A good introduction to Delerium's earlier material

I am a big fan of Delerium. I became a fan of the ambient group when a former roommate of mine played for me "Karma" and "Semantic Spaces". At the time, the music was new to me and something I have never heard before. That was four-five years ago. Since then, I have accumulated several of the group's albums, a few being from the time when they were signed to Cleopatra Records. For fans of "Karma", "Poem", and "Semantic Spaces", albums like "Spheres", "Spheres II", and "Syrophenikan" lacks the angelic vocals from Kristy Thirsk and Sarah McLachlan therefore probably not something you can get into. For those interested in hearing Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb's earlier material. The music gears more towards ambient, tribal, and industrial music than their recent music in the past few years. If you can't find cds like "Spheres" and "Syrophenikan" in stores (probably because they aren't in huge demands therefore Cleopatra Records stopped pressing copies), I strongly recommend "Archives" volume 1 and 2 which are compilations of Delerium's earlier music. Nettwerk does a great job of compiling Delerium's earlier music by putting them on two 2-cd compilations. What is even better is that they don't take one or two songs from each album but rather four or more songs. Although I already owned both "Spheres" albums, I still wanted "Archives, Vol.2" because I wanted to hear the song(s) from "Spiritual Archives" and "Cryogenic Studio 1998". All the songs I have heard are great. Certainly different from what I'm used to hearing but great nevertheless. If you like ambient music, I certainly think it is well worth checking out Delerium's earlier music. It is so interesting to listening to their music from their days on Cleopatra Records and to their current music.

A must buy for any new Delerium fan

I own all the CD's both new and old of Delerium and really had no point to buy the Archives Volume 1 and 2. However I did. I recommend the Archive collection for any new Delerium fans or people interested in listening to Delerium for the first time. For sure, the music of Delerium is an acquired taste and it is so very much different from alot of the mainstream music out there these days.

If you like a bit of trance, fusion, industrial mixed with ambience and memorable rytmns, this is the artist for you.