Delerium Albums (12)
What The Critics Say
As fans are well aware, Delerium began their career recording strictly instrumental music in a highly atmospheric, soundscape vein. That musical penchant hasn't changed, but over the years the duo has utilized ever more vocalists to further enhance its sound, culminating in Nuages du Monde. This set boasts seven different female vocalists across its 11 tracks, and a mere two instrumentals. Opera star Isabel Baryakdarian powerfully opens the album with the evocative "Angelicus," her soaring vocals and the number's textured atmospheres a revelation that echoes the song's religious underpinnings. Her "Lumenis," later in the set, is an equal standout, here her delivery pinioned between East and West, further accentuating Nuages du Monde's most haunting track. The equally feted Punjabi singer Kiran Arwuhalia is Baryakdarian's equal, her wondrously keening vocals across "Indoctrination" echoing around the swooping synth. These two performers are of such quality that their light virtually outshines all the rest. Still, Katharine Blake's bubbling and effervescent delivery is exquisitely showcased on "Extollere," and is far removed from the blurry, breathy vocals she offers up on the much weaker "Sister Sojourn Ghost." In contrast, Kristy Thirsk's pretty-as-a-peach vocals work a charm on "Self-Saboteur," a song that also boasts the album's catchiest chorus. "The Way You Want It to Be" is even more pop-flecked, while Jaël's "Lost and Found" encompasses flickers of new wave, rock, and pop, one of the set's most musically intriguing tracks. Filled with rich atmospheres and myriad moods, ranging from shadowed to bright, Nuages du Monde embraces a surprising variety of musical styles that shimmer and shift with great suppleness throughout the set. However, as splendid as the music is, the occasionally overly forceful rhythms at times get in their way, not so much counterpointing the moods as undoing them -- the only thing marring an otherwise flawless album. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
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. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Similar to Semantic Spaces with its focus on the lighter side of vocal dream pop, Karma includes contributions from Sarah McLachlan, Kristy Thirsk, and Jacqui Hunt. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After a period focusing on gothic environmental fusion for their Delerium releases, Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb began recruiting vocalists and moving more toward a Deep Forest style of ethno-dance. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
