"Exilarch" is the third album by Rhys Fulber, artist and producer behind Conjure One. The current single, "Like Ice," features vocals by one of dance music's most sought after voices, Jaren Cerf. As a member of industrial rock outfit, Front Line Assembly and later, Delerium, Fulber went on to sell a quarter of a million albums in the US and over a million units worldwide with the collaborative album, Karma. On Conjure One's self-titled debut, two singles - "Tears From The Moon" and "Sleep" - placed #1 on the UK Club Chart and #3 on Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.
As the legend of Delerium lives on in Conjure One, the masterpiece of the main creative outlet of producer Rhys Fulber finally emerges as one of the world's best kept secrets. The former member of industrial flag bearers Front Line Assembly and crossover act Delerium is one of the most diverse producers of his time and brings you the multifarious creations of his 'Holoscenic' album.
Ranging from the astounding 'Kill The Fear' feat. Hannah Ray and the entrancing 'Miscreant', to the powerful 2013 singles 'Under The Gun' feat. Leigh Nash and 'Still Holding On' feat. Aruna, the album is fresh, intriguing, and absolutely striking. Home to some the most beautiful vocal performances and incredible atmospheres, 'Holoscenic' offers a lot more than any singular genre could offer…
Rhys Fulber had already proven his skills in ambient dance with Delerium. On Conjure One, he develops his own ideas further, applying a wonderful grasp of sounds from the Mediterranean and Middle East. Fulber traveled the world to put together this breathtaking work, which was recorded in Amsterdam, Vancouver, London, and Los Angeles. Given his busy production schedule, it's no surprise that this took three years to finish. The result is satisfying to say the least, as Conjure One is nothing short of sweeping ambient dance-pop. Like Sarah McLachlan's contribution to Delerium's "Silence," the guest vocalists here enhance Fulber's already powerful songwriting. Most magnificent are Sinéad O'Connor ("Tears From the Moon"), Poe ("Center of the Sun"), and Marie Claire D'Ubaldo ("Manic Star"). With other collaborations from Billy Steinberg and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, this ethereal solo debut (if you can call it a solo effort) is another big step forward for Fulber, as well as culturally diverse pop. A limited-edition version comes with a second disc of remixes.
Three years after an impressive debut, Rhys Fulber shows his solo project wasn't a one-shot deal nor a lucky stab at reinvention. Extraordinary Ways is similar to Conjure One, in that it's lush and majestic ambient pop. The difference this time around is more in the recording process and Fulber's inspirations. With Conjure One, Fulber traveled the world to record while applying Middle Eastern influences. For Extraordinary Ways, he wrote songs only in Los Angeles and tones down the global ambitions. He again assembles a roster of powerful vocalists with whom he can't go wrong: Jane, Chemda, Tiff Lacey, and Joanna Stevens. Fulber even contributes vocals himself, on an unexpected cover of the Buzzcocks' "I Believe." It's a little out of place, but still interesting. Toward the end, the impact drops down a notch, and one wishes the vocalists had some better melodies with which to work. Nonetheless, this is an engaging and spiritual listen.
Released by Djam Karet's label Firepool Records, Conjure builds on the success of their first album. With guest musicians including Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Joel Adair (Legacy Brass Quintet) and looping samples by Steve Tibbetts, combined with their impeccable production, deep compositions, and impressive performances, Conjure is a real treat for fans of King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Mick Karn…