Vortex
Helioz
After the distinctive and critically acclaimed mythical album trilogy 'Kali Yuga', 'Moloch' and 'As Gods Fall' (Cyclic Law) Vortex returns with an epic album. 'Helioz' presents a cycle of tracks dealing with solar mythology throughout history, cultures and religions. The sun is essential to human life and culture, worshipped as an unconquered force, male or female, it is part of numerous mythologies; from the cyclical path of the sun barge in Egypt to the Roman Mithras cult and the Japanese goddess Amaterasu. Like C.G. Jung's concept of the 'Nachtmeerfahrt' this Vortex album takes an intense trip on the night sea, following the sun on its mythical journey through various imaginations. 'Helioz' is the most song-based album by Vortex to date, featuring various guest musicians. Patrick Kleinbauer of Notre Dame De L'Oublie and Rome, Lamia Vox, Nam Khar, Oliver Freund of Mars, Stephan Ortlepp of Musica Non Grata and Kai Naumann of The Trail provided guest vocals and instrumental contributions to add to the multi-layered, complex sound compositions which became a trademark of Vortex. Cinematic soundscapes converge with dark drones, archaic sounds and instruments like goat horns, tagl harpa, jaw harp, various vocals and throat singing as well as atmospheric electric guitar passages. The album's artwork was again created by the visionary French talent [nihil], reflecting upon the album's themes. Lyrics and liner notes are included in the extensive booklet. Limited to 500 copies.