The Gregorian Chants in THIS album were sampled. Enigma was NOT sampled on this record, contrary to the claims of a previous reviewer. There are some similar hooks and feels, but Enigma somewhat defined this genre, but Delerium CLEARLY one-ups the entire field with this record. Enigma, by comparison (even MCMXC a.d.), is too poppy, too commercial, too forced. This is a purely good record based on the talents of the authors.

(BTW: Karma has fewer samples; they rented out a church in Vancouver and had real authentic monks sing their chants!)

If you'd like an in-depth song-by-song review, please check out the official web page at http://www.delerium.com - I have my full review posted in the discography.

But, in summary, if you like Enigma or Deep Forest, you will LOVE this album.

PS: If you like this album and/or Karma, I HIGHLY recommend Intermix's Future Primitives, which is a side-project of Leeb/Fulber (the same guys as Delerium) and recorded at the same time as Semantic Spaces, and basically could've been another Delerium album. I also highly recommend the upcoming Conjure One album, the new project by Rhys Fulber solo.

Rick

17 of 17 found the following review helpful:


And The Rebirth Of Delerium Begins...  Aug 31, 2002 By Clarissa "MoonGoddess"
Semantic Spaces is best describes as the 'rebirth of Delerium' for it is a new awakening from their eerie darker days. And while the album starts out rather cold and emotionless it soon escalates to some deep electronic bass lines with (for the first time ever) soaring vocals by female singer Kristy Thirsk on "Flowers Become Screens". Then comes "Metaphor" with its ancient tribal chantings amidst synthy-electronic beats and mysterious female voices that sound a lot like something you'd find on their Future Primitives side-project by Intermix. "Consensual Worlds" probably comes the closest to their older sound with a droning undervoice that drags through some downright creepy sound effects while "Incantation" is probably their most upbeat song with funky trance beats accompanied, once again, by Kristy Thirsk, who sings a lot more often on their next album, Karma. And despite the fact that Delerium samples from both Enigma and Leftfield, I find it all the more interesting to listen to with "Resurrection" being my favorite.

This (along with Karma and Poem) are highly recommended to trance and new age fans alike, so stop reading this and buy it already! You won't be disappointed, I promise.

22 of 24 found the following review helpful:


Metaphor, Gateway - Delerium  Jan 23, 2000 By Joel Youngblood
First "new wave" Delerium CD - this is also the first Delerium cd with a vocalist. And the results are amazing. "Flowers Become Screens" is HANDS DOWN my favorite Delerium song, because of that amazing synth opening (shouldn't say opening really, comes in about 3 minutes into the song, buts its more of an opening on the single. Kristy Thirsk has a voice that belongs with the angels, as she prooves again in "Karma." This album is comparitively light, when looked at to Euprhoric or Spiritual Archives, which is a tad of a turn off, but its still a great album. Definately recomend Track # 1 - its there all time best, "Flowers Become Screens." You also arne't gonna wanna miss the hipnotic chants of the children on "Metaphor." Thrisk sings again on the highly recomendable "Incantation" which will also blow you away, even though its a tad to "popish" for moi. The singing in "Metamorphis" (although it lacks words) will nock you over also. "Flatlands" will make you feel good, and "Sensorium" provides some releif for fans of like myself of Delerium's darker days.

9 of 10 found the following review helpful:


Aural bliss  Feb 02, 2006 By J. Bradford
This is a sine qua non for anyone's music collection. On comparisons to Enigma, I'd say Enigma are definitely the epigone in the standings. Newer Delerium is not as good since Rhys moved to a more commercial production style but this is splendid -their best release combining the sonic architecture of previous albums with the pleasant sensibilities of the newer albums. Semantic Spaces is one of the best produced sonic experiences I've found. It provides a complete healing journey into the multiverse and definitely tops Posford and others for psychedelic soundspaces. With a collection over 5000 CDs strong, this album easily makes it to a desert island 10-pack.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


Absolutely and utterly brilliant  Jul 03, 2005 By Heather "Here To Help"
This is one of the greatest musical acheivements by any musical artist, ever. Yes, it is that good. This cd is mesmarizingly relaxing to listen to, brimming from the first to last track with absolute brilliance. This is pure ear candy. Mellow and relaxing with NONE of the boredom factor that a lot of mellow music has. This is a masterpiece that NO Electronica collection is complete without. I can't possibly say enough good things about this album or do it justice with the mere English language. This is one of the best investments I have ever made -in music or anything else for that matter. Some of Delerium's absolute best work.

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