Delerium - Poem (2001 Dark Ambient)

Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber are perfectionists when it comes to their individual musical spirituality. Gothic contexts hitting upon an almost pseudo-intellectual stance is typical Delerium. Alas, it is interesting and deeply alluring in the sense of composing unique artistic dance music. This Mortal Coil aimed for such emotion and, unlike its other musical moniker, Frontline Assembly, Delerium allows for a calm and settling approach in making music. Poem lays into airy and burdened repetition, but the use of guest vocals makes it worthwhile. Modern rocker Matthew Sweet adds an edge to "Daylight," but the classicality found with using a female voice is what makes Delerium most familiar and most enjoyable. Mediaeval Baebes' Katharine Blake (ex-Miranda Sex Garden) throws "Aria" into a passionate tirade of electronic wizardry in abstract composition. Synth beats are heavy, yet the overall note progression aims for an anesthetizing seclusion. "Nature's Kingdom," featuring the lovely Kirsty Hawkshaw (Opus III) appeals in the same way. There's an inventiveness found on Poem, almost as striking as 1997's Karma, but the initial desire holds true.

AMG Review by MacKenzie Wilson