Dark Sky Empty Faces (2008)

Enigma mastermind Michael Crétu took a self-described "omnicultural" approach to his seventh release under the moniker, and while that progressive, pioneering notion looks good on paper, any sharp stylistic changes to the project's signature sound on Seven Lives Many Faces are subtle, to say the least. Once again, Crétu seamlessly blends ethnic fusion, new age, and neo-classical electronica into the perfect background music for a European tourism campaign commercial, peppering each track with his seemingly endless arsenal of samples, both new and old.

The former Scorpions axe-master takes his Sky guitar to new heights of classical/prog/rock mayhem here, creating a very interesting album that will take a few listens to really appreciate, but over time will prove to be quite rewarding. While there are a host of guest musicians & vocalists joining Uli here, the most notable is former Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire, and Royal Hunt belter Mark Boals, who appears on five tracks here, and really does a fine job.

Since the late '80s, Irish singer/composer Enya has become the most unlikely of international stars, delivering lush, Celtic-driven pseudo-classical odes in her signature Wall of Sound vocal style, rarely granting interviews, never touring, and generally taking as much time as she wishes between albums. Bucking odds and industry trends, her popularity has remained steadfast, allowing her to become the best-selling Irish solo artist of all time. Following 2008's snowbound And Winter Came, her silence stretched to eight years – the longest of her career – before the mists once again parted to reveal her eighth album, the evocatively titled Dark Sky Island.

Since the late '80s, Irish singer/composer Enya has become the most unlikely of international stars, delivering lush, Celtic-driven pseudo-classical odes in her signature Wall of Sound vocal style, rarely granting interviews, never touring, and generally taking as much time as she wishes between albums. Bucking odds and industry trends, her popularity has remained steadfast, allowing her to become the best-selling Irish solo artist of all time. Following 2008's snowbound And Winter Came, her silence stretched to eight years – the longest of her career – before the mists once again parted to reveal her eighth album, the evocatively titled Dark Sky Island.