Title:	EXCELCIS - A Dark Noel
Artists:	Various
Label:	Projekt
Available:	By Mail Order or at Some Border's

REVIEW
by
Mary Ellen Gustafson
This could be one of the most untraditional, and yet totally traditional, Christmas Albums you will ever own. Don't let calling it "A Dark Noel" fool you. The sixteen PROJEKT Artists who contributed to this wonderful CD, have by-passed the Commercial part of the Holiday, and brought the Holy sound of it back.

From "Love Spirals Downwards" beautiful and light rendition of "Welcome Christmas," to "Area's" minor key track of "O Come Emmanuel," to the stentorian voices of "Thanatos" singing "The First Noel," I found myself fascinated with this CD. I usually buy one new Christmas record each year, and this is a welcome addition to my collection.

There are a few unusual interpretations of traditional Christmas Carols, such as "Sorrow's" version of "The Little Drummer Boy," "Jingle Bells" by "Lovesliescrashing," "O Holy Night" by "Eva O," "We Three Kings" by "Lycia/The Unquiet Void" and "Attrition's" "Silent Night," but they're all interesting and entertaining in their own way.

Of course you will find very recognizable songs done in a very traditional way on this CD as well. "Arcanta" delivers a beautiful, slow, a capella harmonizing of "Carol of the Bells," while "This Ascension" does a much more traditional version of the same song with a medieval flavor. "FuchiKachis Ethu's" acoustical rendition of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" is a perfect companion to the symphony sound of "Balderas and Osborn's" "What Child Is This?"

Yiddish Chants, and Middle Eastern type instrumentals in the background, showcase "Channukkah, Oh Channukkah" performed by "Black Tape For A Blue Girl," and the ever popular "A Winter Wassail," done with expert medieval instrumentals and the lovely voices of "Faith And The Muse," are also excellent tracks. One final song, "Stille Nacht" by "Autopsia" is truly awe inspiring.

I suppose it's unusual to rave about a Christmas Album that only gets played for a few weeks once a year, but this CD is the first one since Manheim Steamroller's first Christmas Album came out to really catch my attention. Normally I would find it difficult to review Christmas music before Halloween (I'm one of those Scrooge's who doesn't believe in getting into the "Christmas Spirit" until at least the second week of December.), but I didn't mind listening to this CD at all. Besides, in order to give you an opportunity to get it for yourself in time for the Christmas season, you'll need to know how and where now.

Unfortunately, the only major chain currently carrying the PROJEKT label is Border's Books and Music, and not all stores stock this label's releases. It's really a shame, because everyone is missing a lot of great music. However, I am going to include all the ways you can order from PROJEKT so you won't have to miss out on "Excelsis." There is also a 28" x 40" Poster, and a size XL Sweatshirt available with the "Excelsis" cover art.

To order by credit card (VISA-MC-DISCOVER), call 1-800-CD-LASER, or visit Projekt's site on the Internet at http://www.projekt.com.

To order by mail, write to:

Dark Wave

P.O. Box 166155

Chicago, IL 60616

Make sure to include the following, and request a catalog if you're interested in these artists:

Format:	CD or Cassette
Quantity
Title:	Excelsis-A Dark Noel
Price Per Item:	$14 CD, $8 Cassette, $8 Poster, $17 Sweatshirt
Shipping Charges:	Priority Mail $3, UPS Ground $4
Total:	Illinois Residents include 8.75% Sales Tax
Method of Payment:	Credit Card, Money Order, Personal Check

Personal Checks over $100 are held 3 weeks because of an abundance of bounced checks, so consider a Money Order. The catalog says to allow 3-6 weeks for delivery from the time you place your order, but I imagine if you order early it may take less time. (This is strictly my opinion, so don't hold me or PROJEKT to that statement!)

If you buy only one Christmas Album this year, consider Excelsis-A Dark Noel seriously. You'll be glad you did!


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