Lunar Dawn - Kolovrat

[Bill]

Lunar Dawn

Kolovrat

Neogoa

Tracklist:

1. Perun's Stones

2. Golden Arms of Kresnik

3. Svantevit (Part 1: White Horse and Prophecy)

4. Svarog's Celestial Fire

5. Metamorphosis Of Veles

6. Svantevit (Part II: Temple of Arkona)

7. Zorya

8. Rebirth of Jarilo

9. Blessing From Irij (2015 Mix)

10. Into Morana's Cold Kingdom (feat Jasmina)

"In our opinion, goa needs something out of the box - not always the same old story, same mantra going on and on and on. Our story with this album began with one idea that Saša and I have had since we got in music production... to be exact, material was meant to be oriented on old forgotten Slavic pagan beliefs... we got into a new idea of making an album in this manner... for next three years there was lots of researching about this particular theme by us all and we all contributed to evolve the music to a concept level." - Kristijan, Lunar Dawn

 

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, though not as far for some, the Croatian duo of Lunar Dawn released a track called "Blessings From Irij," a magical piece of goa filled with energy and imagination, where the usual euphoric layers of melodic enlightenment of the style was paired with some truly inspired medieval flavors, adding a whole new dimension to the listening experience.

"Blessings From Irij" is a great track, one that impressed me quite deeply when Neogoa released the EP two years ago. Quite surprisingly, however, was the Lunar Dawn follow-up - releasing a full-length album filled to the tippy-top with more medieval leanings, groups of merry minstrels celebrating throughout and live instrumentation and ethereal vocals that transport to another time and place, or, if you'd prefer, a mythological fantasy where the ten tracks visit assorted Slavic gods for merriment, celebration and adventure.

There is likely a narrative to the tracklisting, a plot that follows along to these separate visits and the highly energetic aural adventures that Lunar Dawn have created here but that plot is for the listener themselves to fill in. As it were, the tracklist is the rough outline and one's imagination can provide the vivid details that these tracks will no doubt help to inspire.

This is Misted Muppet by way of Neogoa's The World Beyond concept compilation with a wildly full and bombastic Trinodia-esque melodic approach. Kolovrat is epic, ambitious and damn, damn good.

Though Kristijan from Lunar Dawn says, "This album is influence-free from the beginning, if you refer to influence by other artists. Only influences included were what made us goa heads in first place, I call them subconsciousness influences, artists like Astral Projecion, Talamasca, Hallucinogen and other old goa guard knights. You can hear all sorts of stuff in this album, my sense for melodies and Saša´s sense for deep atmosphering layers, from dark ambient to light panoramas and rhythmic games of his great mind but I think the goa essence prevails. Not in that pure oldschool way maybe, but in some weird so called new school flavour salted and peppered with everything a bit on top."

"Blessings From Irij" gets a "2015 mix" on this album, perhaps not as good as its original, but definitely the rousing highlight of the album's second half. "Perun's Stones" and "Golden Arms of Kresnik" are a perfect one-two opener to the album, setting the tale's tone with majestic melodies and rollicking song structures - they set the bar pretty high but the remainder of the album delivers.

Following the cinematic break of "Svantevit (Part II: Temple of Arkona)," an evocative work filled with lovely orchestral melodies, very nearly a down tempo offering, the pairing of "Zorya" and "Rebirth of Jarilo" open up "Part II" of the album in uplifting fashion.

"Svantevit (Part I: White Horse and Prophecy)," "Svarog's Celestial Fire" and "Metamorphosis of Veles" are winners in grand goa fashion, where quite often impressive minstrel music appears almost magically between the excellent 303 layers.

"Into Morana's Cold Kingdom" is the sweet, mysterious story end where one can almost picture the credits rolling on this tale.

If Lord of the Rings or (shudder) Clash Of The Titans were made by goa-heads, Kolovrat would be the soundtrack. The scope of both its ideas and its sound is massive and ambitious, even a bit daunting for casual listeners. But adventurous and persistent listeners, like the Russian medieval knight of the title, adventuring through these encounters with the Slavic gods, will be rewarded handsomely by saga's end.

This is a massively ambitious undertaking. It is also an excellent one.

Available for free play or download at Ektoplazm

[LunarDawn]

I really can´t stop smiling Thnx Bill, sincerely thnx!

[Arronax]

Happy for the Lunar Dawn crew, they have really nailed it with this release.

[Bill]

Lunar Dawn Q&A

There is a lot going on at almost every level of Kolovrat - the music is big and broad, the cover art is fun and detailed, and the tracklist, oh, that tracklist. A Slavic god or goddess is mentioned in almost every track title and Kolovrat could be either a reference to a Russian medieval knight by the name of Yevpaty Kolovrat (hence the orgy of minstrel merriment throughout the album) or the Kolovrat mountain range in Slovenia or the Kolovrat settlement in Slovenia. Perhaps even all three. I prefer to think that the Russian medieval knight pays a visit to these Slavik gods and goddesses for purposes of one's own imaginings. The following is a brief Q&A with Kristijan of Lunar Dawn that turned more into a seminar on Slavik mythology. Perhaps it will help elaborate on the Kolovrat tale:

 

1. This album very much has a story to tell. Do you care to elaborate a bit on the tale you are telling? Or, if you would rather leave the details to the imagination can you at least give a brief outline?

 

Kristijan: Well, we would be glad to elaborate, of course! Names that are mentioned in our album are Slaven ancient beliefs, gods and goddesses which were worshiped over old times.

 

Perun (which is mentioned in first track) is the Slavic god of thunder and the sky. He should not be confused with Svarog, who is also a god of the sky because Svarog is the god of the universe, and Perun belongs to the lower sky, which could be interpreted as the atmosphere. He is one of the most powerful Slavic gods. He represents the destroyer because he is the god of bad weather and natural disasters. Perun is a member of the biggest and the most powerful Slavic trinity (Triglav) together with Svarog and Svetovid (the theory that Triglav is not a god, and that he represents a trinity is very questionable and disputed over, and it is possible that it was first set by Neo-pagans). In many places, Perun is mentioned as Svarog's and Veles's brother. As a god of war, Perun's lightning bolts were believed to be stones and stone arrows. According to folk beliefs, fulgurites, belemnites, and sometimes even the remains of prehistoric stone tools found in the ground are remains of these weapons. Various Slavic countries also call these deposits "Perun's stones", "thunderbolt stones", "thunderbolt wedges" and "Perun's arrow"; other unrelated names for these include "devil's finger", "God's finger", and "Mother of God finger", and in Lithuania, "Berkun's finger". These thunderbolt stones were sometimes said to be transferred back to the sky by the wind after being under earth for a period of seven years. The weapons of Perun protected against bad luck, evil magic, disease, and — naturally enough — lightning itself.

 

Kresnik (or rarely Kersnik and Krsnik) is ancient Slavic god associated with fire, the summer solstice, and storms. His mythical home, a sacred mountain at the top of the world, represents the axis mundi. Kresnik was worshiped among the Slavic population of the eastern Alps. He is probably the same deity as Svarožiè, son of the Slavic sun god, Svarog, described as having golden hair and golden hands. He gradually evolved into a Slovenian national hero who lives on a golden mountain, sometimes as a deer with golden antlers, associated with the summer solstice. He became known as a mythical king with strong magic, yet still a farmer. With the rise of Christianity, Kresnik was replaced with John the Baptist. A pre-Christian water holiday was probably preserved by association with John the Baptist. Kresnik's association with midsummer, fire, and rain are tied to St. John's Eve, when in parts of Slovenia, fires are lit and water poured over the people around them. The washing of sin parallels Kresnik, who creates rain by vanquishing the serpent of evil. On St. John's Day, many customs retain memories of the Kresnik mythology, like the lighting of fires, rolling of sun-shaped wooden wheels, and young girls called "Kresnice" singing harvest songs. The Slovenian translation for "Baptist" is »Krstnik«, a similar word.

 

 

Svantevit (or Svetovid, Svetovit, Sv.Vid etc.) is in Slavic mythology characterised as a god of war and foreseeing. He is described as four headed god whom heads are looking at 4 sides of the world. With his heads joined, he was "Svevid" or in translation "allseeing". His white horse was kept in his temple and priests were taking care of him. It was believed that Svantevit is carried by this horse in war against the enemies, same horse was used for foreseeing. War campaigns, merchant caravans and richness of harvest were all in dependance of god Svantevit. The worship of Svetovid was at its highest on the ancient island of Ruyan and the Arkona fort. An enormous statue of Svetovid was held in the temple there, a white horse was in Svetovid’s possession too, as was believed by the priests there, and every time they found the white horse muddied in the morning, to them it meant that Svetovid had been riding it during the night. They used the horse for various predictions and prophecies, believing it to be the will of Svetovid spoken through the horse. There are some recorded cases of humans being sacrificed to him, beside animals, in his honour. Also there is one legend saying that Slavic warriors predicted outcome of battle by leading white horse in front of army and setting spear in front of the animal. If horse would step over it with his right leg, victory would be sure and if stepped with left it would be not. Baltic Slavens accepted Svantevit (Svetovit, Svetovid) as their first or highest god. It is believed that with coming of Christianity Svantevit stayed within Slavic culture and religion as character of St. Vid.

 

 

Svarog in Slavic mythology is known as god of fire and sky, creator of everything on sky and earth. He was first god of Sun amongst Slavic people. Svarog is connected with sky, iron smithing and fire. Amongst Russian Slavens, highest god was Perun but in ancient times he was called Svarog or Daždbog. Polish, Ukrainian and Croatian and some other Charpatian nations worshiped especially Svarog, which they considered as creator of the sky and forefather of all other gods. There were sacred groves dedicated to him only! In eastern Slavic folk tradition he is mentioned as god of blacksmith (similar to Greek Hephaestus), but southern Slavic folk traditions worshiped Svarog as god of sun, light and fire (warmth). There is according to legends one interesting thing about Svarog´s entity. A moment just before collision of two warriors as they watch themselves straight in their eyes is called "The Svarog´s moment" (you can feel Svarog´s moment at very beginning of Svarog track, also at second break before madness starts. Svarog moment - a moment in which everything is clear without words.

 

Veles is one of few Slavic gods for which evidence of offerings can be found in all Slavic nations. The Primary Chronicle, a historical record of the early Eastern Slavic state, is the earliest and most important record, mentioning a god named Volos several times. Many etymologists, however, suppose them two different gods. Here, Volos is mentioned as god of cattle and peasants, who will punish oath-breakers with diseases, the opposite of Perun who is described as a ruling god of war who punishes by death in battle. In the later half of the 10th century, Veles or Volos was one of seven gods whose statues Vladimir I, Prince of Kiev had erected in his city. It is very interesting that Veles' statue apparently did not stand next to others, on the hill where the prince's castle was, but lower in the city, on the marketplace. Not only does this indicate that Veles was connected with commerce, but it also shows that worship of Perun and Veles had to be kept separate: while it was proper for Perun's shrines to be built high, on the top of the hill, Veles' place was down, in the lowlands. A similar pattern can be observed among the South Slavs. Here the name of Veles appears only in toponyms, the best-known of which is the city of Veles in Macedonia, over which looms a hill of St. Elias the Thunderer. Also, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a part of Sarajevo is called Velešiæi. Another example is the town of Volosko in Croatia, situated on the seashore under the peak of Mount Ucka, nicknamed Perun. Among Western Slavs, the name can be principally found in 15th and 16th century Czech records, where it means either dragon or devil. He is the opponent of the Supreme thunder-god Perun, and the battle between two of them constitutes one of the most important myths of Slavic mythology. No direct accounts survive, but reconstructions speculate that he may directly continue aspects of the Proto-Indo-European pantheon and that he may have been imagined as (at least partially) serpentine, with horns (of a bull, ram or some other domesticated herbivore), and a long beard.The reason for the enmity between the two gods is Veles' theft of Perun's son, wife or, usually, cattle. It is also an act of challenge: Veles, in the form of a huge serpent, slithers from the caves of the Underworld and coils upwards the Slavic world tree towards Perun's heavenly domain. Perun retaliates and attacks Veles with his lightning bolts. Veles flees, hiding or transforming himself into trees, animals or people. In the end he is killed by Perun, and in this ritual death, whatever Veles stole is released from his battered body in the form of rain falling from the skies. This 'storm myth', as it is generally called by scholars today, explained to ancient Slavs the changing of seasons through the year. The dry periods were interpreted as chaotic results of Veles' thievery. Storms and lightning were seen as divine battles. The ensuing rain was the triumph of Perun over Veles and the re-establishment of world order. The myth was cyclical, repeating itself each year. The death of Veles was never permanent; he would reform himself as a serpent who would shed its old skin and would be reborn in a new body. Although in this particular myth he plays a negative role as bringer of chaos, Veles was not seen as an evil god by ancient Slavs. In fact, in many of the Russian folk tales, Veles, appearing under the Christian guise of St. Nicholas, saves the poor farmer and his cattle from the furious and destructive St. Elias the Thunderer, who, of course, represents the old Perun.The duality and conflict of Perun and Veles does not represent the dualistic clash of good and evil; rather, it is the opposition of the natural principles of earth, water and substance (Veles) against heaven, fire and spirit (Perun).

As you maybe noticed, the track "Metamorphosis of Veles" is really long and changing its themes all the way as Veles did escaping from Perun. Thing is, track was made spontaneously, without aiming to this story which we learned later after finishing it. It was really superb experience to see how close we came to the theme of this story itself.

 

Zorya (Zarya, Zorja, Zvezda, Zwezda), in Slavic mythology, are the three (sometimes two) guardian goddesses, known as the Auroras. They guard and watch over the doomsday hound that threatens to eat the constellation Ursa Minor, the 'little bear.' If the chain breaks loose and the constellation is devoured, the universe is said to end. The Auroras represent the Morning Star, Evening Star, and Midnight Star, respectively, although the Midnight Star is sometimes omitted. In some myths, the morning Zorya was the wife of the male Myesyats, the moon god, and was a major goddess. In other myths, the Zoryas are virgin goddesses who flank the sun (see sundog), and Myesyats is an unrelated female moon goddess. The Zorya are associated with marriage, protection, and exorcisms. The Morning Star is Zorya Utrennyaya (also Zvezda Danica, Zvezda Dennitsa, Zwezda Dnieca, Zvezda Zornitsa, Zora). She opens the heavenly gates for the chariot of the sun in the morning. She is depicted as a fully armed and courageous warrior. She is the patron goddess of horses, and is associated with the planet Venus. She is invoked to protect against death in battle The Evening Star is Zorya Vechernyaya (also Vecernja Zvezda, Zvezda Vechernaya, Zwezda Wieczoniaia, Zwezda Wieczernica, Zvezda Vechernitsa, Zarja). She closes the gates of heaven each night as the sun returns home. The Midnight Star is Zorya Polunochnaya (also Zwezda Polnoca). Some legends omit this Zorya, leaving only the Morning and Evening Auroras. Each night, the sun dies in the Midnight Zorya's arms and is then restored to life. She is a goddess of death, rebirth, magic, mysticism, and wisdom. The Zorya are sometimes associated with the Triple Goddess mythic archetype, with the Morning, Evening and Midnight Zoryas representing the maiden, mother, and crone, respectively.

 

Jarilo (Jar, Juraj, Jura, Ðura, Jarovit, Gerovit, Iarilo...) is the God of Spring/Summer, fertility, vegetation, shapeshifting. Mostly, he is associated with springtime, but also with young men, male fertility and growth (sexual, phisical and mental growth). Due to the numerous spellings, we can see Jarilo was a important figure in mythologies troughout the Slavic lands. So, with no doubt, we can say that he was very very important in Slavic beliefs, a plot-twisting figure, even. Now that we know what he’s tied to, we can talk about his mythos. He is the main actor in Slavic mythology, as said above, a plot-twisting God. In most sources, Jarilo is the son of Perun, born in Winter (Velja Noæ). I wrote about Perun here. Now, that alone doesn’t make Jarilo very important. Untill he is stolen by Veles. Why does that happen? The main myth in Savic mythology is the myth of Perun and Veles and their eternal battle. Now, what happens is that Veles steals Jarilo from Perun (kidnaps) and takes him to Nav (underworld). This starts the whole “battle” between these two, where Perun wants his son back and Veles won’t give him back. That’s about that when it comes to Jarilo and how he is tied to the myth of Perun and Veles. Let’s get to only Jarilo’s myth/life now. Jarilo was a son of the supreme Slavic god of thunder, Perun, his lost, missing, tenth son, born on the last night of February, the festival of Velja Noæ (Great Night), the pagan Slavic celebration of the New Year. On the same night, however, Jarilo was stolen from his father and taken to the world of the dead, where he was adopted and raised by Veles. The Slavs believed the underworld to be an ever-green world of eternal spring and wet, grassy plains, where Jarilo grew up guarding the cattle of his stepfather. With the advent of spring, Jarilo returned from the underworld, that is, bringing spring and fertility to the land. Jarilo is a very important God, without him or his stealing we wouldn’t have Spring. He returns life to our world (Jav) and awakens dead plants and fields, giving back life to us and our crops. And this happens troughout Spring. As Slavs are, there are quite a few ways this myth is explained and there are quite a few details that are questionable. Some say his mother is Mokoš, some say he also has a sister (twin). This sister is Morana, that he later marries. Actually, the same source says that when he comes to our world, he is actually getting ready for his marriage with Morana. As we ca see, he is very oftenly tied to her, and this is the myth that I believe to be true, but not everyone accepts it. (do your reasearch and believe what you like) Anyway, main point is that Jarilo is a God that represents the year, birth and rebirth and life itself. Believe what you like, but Jarilo was and still is celebrated by Slavs on the day of Jurijevo/ Ðurðevdan/ Zeleni Juraj. Also, he is tied to st. George, horses. Portrayed as a young handsome man, carrying flowers.

 

Morana was the Slavic goddess of winter and death. As the goddess of winter, she was never popular among the Old Slavs, which is understandable if we have in mind the climate in which they used to live. Morana was a long and cold winter, a winter that could bring death through famine and extreme cold, that could cause disease and massive death of the cattle. Her arrival was therefore always expected with fear and her departure was celebrated with a lot of noise and cheer. Her complete opposite was goddess Vesna, whom the people used to welcome with festivals and jubilation, at the same time joyfully witnessing the departure of Morana – the winter. Numerous rituals were connected with seeing Morana off. People would most frequently make a doll representing this goddess and then ritually destroy it. They made the doll from straw or switches, and then beat it with their hoes. After that they either threw it into the water or burned it. There was another ritual related to Morana, that was performed in the month of March. That was the so-called mackare (maska = mask), when a masked group of people used to gather in order to scare Morana and drive her away. Let us now deal with the relations between Morana and other Slavic deities. Stories concerning these relations are of obscure origin and disputable authenticity, but we will on this occasion take them as relevant sources on Slavic mythology, since they offer a wealth of information on Morana's nature. According to one of these stories, Dazbog, the Sun-god, went to the underworld called Nav in search of his wife Zlata Maja, but there instead of her he met Morana, who seduced him. Since after some time she became bored with Dazbog and found another lover – Jula Crnobog, Morana decided to poison Dazbog, but he was saved by Ziva. Then he burned Morana and banished her back to Nav. This story perfectly fits the process of the Sun’s movement throughout the year, because the Sun, according to the belief of every pagan people, spends the winter in the underworld, called Nav by the Slavs. His mistress is then the winter herself, and she tries to prevent him from leaving the underworld by giving him the drink of oblivion. But Morana cannot rule forever, so at the end of the story Dazbog is released and she is destroyed. Another myth brings Morana in connection with Voden, making them a divine couple of the underworld. Voden (also called Moran) and Morana drown people in their dark waters, so the Slavs tried to propitiate them by sacrificial offerings. As a water goddess, Morana also appeared as Modruna, a witch that the Slavs living in the Urals believed to inhabit the ponds. She usually appeared as an ugly old woman, but to those who showed no fear before her she appeared as a beautiful young girl. The name of the Morava River has some similarities with the name Morana, another fact that supports the theory that Morana was a water deity. The argument is even stronger if we know that the Slavs thought of water as a hiding place of dark forces and a connection with the underworld – Nav. Morana was described as a woman of dark hair and a terrifying appearance. A similar description was used for another creature of quite the same nature – Kuga (kuga = the plague). Kuga was probably just one of the aspects of Morana. Another was Mora – a female demon that attacked people by night and sat on their chest causing nightmares. Witches were also connected with Morana, like many other demonic beings. But we cannot claim that Morana was an entirely negative goddess. No pagan system has a deity with such characteristics, since the unrealistic division between the absolute good and absolute evil came only with Christianity. In Morana we have an example of how our ancestors worshipped even something that did not bring them good, but rather made them scared and terrified.

 

2. I sense a bit of Misted Muppet here but do correct me if I'm wrong. What are your influences and muses with this album?

Kristijan: About influences you´ve asked me, Misted Muppet you´ve mentioned... Well, nope. This album is influence-free from beginning, if you refer to influence by other artists. Only influences included were what made us goa heads in first place, i would say (i call them subconsciousness influences, and they are just that, really). Those influences are artists like Astral Projecion, Talamasca, Hallucinogen, and other old goa guards knights! Also I have to mention, Saša and I - well, we have had huge path through music until settled into GOA, my first and biggest love. From regular trance, over electro and house, dnb. We tried it all, and we still do - but goa remains base camp for expression. You can hear all sorts of stuff in this album, my sense for mellodies and Saša´s sense for deep atmosphering layers, from dark ambient to light panoramas and rhytmic games of his great mind but I think goa essence prevails. Not in that pure oldschool way maybe, but in some weird so called new school flavour salted and peppered with everything a bit on top.

 

The whole thing was what would you call inversion of what people tend to connect goa trance music to.

Everybody was OhmNamahShivaya-ing, and there is nothing wrong in it, in our opinion, but goa needs something out of the box - not always the same old story, same mantra going on and on and on... Our story with this album began with one idea that Saša and I have had since we got in music production, in 2001. And it was idle until for three years when Ivan (Richpa) searched for some Slavic oriented materials for his compilation at Neogoa label. To be exact, material was ment to be oriented on old forgotten Slavic pagan believes. We were more than trhilled about concept, and made "Blessings From Irij" track shortly after. Due to low respond by Slavic artists (I think he got only one track besides us - from GoaHuman half of Cosmic Dimension project from Kumanovo, Macedonia) Richpa dropped that idea. But, shortly after that, we got into new idea of making album in this manner, so Richpa pushed us for next three years pretty hard, and we came with "Blessings From Irij: album first. In meantime, there was lots of researching about this particular theme by us all and we all contributed to evolve the music to concept level.

There is some people we HAVE to mention,

Saša Dukić (Psilocybian, ScrewLoose) whom we met in meantime, and who was biggest fundamental of this album and sound you can hear. He was tutoring us and pushing for whole time of making this album (every morning i got message on my FaceBook: "Is album done yet?"). Every morning for three years! So, we had to finish it. He helped us a lot with mix and mastering done in his studio here in Zagreb and we are endlessly grateful for everything he did for us, a true Spartan who fights our music rubbish and a true unselfish friend!

Also we have to mention Arkadii Tronets who made outstanding illustrations, it was Richpa´s idea, pure bullseye, you could read some interesting details about it here at psynews in his post about artwork making.

 

Damir Markotić from Croatian neofolk/pagan band "Svarica" who collaborated on "Perun´s Stone" the album´s first track with live instruments, minstrels you´ve liked and flutes and one particular instrument called "šargija". Interesting thing is that Svarica covers same thematics as our album, and they released work of their own named "Tira Les" just before our album, so I have been astonished with this coincidence and immediately contacted him for collab, and this worked like a charm! Great guy indeed!

Jasmina Draženović, she was our fairy that beautifully sang those chanty fairytale vocals in last, "Into Morana´s Cold Kingdom" track. Morana was one of the most demanding tracks Saša and I ever worked on, and also for Saša (Psilocybian) to deal with mastering and endless corrections we ran into! That track was made during the three year period constantly, only to be done just before the release date! And I think it was worth it, the audience will judge it though!

Richpa in this story is "no more no less" (as I spoke in Morana track) than a father of this project and album, indeed. And we evolved in great friendship in between, lifetime brotherhood-like friendship i would say which is what makes me the happiest person in the world knowing that only great men and women were in this endlessly positive project!

[Jon Cocco]

Lunar Dawn - Kolovrat
Goa Trance, Tribal, Morning, Fantasy, Medieval (?)

Neogoa (Record Label)

1 Perun's Stones [feat. Svarica]
2 Golden Arms Of Kresnik
3 Svantevit [Part I - White Horse And Prophecy]
4 Svarog's Celestial Fire
5 Metamorphosis Of Veles
6 Svantevit [Part II - Temple Of Arkona]
7 Zorya (146 BPM)
8 Rebirth Of Jarilo
9. Blessings From Irij [2015 Mix]
10. Into Morana's Cold Kingdom [feat. Jasmina]

This is such a great, musical album that shares tribally, worldly, fantasy, medieval, morning, and even EDGY, magically INTENSE elements. There are parts and songs on this album that capture that euphoric (spiritually uplifting) magic in Goa music that I last remember falling in love with on Khetzal's Corolle album all the way back in 2005. Goa fans, you must hear this album. I highly recommend it. It's available to download for FREE on Ektoplazm which is amazing by the way.

 

1. Perun's Stones (ft. Svarica) opens with mysterious enchantment, drenched in atmosphere. The synth work blends well with the more harmonious, tribal elements. But it's the section from around 4:50 forward that really ignites this vehicle with infectious design. The last third of this song is beautiful, as it ascends higher and higher. A-

 

2. Golden Arms Of Kresnik decectibly builds, melodies, atmospheres, tribal influence, and to some extent ethereal elements, all with the first act. The harmonies gradually come together, forming a delightful section midway through; the song's gorgeous by the fifth minute. I don't remember falling in love with Goa music this much in the positive (uplifting) sense since Khetzal's Corolle album back in 2005! The last third of this track is great too! As we pass the string-esque section, the more energy is injected into this number, coupled in atmosphere, and more. Maybe the track could have trimmed a minute towards the end, but overall it's filled with so much pleasure, that's it's hard to nitpick it. This is a magical number that makes me think of a Corolle sequel (super song) could sound like if Khetzal made one. Fantastic track. A

 

3. Svantevit (Part 1 - White Horse And Prophecy) is another track with a stand out, medieval / fantasy opening. This characteristic start is compelling. Thankfully, the evocative element (ambient) here substantiates the feel, producing another rich and satisfying story-telling chapter with vibrancy and emotional resonance. The more musically intricate tunes in the fifth minute stands out, but it is at 8:09 that lifts this song to the stars. This climax/finale is heavenly, divine, ethereal, and ascending in sound. Of course I give this part an A. This is a great track that reveals is most marvelous appeal at just the right spot. A-

 

4. Svarog's Celestial Fire has an intriguing, arguably ominous (atmospheric) opening. The bird chirping-esque sound via 1:09 works well as an accent here. The artists even change up the accent and create more of a melody with it. Furthermore, the music is crisp, meticulously orchestrated, and catchy. The ambient/atmosphere produce warmth and feeling. the lift off at 3:00 is great. There is a pleasant harmony in the third and forth minute that compliments too. When it leaves, the energy of this Eastren-influenced number increases. That said, the melody/sound work grabbed me more in the previous tracks. Nonetheless, this song lifts back off at 5:20, very nice! There are some very cool sound FX- echoed in the sixth minute! And with all that said, the song never quite satisfies me as much as the previous songs, sound/melody-wise, arrangement, etc. Regardless, this is a sold number with some great work. B+

 

5. Metamorphosis Of Veles begins with an evocative, captivating introduction. It's fantastic. But the giddily uptempo music that enters at 1:06 takes away from the strong setup and mood. We got off to such a great start. What happened? Numerous faster melodies appear, but they don't grab my attention, save for the ambient notes. Although there's numerous moments of development, the first two acts feel pretty repetitive. The subtle layering at 3:16 and the section from 4:40 to 5:32 is decent. Same with the part around 6:40. I really like the interlude and what follows it via 8:09, It's here I feel relieved, more receptive to the song again. The psychedelic wobbly sound that enters at 8:30 is great too. This last act is more musical and emotionally engaging. it sounds freer. The first two acts could have been less lengthy and more enjoyable. That's my complaint. This could have been a super song if it built on the evocative opening. You gotta ride your winning horses in that regard. B

 

6. Svantevit (Part II - Temple Of Arkona builds the entire song on its evocative, enchanting opening. Thank you. I love the enchanting, more fantasy-esque elements and tracks. I wasn't let down for a second after the introduction here. These artists CAN produce wonderful tracks that stir the heart and arrest the mind. They've raised the bar with this album already and it's only halfway through. This song follows one direction, like a strong chapter in a story, and that chapter works wonders here thanks to strong development, sound structure, and story-telling arc. The heart-felt backdrop resonates like an epic love story of kindred spirits reborn, or something deeply spiritual about ancient history. I could easily see someone giving this song a perfect score. Just because I'm not blown away doesn't mean I'm not impressed. I love this track. It's wonderful. A- / A

 

7. Zorya is less lush and more zippy and energetic which I makes sense; by sandwiching the deeper (or less climactic) songs between the more fun and exciting ones. I'd do the same thing. Fortunately, this song has stronger synth work and ingredients; it's more dynamic and interesting to me than say, Metamorphosis Of Veles. Still this ADD-style works less for me. There is a mystical element (in the 4th minute) that adds feeling and intrigue. The musical change up at 4:44 is good, along with the enhanced following work. While none of the leads or sections put me in awe, it's a good track with some great work. It simply tires me as it progresses, and mystifies me less like the previous track. Fortunately, the artists end the song with feeling and substance, incorporating satisfying closure. B+ / A-

 

8. Rebirth of Jarilo is a bit darker. This is quite unique from the others. It gets by on its rich story-arc rather than high energy or climax. The musical development from 2:50 into the middle act is excellent! The artist' selection and combining of various sounds is impressive. The section from roughly 4:24 to around 6:00 or 7:00 captured me less. I feel like the song is just going through the motions there with few exceptions, i.e., the part from 5:20 to 5:33. It gets too repetitive there. The song could have been improved or shortened in that regard. The first half of this song is great. The darker tone and bass line stands out throughout. Unfortunately, a not-very-ambitious second half derails its greatness into a less than stellar vehicle. B+

 

9. Blessings From Irij (2015 Mix) is a masterpiece. If the amazing energy from one of Tandu's super songs from their Multimoods album had a spiritual ascension, this would be it for me. The synth work, direction, etc., this is one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard. It's a high octane stunner, outstanding! A

 

10. Into Morana's Cold Kingdom ... If a Goa song could do justice to classical opera bliss, the closing track here is IT for me. It's Goa-influenced slow-tempo approach is elegant, romantic, and enchantingly beautiful. Beautiful work. A

 

CONCLUSION

 

What an excellent album. The songs tell a story. The whole album tells a story, and includes some of the best chapters I have heard in this more uplifting (divine?) sound and nature (concept) since Khetzal's Corolle (2005) album. But these artists have their own sound unlike anything I've ever heard and at times I'm in awe of how successfully high they go! Some songs are like beautiful spirits, not contained, their energy and what's possible limitless. Some of tracks have superb sections and/or elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8) while others are really phenomenal in the classic sense (2, 6, 9, 10). All songs are substantially developed and solid, but the most evocative ones (about two-third of the album) are mystifying, enchanting -- the fantasy sound is awesome! OMG the fantasy sound, story-arc feel of numerous tracks on this album are a delight, beautifully orchestrated and designed! Thank you so much for this imaginative work of art. Strong fantasy elements seem uncommon in Goa music when looking back at the scores of new school releases of the years. I feel like many tried, but few reached higher such as this album at times where i feel my vibration raising. I feel the excitement I felt when I was 8 years old and my excitement for the world and life's possibilities overwhelmed me in a positive, inspirational way. Thank you!

 

To share constructive feedback, certain tracks do not have as much of a evocative and/or infections arc (direction and structure) as some others, and this makes me feel reluctant to say the whole album (every track) is outstanding. Also, a few songs, such as Svarog's Celestial Fire and moreso -- Metamorphosis Of Veles grow fairly repetitive (same-ish sounding) for the first 8 minutes (the latter), though there's a lot going on that's pleasant and I'm sure some will appreciate these songs more than I currently do. For me, these artists do amazing things with the provocative, the ascension (heavenly euphoric), medieval, fantasy story arc stuff when they go all out, or do something more rebellious and high octane like track 9. In other words, stick with the super songs. These guys clearly know what's magical, and some of the tracks are really magical whereas a few, while solid, don't seem to their full potential as captivating gems, emotionally or otherwise.

 

Overall, this is a beautiful Goatrance album whoever (or however many of) you are who made this. And when I say beautiful, I sincerely mean that. You guys made something that touches the heart and I hope many people listen to the whole to not miss all of the great reviews and words this album has gotten and will continue to get. Thank you very much for this passionate release that raises the bar in Goa music. You can tell that a lot of commitment, time, and energy went into this. It's mystical, visionary, and showcases some of the best Goatrance work (both old and new) that I have ever heard. I have been listening to Goa music since I was 17. I am 34 years old now and some of the tracks blow me away. I feel them deeply in my heart. Some of the work here is really awakening. I'm impressed.

 

Favorite Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10

 

9/10

 

Stream the FULL ALBUM:

https://youtu.be/YZINAZMcZWQ

Download the FULL ALBUM here.

http://www.ektoplazm.com/free-music/lunar-dawn-kolovrat

[Aspartic]

It's a very nice release, especially since its for free and it's very good. Doesn't happen that often.

Overall my feel is that "indian sounds" are too prominent. Something I don't like that much.

 

Apart from that, tracks I totally adore are:

 

- Golden Arms Of Kresnik - absolutely stunning energy and flow. a pleasure for the ears.

- Metamorphosis Of Veles - a very long track, but due to its story telling format, it doesn't seem that long. So it does what it's supposed to do very well.

 

Now let's hope another album is on its way! Wanna hear more of Lunar Dawn.

 

 

 

[Richpa]

 

- Golden Arms Of Kresnik - absolutely stunning energy and flow. a pleasure for the ears.

 

I agree with you, Golden Arms Of Kresnik might be my favorite track aswell. I like all the tracks, but this one got something so special and emotional at the same time that more I listen to it the more I feel happy and feel the positive energy.

[Trance2MoveU]

This is such an epic release. Nobody can touch Neogoa at the moment. This label has consistently released superb album after superb album and shows absolutely no signs of stopping. The above reviews give you all you need to know and more so hopefully I won't cover any material you've already seen.

 

I just want to show my appreciation for this one. I knew nothing about Slavic mythology. Less than nothing. Richpa is quick to hit you with a link though and he leaves no stone unturned. So I thank him for the education on this topic. The Lunar Dawn duo has made something quite different drawing inspiration from the aforementioned deities and legends of old. Goa with plenty of atmospheric touches and old world history. Uplifting and mysterious. Metamorphosis of Veles was already a full track when it was only a third of the way done. Hugely layered and inviting and more than a few times I felt I was in the midst of a soundtrack. The way they worked that Slavic melody in several tracks I believe acted as a bridge and helped with continuity. The downtempo closer seemed a fitting way to end the intense journey.

 

Great work guys!

[Starkraver]

This is such an epic release.

 

Nobody can touch Neogoa at the moment.

Absolute Truth!!

[Anu Katariina]

This is such an epic release. Nobody can touch Neogoa at the moment.

 

I also want to quote these words; they melted my heart. Two labels I consider ultimate professionals are Neogoa and Suntrip. And Lunar Dawn as an artist is of supreme level. The guys are so down-to-earth and I wish them all the best for their future endeavours which absolutely are of the best expectable quality, indeed.

[Richpa]

The guys are so down-to-earth

So true.

[Starkraver]

Great

[Psychedelic Alien]

I agree with what is written here. Only 2 labels are really top notch these days with modern goa: Suntrip & Neogoa! This release is susprising, original, special and funny! Love it.

[Anu Katariina]

I agree with what is written here. Only 2 labels are really top notch these days with modern goa: Suntrip & Neogoa! This release is susprising, original, special and funny! Love it.

Thank you! And yeah, Kolovrat is pleasantly unusual

[PsyEtsaman]

Thank you Lunar Dawn for this amazing piece of art!

This is a new style in goa trance: pagan goa

Oduševljen sam!

Special favorite tracks: Golden Arms Of Kresnik, Svarog's Celestial Fire and Zorya!

[Krev]

Same thoughts about Golden Arms Of Kresnik, an amazing and very uplifting track.

 

Overall, it's an excellent album, very professional, with a really nice cover too. The ~15000 downloads are well deserved.

[choxon]

Thank you all for kind words, haha you made me smile today people. We both like reactions, and there will sure be more stuff like this in future. But, now we are focusing on something more "standard" - an oldschool Lunar Dawn album with tracks dated basically long before Lunar Dawn existed. Unreleased stuff that Saša and I were working on in our first years of production, 2001. and onwards. There is lots of tracks that were NEVER even played anywhere, nobody heard it except two of us. One of them is released on that Goalogique Records - Limitless Universal Waves compilation (yes, the one with that hiddeous cover which we all noticed), named Fields of Siberia (155bpm) so you can definately expect something completely different from Kolovrat. We plan it to be done somewhere around end of the year, and we´re aiming to Neogoa with it once again (recent thoughts made us think that even if it´s not CD release, Neogoa adds top value to releases with it´s constant work and will to deliver all the time and because Richpa is straightforward guy who gives his best to lift the scene off the floor with his hard work over the years.) and we really hope Richpa will like the whole idea of kicking some proper oldschool from us up to the stars of goa universe.

 

 

Btw, Anu - there is expression in Bosnia that describes that down-to-earth what you´ve said. We are "raja" (Richpa and Mirza will laugh on this), we like everyone and we love when everyone likes us...

[choxon]

lol, i´m scrolling up there now - and remembered i´ve registered Lunar Dawn account recently here hahahahaha... but ya know me, no problem

[Anu Katariina]

- and remembered i´ve registered Lunar Dawn account recently here hahahahaha... but ya know me, no problem

 

Hahha..I was thinking first like wtf? Kristijan, lol lol

[Anu Katariina]

Btw, Anu - there is expression in Bosnia that describes that down-to-earth what you´ve said. We are "raja" (Richpa and Mirza will laugh on this), we like everyone and we love when everyone likes us...

I interpret that your almost Raja Ram. Actually better imo. Like? What's that? Lame man. I LOVE Lunar Dawn

[Richpa]

I don't like to give any promises before I check the music first. I've heard the mentioned track tho and I like it, but you know, I prefer to have conceptual releases on Neogoa instead of collection of various tracks. There is plenty of time to think and make plans, I would rather enjoy in Kolovrat for a little bit longer. Speaking about Kolovrat, album recieved a lot of positive feedback and we're planing to make limited edition in physical format sometime in the future for the people who might wanna have this one on CD. I don't want to rush anything since we got a lot of music to release in the meantime.

Thanks again for all the feedback and yes... Kristijan get your lazy ass to Zadar already

[choxon]

Thanks again for all the feedback and yes... Kristijan get your lazy ass to Zadar already

hahaha, I will - still waiting for some days off, like you already know - i have only 5 non working days in whole year besides bloody earned vacation...

[Anu Katariina]

There is plenty of time to think and make plans, I would rather enjoy in Kolovrat for a little bit longer.

 

Nah, he's just signing up to the queue. Let the boy be productive! Richpa is wearing his daddy sunglasses today, I see.

 

And @ Kristijan: I added your alias my psynews friend. Now your my double friend but Lunar Dawn is a duo last time I checked so it will do for Sasa's absence. I am certain he never joins the forum, probably isn't even lurking in here, hahaha. I call him Mr. Offline and I appreciate the habit cause he's probably with music while we have our time of decadence here

[choxon]

Nah, he's just signing up to the queue. Let the boy be productive! Richpa is wearing his daddy sunglasses today, I see.

 

And @ Kristijan: I added your alias my psynews friend. Now your my double friend but Lunar Dawn is a duo last time I checked so it will do for Sasa's absence. I am certain he never joins the forum, probably isn't even lurking in here, hahaha. I call him Mr. Offline and I appreciate the habit cause he's probably with music while we have our time of decadence here

Nope, he´s just in constant "hangover to work to hangover" loop cause of his love to Mrs. Rakija, bigger than his own life. Kidding, nope - he´s not around here but I´ll infect him soon, he´s a hard working guy as I am so...

[Guest antic]

Speaking about Kolovrat, album recieved a lot of positive feedback and we're planing to make limited edition in physical format sometime in the future for the people who might wanna have this one on CD. I don't want to rush anything since we got a lot of music to release in the meantime.

 

Is that something you would consider for other Neogoa's releases as well?

I'd gladly pay in advance to finance pressing of CDs, I'm sure others would be too.