[Thor Joachim Haga]

I had actually heard MYTHIC GARDENS in 2014, three years before this release – as part of a radio broadcast concert that also included Williams’ “For Sejii!”, Goldenthal’s “Symphony in G Minor” and Horner’s “Flight” (I was sent the audio of this from an acquaintance in the industry at the time). But RUIN & MEMORY, I hadn’t heard before. Both of these surprised me in a positive sense. I had expected wild and weird “brood fests”, but they’re surprisingly accessible and mysterioso.