ascension is another standout track, featuring a memorable melody, a driving rhythm, and various sound effects that create a spacey atmosphere. Dancing Galaxy is a more atmospheric and melodic piece, with a beautiful piano intro, a dreamy vocal sample, and a spacey breakdown. Kabbalah is a darker and more intense track, with a menacing bassline, a distorted voice sample, and a haunting melody that follows you long after the song is over. Finally, People Can Fly is a crowd-pleasing track that combines uplifting vocals, soaring synths, and a pounding beat, making it a perfect ending for the album.
Now, let's discuss the most innovative parts of the album. The Amen album innovated by adding Indian and Middle Eastern elements to the goa trance formula, such as the use of sitar, tabla, and chanting vocals. It also experimented with different rhythms, time signatures, and tempos, creating a sense of dynamic movement and variety. The album's production is also top-notch, with clear and crisp sound, rich textures, and well-composed arrangements. Moreover, the album's artwork, which features a mandala-like design and a spiritual theme, adds to the overall experience of the music.
Lastly, my own opinion on the album as a critic and a music listener. As someone who grew up listening to electronic music and is a fan of trance and psychedelia, I can say that the Amen album is a masterpiece that still holds up today. It captures the essence of goa trance while adding its own creative twists and influences, making it a unique and timeless work. It transports you to a cosmic realm of sound and imagination, and leaves you feeling uplifted, inspired, and fulfilled. Of course, it's not for everyone, as some may find it repetitive, over-the-top, or cheesy. But for those who appreciate the power of music to transport us to another dimension, Amen is a must-have in their collection.
In this post, we have explored the album Amen by Astral Projection, a landmark of goa trance music. We learned about the history of the group, the stylistic features of the album, the best tracks, the most innovative moments, and my own critical opinion of the album. Whether you are a newcomer to goa trance or a seasoned listener, I hope this review has piqued your curiosity and inspired you to check out this amazing album. Thanks for reading and keep on exploring the boundless universe of music!
In this post, we have explored the album Amen by Astral Projection, a landmark of goa trance music. We learned about the history of the group, the stylistic features of the album, the best tracks, the most innovative moments, and my own critical opinion of the album. Whether you are a newcomer to goa trance or a seasoned listener, I hope this review has piqued your curiosity and inspired you to check out this amazing album. Thanks for reading and keep on exploring the boundless universe of music!