PETER ULRICH: Enter the Mysterium

Peter Ulrich

Enter the Mysterium

© 2005 City Canyons LLC (881017000425)

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A richly textured blend of world music, art pop, dream pop, old music and darkwave.

tracks

1 At Mortlake
2 The Scryer & the Shewstone
3 Across the Bridge
4 Nothing But The Way
5 The Witchbottle of Suffolk
6 The True Cross
7 Kakatak Tamai
8 Another Day
9 Through Those Eyes
10 Flesh to Flame

notes

City Canyons Records is exceedingly proud to add Peter Ulrich, the noted percussionist from the legendary Dead Can Dance to its roster.
His music recalls "Dead" but has an an exotic flavor of its own, blending seamlessly an array of musical genres--art-pop, ancient and medieval, gothic, new age, world and ethnic-- into a lush tapestry. But words cannot explain that music To understand it, you must enter Ulrich's world of light and shadow, a world of black and white magic, a world haunting, mysterious, sometimes frightening but in the end uplifting--a world powerfully mapped out in Ulrich's new album, ENTER THE MYSTERIUM --but be aware that you may never return to the world as you knew it once you have crossed into this new world's realm.

reviews

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  • A soundtrack for the ages!
    author: Richard Mackenzie, Renaissance Magazine

    Out of the many historically inspired bands that have come and gone since the early 1980s, one of the most creative was Dead Can Dance, whose mystical stylings and globally inspired harmonies appealed to those with a love for the dramatic, from medievalists to Goths and fans of New Age music. Their former percussionist, Peter Ulrich, has carried on their legacy with his own potent blend of ancient instruments, cutting-edge technology, and inscrutable vocals. A rare treat for those who like their music arcane but not necessarily archaic, Enter The Mysterium conjures up timeless mysteries, infuses them with contemporary creativity, and presents the whole as a soundtrack for the ages.

  • Incredibly lush recording!
    author: Greg Prato, All Music Guide

    Ulrich's latest solo outing, 2005's Enter the Mysterium, is an incredibly lush recording -- chock-full of exotic instruments not usually associated with your typical rock bands (recorder, oboe, violin, etc.). Recorded at his home and also at a few British studios, Enter the Mysterium would serve as the perfect soundtrack to a European marketplace before the advent of electricity (think one of the early flashback scenes of Highlander, and you're not far off). Written entirely by Ulrich (who also supplies the vocals and the majority of the instruments all by himself) and paying close attention to sonic detail, Mysterium is definitely a "headphones album," as evidenced by such standouts as "The Scryer and the Shewstone," "The Witchbottle of Suffolk," and "Kakatak Tamai." If you're looking for soothing music that is 100 percent free of distorted Marshall amplifiers, Enter the Mysterium is recommended.

  • An adventurous, eclectic masterpiece
    author: Esque Magazine

    On his second solo album Enter the Mysterium, former Dead Can Dance percussionist Peter Ulrich creates a rich, varied tapestry of medieval, folk, world, and gothic music that amounts to one of the most fascinating albums of the last ten years. The album opens with the stunning At Mortlake, introducing listeners to the dark, brooding, ethereal atmosphere of the rest of the album. Ulrich soon takes you on a timeless, borderless journey of sound and music, each song becoming more adventurous and experimental than the last. The highlight of the album is undoubtedly The Witchbottle of Suffolk, an expansive work covering a wide array of musical influences ranging from medieval chants and whispers to modern-day new wave. The song takes you into the lives of a husband and wife, and the mysterious effects of a magical potion. While the lyrics are simple and elementary, the theme and musical adventures easily puts this song among the best of 2005. While Ulrich may not be the best singer, his talents as an instrumentalist make this album an excellent follow-up to his days with Dead Can Dance and his stellar solo debut Pathways and Dawns.

  • A pleasure on both a musical and an intellectual level."!
    author: April Gutierrez, Green Man Review

    Former Dead Can Dance percussionist Peter Ulrich's second solo CD, Enter the Mysterium, is very much a piece with his 1999 CD Pathways and Dawns in substance, tone and overall quality. Once again, Ulrich has penned all of the songs and provides most of the instrumentation (there are a few guests -- backing vocals, recorder, oboe, guitar, piano, violin), which is a seamless blend between digital samples and live instruments. The music itself is deceptively sparse; while there are a multitude of instruments (from cow bells and kazoos to acoustic guitars and kalimba) and effects (shamisen, taiko drums, orchestral brass), no song feels overcrowded, and, in fact, they seem stripped down to the bare necessities. Yet they are all quite rich sounding, as if many-layered. In fact, the vocals are many-layered; Ulrich has laid down several vocal tracks on a few songs, thus often providing his own backing vocals. There is a consistent tone throughout the CD, one that is largely low key and reflective, a product of both the music and the folkloric and spiritual nature of his lyrics. Ulrich's strength as a percussionist shines during the instrumental pieces of the songs, with some parts -- for me -- favorably evoking Jerry Marotta on Peter Gabriel's Security CD (most notably track four, "Nothing But the Way")....Enter the Mysterium has it all..a fascinating CD that is a pleasure to listen to, on both a musical and an intellectual level.

  • Dark but not depressing!
    author: Edward Burke, Celtic Music fan and College DJ

    Ulrich's new solo album combines Medieval mysticism, tribal drum beats, light gothic rock, and both Catholic and pagan thmes quite well. His sophomore release has all the makings of a very relaxing, pleasent recordng. All songs on the CD are notable, but my favorites are especialy "The True Cross" (Once a Catholic boy always a Catholic boy!), "Nothing but the Way", "At Mortlake", "In your Eyes", and the song dedicated to St. Michael- "The Scryer and the Shewstone". Ulrich's lead vocals are superb and the lyrics are poetic. Overall, an exceptional recording...a reassurance that a percussionist such as myself could record and release an album if I had the time and energy to do so. Thanks, Peter!

  • A pearl for you to discover!
    author: Side Line Music Magazine

    Ulrich will remain most well-known as the former Dead Can Dance drummer, a link that was stressed by the fact that his first solo album “Pathways and Dawns” was produced and co-recorded with the help of Brendan Perry himself. 6 years later Ulrich presents ENTER THE MYSTERIUM out on both the American label, City Canyons the Dutch label Music & Words. This time the material is richer in sounds and actually also sounds a lot more daring than the previous offering. Ulrich took his time to record the material (between 2002 and 2003) and the finishing touches on the material already indicates why. Details are much more present with the use of an eclectic variety of instruments. My attention was grabbed most by “Kakatak tamai," a very anthem like track in which all the elements of Ulrich’s typical approach come forward at their best: his clean vocals, a minimal synth orchestration with subtle pottery and extra rhythm sections to underline the choruses. Also present on the disc are both Peter’s daughters, Louise and Eleanor doing angelic voices and violin on the melancholic take “Through those eyes” which is like a fusion of Simon and Garfunkel with Dead Can Dance. It turned out to be an excellent song that could well have been Brendan Perry’s. A pearl for you to discover, try it out

  • Impressive and Exotic!
    author: Fabienne T., Alternative London

    From Renaissance Europe to the heated landscapes of Africa, the former percussionist of 80s cult band Dead Can Dance introduces us to the superstitions and mysteries of the world, from firewalking to one of the oldest religions in the world, Zoroastrianism. The range of instruments used is impressive and exotic. The blending of genres (ethnic, ethereal, renaissance, etc) and the gentle, subtle quality of the tracks will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

  • Highly recommended !!
    author: Stephane F., HEIMDALLR

    "Enter the Mysterium" follows the same artistic way as his first album "Pathways and Dawns", with a nice variety of songs, combined to different styles, such as folk, ethnic and medieval music, with a strong structure, which gives to the whole album a beautiful unity. A delicate journey through colourful landscapes and varied cultures. Percussions, guitar, violin, piano, keyboards, flute, oboe amongst so many other ones) envelop the fragile voice of Peter, with melancholy in a warm and ethereal atmosphere. If you start listening to this album by watching its beautiful artwork, then you really enter the mysterium. A dark wooden door covered by leaves seems to be the backdoor of a old medieval castle, or a monastery, like suggests the second pictures in the back. There's a true sacred spirit in Peter's music, tainted by authentic spirituality. All tracks in the album reflect the story of ancient religious traditions or old mythical believes. Dark green is the colour I see when listening to Peter's music, not only because it is the predominant colour on both his albums, but also because it is a quiet and peaceful colour, symbol of Nature and Life, bringing serenity and stability. "The Scryer and the Shewstone" is the most folk medieval oriented song of the album, and it reminds me sometimes of Fire & Ice, in the way it is interpreted, as Ian Read could have done it. Other songs might have similarities with Brendan Perry or David Sylvian, but after two albums, Peter has been able to create his own sound, which is immediately recognizable. What can be inherited from the Dead Can Dance period seems to be this incredible capacity of mixing both world music elements with post punk roots. A very rich and varied album, full of fascinating melodies, which haunt our soul and never get out. A splendid journey back to the essence of romanticism and melancholy. Come and find the wise man... A must ! To be placed next to your DCD album collection. Highly recommended !!

  • The most eclectic, inventive record to date in 2005
    author: Bill Holmes, Cosmik Debris

    City Canyons' Peter Ulrich was the percussionist of the wildly creative, Australian based eighties outfit Dead Can Dance, intrepid explorers of music's every frontier. Their brand of ethnic fusion was one part Brian Eno sound layering and another indigenous artistry, giving influence to New Age and art rock artists alike. Albums like Spiritcatcher and Into the Labrynth are rare in their ability to effortlessly bring to mind artists as divergent as Enya and Nick Cave. Ulrich, who joined Dead Can Dance in 1983, brings these same riches to the forefront on his newest solo album, Enter the Mysterium, focusing most ardently on European folk music and Renaissance structure. Mysterium is filled with ten varied tracks, from dramatic time warp pieces "The Scryer and the Shewstone" and "Across the Bridge" to more emotive concepts like "Through These Eyes"....an adventure that demands repeated listens. There isn't a border, whether earthly or extra-terrestrial, that Ulrich's sound doesn't both reside within and push the outer limits of. His recording of Enter the Mysterium might be the most eclectic, inventive record to date in 2005, a magnet for folk, world and dream pop fans. Like the band he made his name in, Ulrich isn't afraid of traveling the globe in a single disc, drawing on its array of shapes and colors for inspiration.

  • Delightfully anachronistic bouquet.
    author: John Shelton Ivany Top 21 (June 21)

    To Enter the Mysterium we all must first pass through the chaos choir initiation, and its going to invoke some questions. The opener's somber tone levies the question, "Do You Know the Wise Man?" After the interrogation, the fields of the Mysterium bloom with kazoos, rattles and a rushing harmony. The music is reminiscent of the Dead Can Dance. This should be no surprise as Peter Ulrich is the former percussionist of that band. The music can be locked into these genres: world music, folk, and dark wave, but these are insufficient and do too much violence. The music of Ulrich is an anachronism, but is not a shy one. It is a confident reproduction of an obsolete way of making music. "The Scryer And The Shewstone" lights the festivities with a meadow filled with Ulrich's percussive expanses and a great celebration of God and the angels. It references an early christian, psuedo-pagan feel. The willowy woodwinds of "Across the Bridge" stick out their tongues and laugh. The song delivers age-old knowledge through simple stanzas, and a story of telling a fortune on the river's edge. The roots of western music still dig at the earth in search of nutrients to give bloom to Peter Ulrich's delightfully anachronistic bouquet.

  • Mighty Pieces of Composition!
    author: C. Norris, Fraqtured Sound

    A soundscape, both dreamlike and etheral, and at the same time vivid, alive with the sounds of yesterday... a true and honest journey through something long forgotten. these are not only great compliments to the vast catalog of works produced, and written by Dead Can Dance, but mighty pieces of composition in their own right. the Dulcimer on "Flesh To Flame" brings to mind many of the works of DCD, but is something all your own within these songs. the guitar arrangement in "through Those Eyes" tugs at the heart, awakening a desire for what once was, at the same time, anticipation for what is to come... this is sure to please fans of Dead Can Dance, and without a doubt, inspire a whole new following of it's own.

  • A Rich and Varied Album!
    author: Hans D, Funprox.com

    It soon becomes clear that the listener is taken on an adventurous trip. Ulrich combines influences from traditional folk and medieval music, various oriental and African sounds as well as some goth/wave elements. Of course the music has references to the work of Dead Can Dance, but the musical scope is even broader. Despite all the exotic elements, the album as a whole sounds quite accessible, due to the melodic songs and the friendly voice of Peter Ulrich... 'The scryer and the shewstone' reminds me of traditional British folk as it was especially popular in the 70's with a medieval/fantasy feeling. 'The withbottle of Suffolk' is a melancholic gothic ballad, while the elegant 'Through those eyes' makes me think of the work of Japan/David Sylvian. In 'Flesh to flame', one of the highlights, oriental elements come to the foreground, with a very nice rhythmic and choral refrain...ENTER THE MYSTERIUM is highly enjoyable. It is a rich and varied album, which takes the listener to many surprising and mysterious locations around the world.

  • Sensual, Excitingly Mysterious, Beauitfully Done
    author: Peggy Hamby

    This music seemed to carry you to a world lost and forgotten. As you listen the tempos blend as if born together. I would tell all I know to listen to this CD. You listen and feel every note as your soul leaps in time of the drum beats. This is a Fantastic CD.

  • A remarkable album for anyone interested in the explorations of sounds and textu
    author: Space Rock

    Where to begin? How do you even begin to categorise something like this? Is it medieval, darkwave, gothic, ambient – what? Well, actually, all of the above and more. In case you’re wondering, Peter Ulrich was the percussionist in Dead Can Dance from 1983 until 1990, appearing on “Garden of Arcane Delights”, “Within the Realm of a Dying Sun” and “Spiritchaser”, as well as working with This Mortal Coil on “Filigree & Shadow”. So, pedigree established. The concept to this outstanding album appears to be a loose conglomeration of supernatural and religious themes from the Marathon Monks of Japan to the notorious John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I’s spiritual advisor, and all points inbetween. Ulrich handles most of the instrumentation himself, and although not a singer as such, his vocals suit the music. The exotic instrumentation lifts what are, sometimes, fragile songs into a dreamy, lush magic carpet ride, which never fails to enthral. Despite the disparate influences, the album flows seamlessly in and out of the different vibes, nowhere better than on the lengthy, but indispensable “The Witchbottle Of Suffolk”, where so many different worlds collide! A remarkable album, not just for the medievalists amongst us, but for anyone interested in the explorations of sounds and texture.

  • Thoughtful and fascinating work!
    author: Rock Confidential

    Ten tracks from the former Dead Can Dance percussionist explore supernatural and religious themes such as firewalkers, the ‘Marathon Monks’ of Mount Hiei in Japan, and John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I’s spiritual advisor. With instrumentation ranging from sharuke to bongos, from violin to electric guitar, this CD is as diverse musically as it is thematically. A thoughtful and fascinating work.

  • Well-written Mysterious Songs
    author: Jan Willem Broek, De Subjectivisten, Caleidoscoop

    Former Dead Can Dance percussionist Peter Ulrich, in his new album, ENTER THE MYSTERIUM is not afraid to seek out pop music, subsequently turning it to renaissance or medieval music.The focal point is Ulrich's excellent percussion and his fantastic despondent vocals (somewhere in between Brendan Perry and Alan Parsons) together with the well-written mysterious songs. It is a lovely stroll through moist abbeys, a walk through far-away bazaars, a rest on the sunny moors, and a way to get lost in dark labyrinths. Peter Ulrich is delivering us a cd which pays tribute to his past, but shows us that he certainly has his own style. (Excerpts translated from the orginal)

  • Peter Ulrich paints majestic soundscapes...
    author: Smother.Net

    Darkwave is interesting enough without folk, Celtic, and goth to complement it. Maybe that's why this album is so intriguing. Peter Ulrich paints majestic soundscapes that are impossible to recreate with a masterful touch on each tune. Formerly the percussionist in the renowned gothic band Dead Can Dance, Peter Ulrich is no stranger to critical praise. His songs that take a look back at medieval sounds are what truly separates this album apart and should be expanded upon in the follow-up.

  • Unbelievable recording sounds like live! Give your stereo an audio treat!
    author: United Home Audio / High End Audio

    Everyone at our audio atore went nuts when we heard that Peter was comming out with a new CD we wondered if it would live up to the high bar he set with hid first cd "Pathways and Dawns". Wow, we are really surprised that this cd is so awesome, we used "Parhways and Dawns" to demonstrate expensive audio equipment in the store, to show how good stereo should sound and we think this recording is better!!!!!!!!! Ok, the recording got us first and you will want to hear it for sure it's audiophile quality! But also we've come to respect the music, the mix of different sounds combining to a musical feel that changes so much from song to song it keeps me guessing, it's world class good. Peter started with Dead Can Dance but his music on this cd is quite an evolution of that begining. If you are bored with the same old remixed low fidelity sounds redone from CD to CD then buy this one and emerse your senses in how audio should sound and how music should move your mind to "Enter the Mysterium".

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