Aquam Metellicam (2001)
The Italian label M.M.M. presents us one of the most important acts from its factory, a finest collaboration between Stefano Musso (ALIO DIE) & Nick Parkin, an English multi instrumentalist and composer who has collaborated with some musical and artistic projects around the world. In this collaboration, both musicians get a very interesting work based on the energy of the elements(light, fire, water, ...), similar to a journey in a world of vibrations through different notes and atmospheres. Stefano Musso contributes with his special ability to create ambient, magical and ritual music, handling different electronic and ethnic/natural instruments. The title of the album, “Aquam Metallicam” (Metallic Water), shows signs of the general concept of this work perfectly. Moreover, this track recalls landscapes of heavy water beating on emptiness, in the same way that other “aquatic” tracks like “Turba” or“Silent dew”, this last being a nice composition that reminds of a cold andrainy sunrise. But the light is also present on this album: the introduction called “Regio Lucis” (Light’s region), refers to the power of the sunlight.During ten minutes, this introduction evokes a sea of tranquillity, combining rising and descending sounds and effects, ending in a total hypnotic trance, an outstanding moment in this CD that reminds us to other works of ALIO DIE.
Quietand, even, dark moments can also be found in “Unctious Vapour” or “Marcasites”,another magnificent track covered with sinuous and metallic percussion as well as with deep sounds.
Kill Fäktor
The paths of Stefano Musso, the mastermind of Alio Die, and Nick Parkin were bound to cross one day, given the similarities of their musical approach. Nick Parkin,a multi-instrumentalist composer living in London, who has already collaborated with Stillpoint and TUU, worked as a composer for dance and theater, and released a multitude of solo albums, met Stefano in Italy for the recording of this superb "Aquam Metallicam". When listening to these 9 pieces, onef inds that rarely an album title has been chosen more carefully. Magnificent linear, ambient structures pervade the space of cool, metallic sound, from where a panoply of bucolic and ethereal effects surge, gracefully whirling about through this impressive sonic cathedral that lays the musical foundation for each of the pieces. A harmony of elements revealed in all their splendour - air and water, earth, fire and ice communicating with one single spirit, united in the sound of celestial vibrations by these two masters of ambient. A work of overwhelming, timeless beauty. Highly recommended !
StéphaneF. September 2002
Other CDs available by this artist:
Nick Parkin - Descent (CD, Album)