Please ignore the Besaid Island piano bit at the very end - it was meant for the podcast only, but snuck it's way onto this video! I did not write it - the almighty Nobuo Uematsu did, for Final Fantasy X. - V
Holy absolute shit, this stuff is truly enchanting. Breaks so many musical boundaries and offers one of Varien's most immersive listening experiences. It's so tough to find a favorite track, these are all so incredible! But if we're really deciding here, I'd have to go with a three-way tie between Hypnotique, Kamisama and Ghost Spores. The vocals are all just absolutely mindblowing, but each song has its own "identity", and a different quality that makes it shine so much. Hypnotique sounds like a mix of Seduction and Aether and Light, and the second half of the drop with harder bass and Charlotte's vocals was just stunning. Kamisama probably most embraces Varien's fascination with other cultures and has this extremely distinct sound that marries perfectly with Miyoki's vocals, which sound heavenly during the drop. That with all the guitars and ambient sounds is just beautiful to listen to. And then we have Ghost Spores, which I think is easily Laura's best vocal performance. She's always had a wonderful voice, but she tries so many new things here that channel such powerful, soul-touching emotion. Those layered falsettos, holy shit... And that instrumental segment is truly an experience. Really, profoundly moving. But all in all, this album truly lives up to all the hype and it's certainly one of Varien's finest works. I'd assume it's his most ambitious project to date, and he's truly succeeded - every song pulled me into such a vivid atmosphere that masterfully translates Varien's visions to musical sound. Thank you Varien for this masterclass on how to weave wonders into others' minds. It's more than just "music". I've familiarized myself with this rule for some time now, but the thing is: you don't listen to Varien's work, you experience it.
Varien, I have never heard of you, I stumbled onto this while I was afk from my computer and youtube kept going down a rabbithole of related vids. I came back to this and fell in love. Purchased and looking forward to future works.
Exhibit A of why you're my favorite composer. Listening to this for the first time was one of the best 30 minutes I've had in a long time. Great job on the whole thing, Raven King. Can't wait to hear what you make next.
Nick, it's been 4 years since I first heard this album and fell in love with it, and your experimentation and discovery in finding yourself within new styles of music has been nothing short of greatness. Keep goin strong mate!!
I have been waiting for this for a long time and now that it is here, words cannot describe how beautiful it is. Thank you to Varien, Laura Brehm, Veela, Miyoki, and Charlotte Haining to giving life to this. This is why I love music.
Everything about this album is amazing. Varien's work is always so clean and crisp, for lack of a better word. The Far Eastern atmosphere is also beyond stunning.
Thank you, Varien/Nick, for the wonderful music you make. You have a very unique style which i like very much. Congratulations, keep up the good work. ♥
Transmissions From Lemuria is so good! It's just so perfect. Hypnotique has got to be my favorite. Supercell, Kamisama, & Ghost Spores are just as amazing. And the lyrics for all of these songs are incredible. Really loving this album, Varien! 😎
For an intermission track, Firefly is incredibly badass. It may be my favorite song on the album so far (haven't gotten to Kamisama and Ghost Spores of course).
Ghost Spores has an amazing vibe, hard to explain. Feels like floating in a different dimension. And Laura's voice fits perfect for that kind of songs.
I can confirm without any doubt that you are one my favorite and most inspiring artist that I know. Thank you so much, and hope that your work never comes to an end like the Valkyrie!
I gotta give it to you Varien, you've come along way.. This stunned me man, amazing work! Can't wait till you've blown up and start doing 30,000 people shows, you deserve it all.
You guys see how the girl makes a triangle shape with her arms in the middle making a vertical line in the triangle? what's in the middle? A circle. What do we know about circles? They look like eyes. So a triangle with an eye in it? What could it be? Coincidence? I think not. Varien has restored the Deathly Hallows... jk Varien is Illuminati confirmed.
Saw Ghost Spores on Laura's channel and had to come check out the rest of the album; I was most definitely not disappointed. Great job, Varien. It's been a long time since I've heard an album that is so unified in theme yet so diverse with every song.
I see people talking about "this songs easily the best on this album" Front to back listens suggest... Every song is the best on this album.... This album is insane
fun story. I wrote a book in 2014, before finding out about Monstercat, or you as artist in general. The protagonist of the story was coincidentally called Varien, and I only found MC (and thus you) after publishing the book. You're still my favourite producer from the label, and this album is pure heaven.
I just realized. In Supercell, a "Child of Iris" is mentioned. The only child of Iris was Pothos, who was part of Aphrodite's retinue and represented yearning. As in, the same yearning that's reference throughout the album.
Late, late reply, but thank you for mentioning this. :) I'd interpreted it as "a child of the eye / of light" during the video, like Varien wandering in the darkness towards the light in the music video. Yours is much more simple and elegant.
I love your creation. Every track is deep with profound emotional charge and I cant stop listening to it. I take it with me when I go for a run or I just study with your music in the background. Also, I do not usually write comments to the interpreter, but to you...? I simply must. Good luck in your new creative process of composing!
This album just gives me more proof that there is nobody like Varien, and there never will be, everything I love about Varien's music just explodes out of my sound system, it is just pure, unrivaled beauty.
Just listened to this album and I love it. I heard Kamisama as an intro to C2W first ride vlog and had to check your page. I am definitely hooked amazing music!
Bought this album immediately after finishing listening to this mix :) This means a lot to me since this is the FIRST album I bought from Monstercat apart from the main albums xD amazing work Varien!!!
I'm really loving "Kamisama". The original tune used for it was a really famous song in China and to majority of South East Asians. :) I'm happy to hear "999 Roses" come back again. :)
Why the hell not, fits the general tone of this album very well, and that is absolutely amazing. This entire album gets me hot and steamy like no other, it's truly sublime. Varien is always a genius, no matter what emotions she captures!
+Tanmark1998 I am amazed that someone of your age actually understands that EDM is this broad. There are still people that think that EDM == mainstream martin garix music.
Supercell lo escuché a través de Monstercat y me gustó bastante, después escuché Hypnotic y ya me dio curiosidad por escuchar a este compositor. Felicidades, es un excelente álbum; en 30 minutos hay un juego bastante interesante de la Electronica, Lounge, New Age (Así lo considero) en combinación con vocales bastante sutiles que llaman mucho la atención. Un gusto conocer este tipo de talento.
The calm part with saxophones (i believe?) in Transmissions from Lemuria, makes me think of the main theme in Cowboy Bebop) Actually the whole track has that vibe to it :)
It's pretty good! Can't say I would have mixed it the same, or used the same electronic tones at all, but that's just my preference. Congrats on the feel of the acoustics though! Well done mate!
Wow, wasn't expecting this from you! This is so chilled and laid back, bumping at my job now lol great stuff man. Btw, I listen to llith every night before bed. It helps me sleep #Classic
Please ignore the Besaid Island piano bit at the very end - it was meant for the podcast only, but snuck it's way onto this video! I did not write it - the almighty Nobuo Uematsu did, for Final Fantasy X.
- V
Varien V is
Varien Did RUclips get rid of the online video editor tool? I think you used to be able to cut stuff like that out.
Pls do whispers in the mist breakdown
Varien Varien first of all, great LP! But what I always wonder is, how did you come up with the names for each of your songs for the album?
Ti BM he has said before that he creates a story for each track and names it accordingly to the story
This is enchanting
DjEphixa oh hello there
Rasyid N E Indeed.
DjEphixa It's as enchanting as seeing you anywhere these days.
completely agree.
+DjEphixa Very enchanting
-e
Holy absolute shit, this stuff is truly enchanting. Breaks so many musical boundaries and offers one of Varien's most immersive listening experiences. It's so tough to find a favorite track, these are all so incredible! But if we're really deciding here, I'd have to go with a three-way tie between Hypnotique, Kamisama and Ghost Spores. The vocals are all just absolutely mindblowing, but each song has its own "identity", and a different quality that makes it shine so much. Hypnotique sounds like a mix of Seduction and Aether and Light, and the second half of the drop with harder bass and Charlotte's vocals was just stunning. Kamisama probably most embraces Varien's fascination with other cultures and has this extremely distinct sound that marries perfectly with Miyoki's vocals, which sound heavenly during the drop. That with all the guitars and ambient sounds is just beautiful to listen to. And then we have Ghost Spores, which I think is easily Laura's best vocal performance. She's always had a wonderful voice, but she tries so many new things here that channel such powerful, soul-touching emotion. Those layered falsettos, holy shit... And that instrumental segment is truly an experience. Really, profoundly moving.
But all in all, this album truly lives up to all the hype and it's certainly one of Varien's finest works. I'd assume it's his most ambitious project to date, and he's truly succeeded - every song pulled me into such a vivid atmosphere that masterfully translates Varien's visions to musical sound. Thank you Varien for this masterclass on how to weave wonders into others' minds. It's more than just "music". I've familiarized myself with this rule for some time now, but the thing is: you don't listen to Varien's work, you experience it.
Nice review :)
The vocals are so stunning... Well everything is basically... :)
Lucas K. Exactly.
Home come I haven't seen you on monstercat :( I've missed your long ass paragraphs
Christian Archer Check my G+ page, I didn't go anywhere. Nobody hits the like button anymore tho :(
Batman At first I was like "wait, how could someone dislike this album" but when I read on, I realised that you were actually admiring him xD
Chills all along, AMAZING work!
+MA Free I agree!
-e
Varien, I have never heard of you, I stumbled onto this while I was afk from my computer and youtube kept going down a rabbithole of related vids. I came back to this and fell in love. Purchased and looking forward to future works.
+Gaifreak Varien is a truly diverse fellow.
-e
Best album I've ever heard. Hypnotique and Ghost Spores are just fantastic to listen to. Great job Varien!
I guess you could say it was hypnotic?
+GAMEazan My favorite are Hypnotique and Transmissions from Lemuria.
-e
Laura Brehm's singing is amazing this is the best I've heard from her
listen to diamond sky. it's a great song
This album is actually amazing, I'm really digging these vibes. keep this up man! You're the best
Ghost Spores
+RustyOfficial Omfg I remember you! I was subbed to you back in like 2012, dunno why I unsubbed.
+Retalak ;)
Exhibit A of why you're my favorite composer. Listening to this for the first time was one of the best 30 minutes I've had in a long time.
Great job on the whole thing, Raven King. Can't wait to hear what you make next.
DO YOU REALIZE YOU GAVE ME NOW SOME REASON TO STUDY? NOW I CAN JUST STUDY LISTENING TO THIS AND EVERYTHING IS OK
Nick, it's been 4 years since I first heard this album and fell in love with it, and your experimentation and discovery in finding yourself within new styles of music has been nothing short of greatness. Keep goin strong mate!!
I have been waiting for this for a long time and now that it is here, words cannot describe how beautiful it is. Thank you to Varien, Laura Brehm, Veela, Miyoki, and Charlotte Haining to giving life to this. This is why I love music.
How is this so artistic and so jammy at the same time?!?!? amazing.
Adding to this: Kamisama is my favourite, but damn this whole album is fantastic.
this is so different...kinda out the ordinary world. This is just deep music!!!! Thanks and blessing. You guys are so unique!!!!!!
Everything about this album is amazing. Varien's work is always so clean and crisp, for lack of a better word. The Far Eastern atmosphere is also beyond stunning.
Thank you, Varien/Nick, for the wonderful music you make. You have a very unique style which i like very much. Congratulations, keep up the good work. ♥
Transmissions From Lemuria is so good! It's just so perfect. Hypnotique has got to be my favorite. Supercell, Kamisama, & Ghost Spores are just as amazing. And the lyrics for all of these songs are incredible. Really loving this album, Varien! 😎
For an intermission track, Firefly is incredibly badass. It may be my favorite song on the album so far (haven't gotten to Kamisama and Ghost Spores of course).
This is got to be one of my favorite albums of the year!
Over a year later i could say this masterpiece sounds as majestic and wonderful as the first time i heard it
i am being honest.. this is the best and most unique LP i have ever heard.. i am truly speechless on all of this.. tremendous work there Varien!
Ghost Spores has an amazing vibe, hard to explain. Feels like floating in a different dimension. And Laura's voice fits perfect for that kind of songs.
Supercell is easily the best track in the album.
and Transmissions from Lemuria makes you feel like you're in a diff world
ghost spores tho
You and your talent are a gift for the world. We must have done something right to deserve this miracle of music! Love from México
It's not the school year yet but I can tell this is going to make homework and studying 10x better.
I love Miyoki!!!!
I'm not even a fan of electronic music, but i've been hooked on this album since i f ound it. every song is great.
Love that outro there, wish there was a similar but original piano outro on the actual album
I can confirm without any doubt that you are one my favorite and most inspiring artist that I know. Thank you so much, and hope that your work never comes to an end like the Valkyrie!
FREKIN MASTERPIECE!!
Many thanks for this!!!
I gotta give it to you Varien, you've come along way.. This stunned me man, amazing work! Can't wait till you've blown up and start doing 30,000 people shows, you deserve it all.
You guys see how the girl makes a triangle shape with her arms in the middle making a vertical line in the triangle?
what's in the middle?
A circle.
What do we know about circles?
They look like eyes.
So a triangle with an eye in it?
What could it be?
Coincidence?
I think not.
Varien has restored the Deathly Hallows...
jk Varien is Illuminati confirmed.
Lol had me in the middle
Ahhh so amazing!! I think my favorite on the track is a tie between Supercell and Kamisama!!!
My favorite Varien album!
Well I'm glad I found this. Very unique album.
Saw Ghost Spores on Laura's channel and had to come check out the rest of the album; I was most definitely not disappointed. Great job, Varien. It's been a long time since I've heard an album that is so unified in theme yet so diverse with every song.
One of my favorite albums. The intro is just so good
Absolutely loving Kamisama, wonderful album!
This is a very well constructed album. Thank you for the diversity and pleasurable experience
my favorite two songs in this LP are Snowlight & Hypnotique. You did a really good job on this LP! Keep it up :)
Ghost Spores and Kamisama hands down favorite.
glad to see an edm artist making an album with real direction instead of just a compilation of tracks. great album
Mind is blown.....no w-woordsss can describe the awesomeness of this!
I see people talking about "this songs easily the best on this album" Front to back listens suggest... Every song is the best on this album.... This album is insane
true
fun story. I wrote a book in 2014, before finding out about Monstercat, or you as artist in general. The protagonist of the story was coincidentally called Varien, and I only found MC (and thus you) after publishing the book. You're still my favourite producer from the label, and this album is pure heaven.
I will listen to this a Million times and won't get bored
I just realized. In Supercell, a "Child of Iris" is mentioned. The only child of Iris was Pothos, who was part of Aphrodite's retinue and represented yearning.
As in, the same yearning that's reference throughout the album.
Late, late reply, but thank you for mentioning this. :) I'd interpreted it as "a child of the eye / of light" during the video, like Varien wandering in the darkness towards the light in the music video. Yours is much more simple and elegant.
Really hope you make more of this style of music mate, The Ancient & Arcane volume 2 maybe :). Even a remix of these songs would please me.
Dude, you keep getting such awesome voices for your tracks! This ones going in my faves!
What an incredible album!
Ghost Spores is by far the best I've heard in a while
I love your creation. Every track is deep with profound emotional charge and I cant stop listening to it. I take it with me when I go for a run or I just study with your music in the background. Also, I do not usually write comments to the interpreter, but to you...? I simply must. Good luck in your new creative process of composing!
The most album i have heard, keep up your awesome work Varien :)
"Transmissions from Lemuria" has that "Toothless Hawkins" vibe in the middle... Varien feels the nostalgia as well!
I'm talking about the section with the marimba.
Great job Varien,you're always doing awesome things. Never change.
Truly amazing... Definitely will be having this on repeat for the next 6 hours or so
Stuff like this reminds me why I got an 800W pa for my tiny ass room. I'm floating on the bass and drowning in everything else.
Supercell gets me into the mood with doing my work! Earned a new subscriber! Keep up the great work!
This album just gives me more proof that there is nobody like Varien, and there never will be, everything I love about Varien's music just explodes out of my sound system, it is just pure, unrivaled beauty.
+ZephyrValIey buddha bar
Just listened to this album and I love it. I heard Kamisama as an intro to C2W first ride vlog and had to check your page. I am definitely hooked amazing music!
after two songs you instantly became my favorite, shout out to chase on two wheels for showing me your channel. glad I found it.
cant believe this is around 3 months old.. it still feels so new to me
Bought this album immediately after finishing listening to this mix :) This means a lot to me since this is the FIRST album I bought from Monstercat apart from the main albums xD amazing work Varien!!!
I knew I would get something good if I subscribed to you.
Keep up the great music!
I'm in love with your album. It's amazing!
enjoyed the listen! great work!
Varien doesn't fail. *ever*
I love this album it's so beautiful and peaceful with uplifting vocals and harmonious melodies. 😌😌🙆🙆🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👏👏💗💗💗
This was amazing! Such magical music, keep up the great work Varien!~
One of the best albums I have ever heard. Much love!
I'm really loving "Kamisama". The original tune used for it was a really famous song in China and to majority of South East Asians. :) I'm happy to hear "999 Roses" come back again. :)
I got high from listening to this album.
Keep these great jams coming Varian!
Wow. Ghost Spores is my fav, insane track!!
What a beautiful LP...
OMG crying cuz this is perfect
Album is divine
So Chill, love it.
Transmissions from Lemuria should be renamed to "Slap that ass" - I can only hear it when listening to it :D
Lmfao
Why the hell not, fits the general tone of this album very well, and that is absolutely amazing. This entire album gets me hot and steamy like no other, it's truly sublime. Varien is always a genius, no matter what emotions she captures!
Really Fantastic Album
Absolutely Beautiful. Job well done Varien
your music is incredibly stellar
So far I think this is the best EDM album of the year. All of these tracks were Awesome at worst, all 30 minutes were truely incredible.
+Tanmark1998 I am amazed that someone of your age actually understands that EDM is this broad. There are still people that think that EDM == mainstream martin garix music.
unreal..........this song gets me to my soul.........amazing!
i fall in love with this songs
Supercell lo escuché a través de Monstercat y me gustó bastante, después escuché Hypnotic y ya me dio curiosidad por escuchar a este compositor.
Felicidades, es un excelente álbum; en 30 minutos hay un juego bastante interesante de la Electronica, Lounge, New Age (Así lo considero) en combinación con vocales bastante sutiles que llaman mucho la atención.
Un gusto conocer este tipo de talento.
The calm part with saxophones (i believe?) in Transmissions from Lemuria, makes me think of the main theme in Cowboy Bebop) Actually the whole track has that vibe to it :)
Ur music always helps me with astral travel it's great
It's pretty good! Can't say I would have mixed it the same, or used the same electronic tones at all, but that's just my preference. Congrats on the feel of the acoustics though! Well done mate!
You are Great at what you do Sir.. please keep it up, my Ears thank you for every track.
Wow, wasn't expecting this from you! This is so chilled and laid back, bumping at my job now lol great stuff man. Btw, I listen to llith every night before bed. It helps me sleep #Classic
Varien is such a talented and unique artist, this album is truly amazing!
Awesome!
Superbe ! :D Varien a un talent fou, et ça claque !
So amazing I had to buy it, thanks Varien!
best.album.ever
10000% agreeee
Ghost Spores was beautiful
A beautiful thing ❤
Your music makes me so happy. It's so relaxing.
Thank you so much for making that :)
Omfg, this album is soooo goood, I love your work
Snowlight 👏👏👏👌