This project is alternative music for alternative thinkers. It has nothing to do with religion but instead spirituality. It is not about being preachy but elevating consciousness. In music of all types worldwide you will find the mythic archetypes displayed. However, I have found that in underground and experimental forms where the artist is more likely to go outside the standard modes of thought and structure they are more likely to be more truthful and oftentimes more blatant. It is believed that when anyone begins to delve into their subconscious mind or inward being they will ‘encounter’ these archetypal symbols. This is usually the purpose behind shamanic ritual practices and is sometimes evident through experimentation with psychedelic drugs. “And so it happens that if anyone—in whatever society—undertakes for himself the perilous journey into the darkness by descending, either intentionally or unintentionally, he soon finds himself in a landscape of symbolical figures.” - Joseph Campbell (Mythologist/Philosopher) The Hero With A Thousand Faces, Princeton University Press It is further believed that artists are most likely to expose themselves to the inner mind of human consciousness. The creative process involves much introspection and the resulting form is very personal to the creator and hopefully says something to the (in this case) listener. The artists want you to feel something and think, more so for artists in underground art forms. "The creative process, so far as we are able to follow it at all, consists in the unconscious activation of an archetypal image and elaborating and shaping the image into the finished work. By giving it shape, the artist translates it into the language of the present and so makes it possible for us to find our way back to the deepest springs of life." - Carl Jung (Psychologist), Princeton University Press I believe universal Truth is often found in some of the most unlikely places and it is something that we are all possessed of. It is inherent in our being. To deny the Truths revealed throughout the ages by sages, mystics, poets, artists, and musicians is to deny the Self. “The subconscious dimension of the human soul is a reality just as much as the rational dimension. Together the rational and the subconscious minds co-operate as a dynamic creative unity. Ignoring one or the other is to ignore a dimension of human existence.” - Jayni Bloch M.A. (Psychologist) http://www.genian.net/ Through these channels we are all connected, we are all the same. You will see the ancient myths reflected in modern artistic forms including but not limited to music and cinema. The language is mythology. The most relevant of these to our day and age is the most basic spiritual precept of Universal Oneness, that we are all connected and from the same primordial stock. “When you see the Earth from space, you don’t see any divisions of nation-states there. This may be the symbol of the new mythology to come; this is the country we will celebrate, and these are the people we are one with.” - Joseph Campbell (Mythologist/Philosopher) The Power of Myth, Randomhouse/Anchor The myths are nothing new to mankind yet we often refuse to face them openly. Along the lines of Oneness also follows the rebirth of modern paganism and Goddess spirituality as well as the Gaia Hypothesis. While Witchcraft and paganism are but some alternative sources all faiths are valid and hold truths in their own way. You will even find this in some fairy tales. It is everywhere from ancient Sumerian mythology to modern Christianity. Thus, the goal of this project is simply to collect underground forms of music and alternative styles and display the spiritual relevance while bringing some great new music to light. While some of the artists on this compilation are openly spiritual not all are. Some are not even interested in spirituality for this is not typically spiritual music. This isn’t gospel hymns nor choir tunes but modern alternative/experimental music. One is not required to follow a specific faith nor attend spiritual functions to elevate their consciousness, attain enlightenment or become more spiritually minded. You have only to look within yourself. It is the simple goal of this project to make one think, contemplate, introspect and consider that there are other alternatives to the mainstream in all areas of your life – not just in clothing, fashion or music. This is a compilation of alternative/underground music of ritual, magic, myth, and transformation of consciousness. We’ve collected a selection of experimental, industrial, gothic, ethereal, trance, ebm, synthpop and anything eclectic and/or underground. From tribal chants to club hits – we hope you’ll find something you enjoy and that possibly makes you think. E. Minzenmayer

Comments: tgmondalf@latexrecords.com