Before The Dawn
Awakening
Borders
Whirling
Watch Tower
Now Comes The Prisoner
Kam Jorra
Break Dance
Glass Watchers

The first review for a Chaos as Shelter release to hit this website…which is a surprise considering how long this Russian artist living in Israel has been around…but better late than never I suppose. With some very compulsive releases on CD / CDR already under his belt…check out "Dead Air Broadcasts" which is highly recommended…"Dawn Syndrome" follows with the tradition of releasing sound sculptures made from varying sources. Dedicated to the end of Kali Yuga and the dawn of Sataya Yuga…kind of negative vs. positive cycles…the nine tracks on this release is more ritual based ambience for which he has gained a sizeable following.

Steeped in religious imagery and mysticism, the music encompasses organic and artificial sources to create a deeply profound journey into the soul. The sounds of chants used over water bowels being struck in harmony is just one of the components that sets the scene for this rather unnerving recording. The use of almost Middle Eastern musique concrete…where sounds devolve and dissolve…helps brings forth the light from the darkness. Semi experimental in vein, where modern equipment and traditional musical instruments clash head to head, helps the music to mutate in various directions whilst still retaining a sense of balance. Add in the guest vocal talents of Helena Dorsht and Isaac Goldfield, who add a suitable layer of emotional discord, and what you end up with is a recording that reaches deeply into the human psyche.

There’s much to tell about this recording but so little space left to tell it that only by investigating it yourself will you have the full insight into what "Dawn Syndrome" achieves. Mark my words though. Although dark and ritual it may not appeal to everyone. "Dawn Syndrome" needs time to get under the skin. You have to be 100% focussed to get the most from it.

Vadim Gusis doesn’t just create music. He lives and breaths it and this is amply shown here. Pilgrims willing to follow his path will be suitably rewarded for their time and effort.

ANM