Artist: Enigma Album: The Screen Behind the Mirror

Year: 2000
Duration: 43:25

A Critical Review of Enigma's Album The Screen Behind the Mirror

Enigma, the musical project by Michael Cretu, has always been known to blend various sounds to create a unique and recognizable style. The Screen Behind the Mirror, released in 2000, is no different. It's a fascinating amalgamation of Gregorian chants, world instruments, synths, and electronic beats, wrapped in a mystical and cinematic soundscape. In this blog post, we'll delve into the brief history of Enigma, the music genre of The Screen Behind the Mirror, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and ultimately a critical review of the album.

Enigma's first album MCMXC a.D. released in 1990, signaled its unique sound, which created an instant buzz. Michael Cretu, the mastermind behind Enigma, blended Gregorian chants, ethnic instruments, samples, and electronic music to create a new genre referred to as New Age, which dominated the music scene in the early 90s. Enigma's subsequent albums continued to evolve in sound, texture, and genre, spanning from the Mediterranean-inspired The Cross of Changes to the Latin American influenced Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!.

The Screen Behind the Mirror marks a return to the signature sound of MCMXC a.D. but with a more mature and nuanced approach. The album blends haunting Gregorian chants, samples taken from various parts of the world with electronic arrangements, and an overall cinematic feel. The album's moodier tones is conveyed primarily through its introduction track, The Gate, which sets expectations for the album's sonic journey.

The standout tracks of the album are Silence Must Be Heard, Modern Crusaders, and Out from the Deep. Silence Must Be Heard is the perfect embodiment of Enigma's sound, from its cryptic lyrics to the haunting melody to the lush string section. Modern Crusaders is a more upbeat and rhythmic track with an African drumming that propels the song forward. Out from the Deep is an ethereal and captivating track with its aquatic feel that submerges the listener into the music.

The album's most innovative aspect is its overall sound. Here is where Michael Cretu's skills as a producer shine, as he manages to blend the various elements seamlessly. The use of sounds like the whip and the creaking of doors on Push the Limits, the brooding synths on Gravity of Love, and the various African and tribal sounds on Modern Crusaders creatively contributes to the album's overall musical texture.

Here is where we take a critical look at the album. The Screen Behind the Mirror is a sonic masterpiece, but it tends to feel repetitive as it progresses. The Gregorian chants, which are the staple of Enigma's music, end up sounding cliché, which dulls their impact. Moreover, the songs on the album often feel incomplete, as if they are rough drafts waiting for final touches. The album's sound, while expertly crafted, feels formulaic, and does not take any creative risks.

In conclusion, The Screen Behind the Mirror is an excellent addition to Enigma's discography. It showcases Michael Cretu's skills as a producer and his ability to create a unique and recognizable sound. The album's standout tracks demonstrate Enigma's ability to capture an audience's imagination and take them on a sonic journey. However, the album also highlights the limitations of the New Age genre and its tendency to fall into a formulaic sound. Despite this, The Screen Behind the Mirror is a must-listen for fans of Enigma and New Age enthusiasts alike.