by Jim Brenholts
Mathias Grassow and Klaus Wiese are frequent collaborators and like-minded musicians. Their approach to atmospheric minimalism includes spiritual connections. On Holy Domain they bring percussionist Carsten Agthe into the fold. His subtle rhythms add tribal overtones and textures to the mix. These slow atmospheres evolve from the deep drones of Grassow's synths and Wiese's bowls. The evolution is slow and dogmatic -- it just keeps unfolding and floating. The music unwinds and dissolves into itself. Grassow's sitar completes the soundscape. This is a special album that will appeal to fans of Stephen Philips, Numina, Terra Ambient, and Ma Ja Le.