VITAL WEEKLY REVIEW :
As of today (November 20, 2024), Discogs lists 107 compilation appearances by Vidna Obmana, or 157 if we go by ‘appearances’. If that is a lot or not it is not an interesting discussion. Dirk Serries started in 1984 or thereabouts, so after 40 years, there is a lot. Many of his works have been re-issued by the Polish Zoharum label, and now it’s time to compile the compilation tracks and (maybe) clear the archives, as from the 23 pieces, six are previously unreleased. I haven’t studied all Vidna Obmana releases that closely to know why Volume One started in 1990 and not in 1984 (or thereabouts) because right from the start, there were compilations with his music. One reason might be the clear musical break in 1990, separating what came before and what would come later. Vidna Obmana started as a noise band but, within a few years, turned towards more melodic music, which, after 1990, took off completely. The tracks on this set aren’t in chronological order, so it’s not easy to follow Vidna Obmana’s trajectory in music. Through the eight years covered here, there isn’t much development, and Serries is fine-tuning his approach to composing ambient music. Many of these pieces evolve around long-form sequences and loops of sound, set to trigger synthesisers and the occasional rhythm. Serries uses “various fujara’s, overtone flutes, percussion, dream pipe, recycling & abstraction mutations and voices” are added. These aren’t things one quickly hears through the extensive use of the sound effects, which may be called “atmospheres” on the cover (perhaps these are the sparsely used field recordings). There is in each of these pieces a slow, majestic flow, both pleasantly tranquil and yet with a dark undercurrent, stirring the music firmly away from the world of new age music. Close to three hours of music, this is an excellent soundtrack for short and dark (and cold) days, and it’s music exuding much-needed warmth. The reissues of Vidna Obmana seem endless, but bring it on.
MOORS MAGAZINE REVIEW :
De Belgische elektronische musicus en componist Vidna Obmana gebruikte synthesizers, electronika, “outboard processing gear” en een heel arsenaal aan exotische instrumenten. Hij creëerde zo een bijzondere muzikale wereld met minimale middelen, waarin weinig lijkt te gebeuren, maar als je beter luistert juist heel veel. In 2007 hield hij er officieel mee op. Nu kwam er een driedubbele cd uit met werk uit de periode tussen 1990 en 1998, door Dirk Serries, die een duidelijke affiniteit met ambient muziek heeft, geremastered. Ik moet bekennen dat ik dit lange album niet in één keer heb kunnen beluisteren, en zelfs niet in twee of drie keer, en ik weet niet goed hoe ik dat moet uitleggen zonder dat het negatief overkomt – ik val namelijk elke keer na een kwartier in slaap. En dan droom ik heerlijk verder terwijl de muziek doorloopt. De volgende keer pak ik de draad weer op waar ik in slaap gevallen ben en zit ik meteen weer geboeid te luisteren tot ik opnieuw na een minuut of tien weer in slaap val, zelfs overdag. De kwaliteit van de muziek is er niet minder om, integendeel zou ik bijna zeggen, vroeger zette ik Zappa wel op de koptelefoon als ik niet kon slapen en viel ik halverwege Uncle Meat ook in slaap. Luister maar eens naar de paar fragmenten die ik je hier laat horen, dan kun je zelf constateren dat het hier om fascinerende muziek gaat. Als ik de vage foto zie die bij het bandcampverhaal staat, krijg ik overigens het sterke vermoeden dat Vidna Obmana een pseudoniem is van Dirk Serries, want deze donkere ambient past wel bij zijn vroege periodes. Hoe dan ook een geweldig, ingetogen album waar ik toch elke keer weer naar teruggrijp.
VERSACRUM REVIEW :
Vidna Obmana, al secolo Dirk Serries, è una figura centrale nell’universo della musica ambient, un pioniere che ha tracciato sentieri unici attraverso la fusione di drone, minimalismo e manipolazione sonora. Con Twilight of Perception Redux: Volume One 1990-1998, ci offre una straordinaria antologia che esplora un’epoca cruciale della sua evoluzione artistica, dove il suono diventa strumento per ridefinire i limiti della percezione.
La compilation si compone di brani selezionati da archivi ormai introvabili, rielaborati per catturare con una chiarezza inedita la loro complessità originale. Queste composizioni sono caratterizzate da una ricchezza stratificata: droni che si evolvono lentamente, campionamenti di suoni naturali e suggestioni etniche che evocano paesaggi sonori ora intimi, ora vasti e sconfinati. Ciascuna traccia è un viaggio emotivo che riflette la tensione tra l’organico e il sintetico, tra la quiete e la trasformazione.
Ad esempio, i brani più meditativi costruiscono atmosfere di sospensione, dove il tempo sembra dilatarsi. Altri pezzi, invece, si sviluppano in modo più dinamico, grazie a tessiture complesse di riverberi, eco e campionamenti che sembrano dialogare tra loro in un linguaggio non verbale ma profondamente evocativo. La struttura di ogni traccia invita all’immersione totale, richiedendo un ascolto attento e contemplativo.
Il processo di rimasterizzazione non è un mero intervento tecnico, ma un atto artistico: Serries ha reso ogni composizione vibrante e immersiva, rispettando al contempo l’anima delle registrazioni originali. Il suono risulta pieno e avvolgente, con una definizione che amplifica l’esperienza sonora senza alterarne l’intimità.
Un ulteriore elemento distintivo è il design dell’edizione fisica: il digipack a otto pannelli, corredato dalle foto di Martina Verhoeven è parte integrante dell’opera. Le immagini creano un dialogo visivo con la musica, evocando gli stessi sentimenti di mistero e introspezione.
Questo primo volume si configura quindi come un’opera essenziale, non solo per gli estimatori di Vidna Obmana ma per chiunque sia interessato a esplorare le potenzialità emotive e narrative della musica ambient. Twilight of Perception Redux: Volume One 1990-1998 è un viaggio che ci sfida a vedere il suono come un’esperienza trascendentale, capace di espandere i confini della nostra percezione e della nostra immaginazione.
CHAIN D.L.K. REVIEW :
Vidna Obmana’s “Twilight Of Perception Redux Volume One 1990-1998” is a treasure chest of sonic meditations, painstakingly assembled and lavishly presented by Zoharum. This 3CD compilation, released on October 31, 2024, feels like an archaeological dig into the ambient and experimental soundscapes of the early ’90s – a period when Dirk Serries (Vidna Obmana’s real name) was carving out a reputation as a master sculptor of atmospheric sound worlds. The collection gathers rare and unreleased material, much of it previously scattered across impossible-to-find samplers, obscure compilations, or lost to the fog of time. Remastered by Serries himself, the recordings are bathed in renewed clarity while retaining their timeless mystique. Encased in an eight-panel digipack featuring hauntingly evocative artwork by Martina Verhoeven, the package is as much an artifact as the music within – a tactile expression of the care and reverence this project deserves. The journey begins with “Over Rainbows”, an ethereal opener that drifts like morning mist dissipating under the sun. Layers of overtone flutes, dreampipe, and Vidna Obmana’s signature “recycling & abstract mutations” intertwine, creating a spectral hum that feels both intimate and cosmic. Tracks like “The Circulating Flight” and “Awaken In Floating Colours – Composition 5 (ending)” stretch the listener’s perception of time, their elongated drones and organic textures pulling you into states of reflection or surrender. This isn’t music for passive consumption, as it often sounds like an invitation to inhabit a parallel dimension, where sound replaces language and every sonic ripple holds an unspoken story. Take “Transcending Shadow And The Nocturnal Air”, a monumental 17-minute piece that feels like a descent into an ancient, dream-like underworld. It’s dense and hypnotic, layering overtone flutes with deep, resonant drones that evoke the sensation of floating between two planes of existence. Vidna Obmana’s work from this period is steeped in shamanic qualities, as evidenced by tracks like “Shamanistic Return”. The use of instruments like fujara and dreampipe – a Slovakian overtone flute and a hollow percussion tube, respectively – imbues the music with a ritualistic, almost primordial edge. Yet, these ancient sounds are transformed by Serries’ deft touch, merging seamlessly with the modern experimental palette of his ambient compositions. Recorded between 1990 and 1998 at the Serenity Studio in Belgium, these tracks reflect not just a geographical locus but a conceptual one: a sanctuary where sound becomes alchemy. Each piece emerges as a distinct chapter in a larger narrative about transformation, liminality, and the passage of time. Tracks like “By Abundant Rain” and “Cloud Streamers” echo with the organic hiss and warmth of analog recording, while others like “Flat Earth” delve into darker, more shadowy realms. This compilation is more than a retrospective; it’s a recontextualization of Vidna Obmana’s groundbreaking work, offering both a history lesson and a meditative experience. Fans of ambient pioneers like Brian Eno, Steve Roach, or early Projekt Records releases will find familiar ground here, but Serries’ unique ability to balance melody and abstraction ensures his music stands apart. With “Twilight Of Perception Redux Volume One”, Zoharum delivers not just a reissue but a revival – a reminder of the power of ambient music to dissolve boundaries and open new ways of listening. It’s a gift for collectors, an education for newcomers, and, most importantly, a timeless auditory journey. As you immerse yourself in these layered soundscapes, you might find yourself pondering: where does perception end and the infinite begin?
HET SCHADUWKABINET REVIEW :
De Belgische klasbak Dirk Serries komt hier met enige regelmaat voorbij, maar hij grossiert dan naast releases onder zijn eigen naam ook in fijne projecten als Fear Falls Burning, The Sleep Of Reason, 3 Seconds Of Air, Terrace Of Memories en Yodok III. Toch leer ik hem voor dat alles kennen als Vidna Obmana, waar de schrijfwijze nog wel eens wil verschillen. Met dit project heeft hij geëxperimenteerd met dark ambient, drones en industrial, waaraan hij dikwijls tribale geluiden toevoegde. Hij tuigde het al op in 1984 en is gestopt in 2007. Dat heeft, met diverse samenwerkingsverbanden meegerekend, een indrukwekkende en afwisselende discografie opgeleverd van zo’n 70 albums. Los daarvan heeft hij nog twee compilaties uitgebracht en zijn er vele losse, nog niet uitgebrachte tracks. Eén van die compilaties heet Twilight Of Perception uit 1996 en twee jaar erna nog eens uitgegeven. Deze bevatte 10 niet eerder uitgegeven tracks. Soms is een compilatie wel een mooie kennismaking met een artiest. Of voor de fan, zoals nu met de herziene versie van het genoemde verzamelalbum dat nu terug is als Twilight Of Perception Redux Volume One 1990-1998. Het zijn 3 cd’s met in totaal 23 tracks, die samen drie uur en een kwartier duren. Er staan slecht 3 tracks van het oorspronkelijke album op, maar de bedoeling is dan ook dat er hierna minimaal nog eens 3 delen verschijnen. Wat voor Vidna Obmana wellicht een kleine optelsom is van wat er nog op de planken lag, exclusieve bijdragen op vroegere compilaties, labelsamplers en magazines, is voor andere artiesten gewoon een complete discografie. Maar nu dus deel één de eerste drie cd’s, waar naast die exclusieve bijdragen, die vermoedelijk niet veel mensen hebben en zeker niet compleet, ook nog eens 6 nooit eerder uitgebrachte tracks te vinden zijn. Het is allemaal muziek in de bekende en toch gevarieerde stijl van Vidna Obmana, die bepaald niet onder doet voor die van zijn reguliere albums. Dat alles is gestoken in een fraai ontworpen digipack van 8 panelen. Het is een must voor de fan en een geweldige introductie mocht je deze leren kennen.
DP-MOTIV REVIEW :
Although Dirk Serries’ ambient formation has been a thing of the past for nearly 20 years, posthumous releases from him still appear from time to time, thanks to his once heightened creativity and diligence. The ambient music universe has always been a genre that I have only superficially tolerated and liked, but VIDNA OBMANA, active since the mid-eighties, has been steadily gaining ground in it, as I have always greatly appreciated this kind of closeness to nature expressed in the language of music, especially with regard to the period marked by the nineties, when I was enchanted by a series of albums (without claiming to be exhaustive: Passage In Beauty, Echoing Delight, Ending Mirage, The Spiritual Bonding and, above all, Well Of Souls, produced with the participation of Steve Roach), which has remained an unbroken benchmark segment of my musical wanderings ever since. Thanks to the Polish label Zoharum, recordings that were once locked away in a drawer, then slightly improved in 2024, became available with this triple CD, which is not an easy listen at all, but definitely deserves the perseverance. These compositions recorded in the first half of the nineties depict the development of VIDNA OBMANA’s most beautiful period, these impressively clear ambient recordings are much more complex than we might superficially assume. Let’s not forget that at that time the technology was also less advanced than it is today, not to mention that Dirk Serries (in an extremely sympathetic way) gave far greater priority to analog synthesizers, tape manipulations, microphoned nature recordings and sound-generating devices, and instruments that would be considered exotic to the “average European ear”. In short, we are not talking about classically shaped music, but rather about creating a kind of soundscape, mood projections, and spiritual journeys that result in magical experiences, as these interwoven sound streams simultaneously guide and enchant you while listening, discovering landscapes where the untouched nature that resists the modern age is the master and everything is pure, like the flow of a pulsating stream swollen with power. These recordings are best listened to with headphones, either lying down, or at least in a comfortable armchair, in semi-darkness, free from all external, disturbing factors. It is worth taking the time, because this music is guaranteed to thank you for your attention.
Listen to the ZOHARUM special:
MUSIQUE MACHINE REVIEW :
Twilight Of Perception Redux Volume One 1990-1998 is the first in a series of planned CD compilations from Poland’s Zoharum. Looking at rare, unreleased, etc recordings from euro ambient pioneer Vidna Obmana aka Belgium’s Dirk Serries. The three-CD set takes in twenty three tracks- with as you’d expect from such a collection variation in both the tone/ atmosphere of the tracks. The three-CD set comes in a eight-panel digipak- this features an effective blend of dark blue texts underlaid by what looks like close-up monochrome photos of tree bark. So as with all of the growing catalogue of Vidna Obmana reissues on Zoharum, we a get a nicely moody/ lightly arty look- which fits the music inside well. Seemingly the compilation isn’t set in a chronological manner- though we do get original release credits for each of the tracks featured. So, on disc one, we find eight tracks. These move from the slowly weaving tone glow meets lightly angular chiming’s of “Awaken In Floating Colours – Composition 2 “. Onto the gently harmonic warmings and lightly warbling drift of “The Circulating Flight”. Though to the spaced-slightly clunky piano key notation and moody pitch swirling’s of “Awaken In Floating Colours – Composition 5 (ending)”.
Disc two features nine tracks. We move from gently warbling, circling, and rising ambience of “Twilight Came”. Onto eerily baying “Torch Of Remembrance” with its mix of distant brood and light horn like hissing tones. Though to the slurred and forlorn string like ebb & low key ritual ambience unease of “Flat Earth”.
Finally on disc three we find six tracks. These open with the steady string like simmer meets suck in amber nostalgic synth tone dwell of “Deep Within”. There’s the distant hissing chatter ‘n’ knock, gliding glow, and faint female choral voices of “Approaching The Glaze”. Or “Transcending Shadow And The Nocturnal Air” with it’s dense-yet- soothing mix of cascading upwards tone, warming tone shift, and distant harmonic glint.
It’s always great to see new Vidna Obmana reissues on Zoharum. And with this release there are many new- to-me/ unheard tracks to enjoy. Here’s looking forward to the next in this series.
GONZO CIRCUS REVIEW :
Opmerkelijk. Zelfs na al die jaren blijft de naam Vidna Obmana in toegewijde internationale kringen waar atmosferische ambient gekoesterd wordt tot de verbeelding spreken. Nochtans droeg Dirk Serries dit lang meedraaiende (1984), succesvolle en invloedrijke project in 2007 definitief ten gave. Maar kijk: anno 2025 kruipt het fanbloed nog steeds waar het niet kan kruipen kan. Het Poolse Zoharum is al een tijdje geleden begonnen om klassieke albums zoals ‘Revealed By Composed Nature’ (1990), ‘The River Of Appearance’ (1996) of ‘Crossing The Trail’ (1998) opnieuw uit te geven, telkens gemasterd en al dan niet met flink wat bonusmateriaal. Het eerste volume van de ‘Twilight Of Perception Redux’ serie, die in totaal uit minstens vier maal drie cd’ zal bestaan, graait niet louder lukraak in het rijke oeuvre van Vidna Obmana, maar diept zeldzaam, nooit uitgebracht of puur obscuur materiaal op dat her en der te vinden was op compilaties of samplers. Er werd daarbij ook nagedacht over de sequentie van de nummers. Niet onbelangrijk, zo blijkt. Het resultaat, zoals valt te verwachten bij Serries, is een lange sonische trip naar een andere dimensie tussen tijd en ruimte. Naar een plaats tussen de oren waar grenzen tussen bewust en onbewust vervagen, waar heden en verleden symbiotisch versmelten, en waar dromen tastbaar worden. ‘Twilight Of Perception Redux Volume One 1990-1998’ bevat kortom geen seconde luie restjes, maar essentieel materiaal voor de fans van ’s mans meest tot de verbeelding sprekende soundscapes.
SIDE-LINE REVIEW :
The Belgian solo project Vidna Obmana, led by Dirk Serries, has been on hiatus for several years, yet a steady stream of releases continues to see the light of day. These are mostly reissues or live recordings, but “Twilight Of Perception” stands out as a special compilation. It brings together no fewer than 23 tracks—an impressive collection of pieces originally released on small and now-forgotten compilations, along with several previously unreleased works. The compilation forms a surprisingly coherent whole, offering listeners the chance to (re)discover the distinctive, Experimental, and deeply Cinematic style of the artist. Most tracks have a floating, ambient character that recalls the work of ambient pioneers. As you delve deeper into the tracklist, however, you’ll also encounter darker and more ominous compositions. Vidna Obmana’s music remains enigmatic, yet meticulously crafted. Subtle piano arrangements weave through the album, and at times, flute passages emerge, inviting us on a journey through time and memory. You’ll also notice percussion parts running through some cuts. This release is an absolute must-have for fans of this singular artist. (Rating:7½).
ONLYDEATHISREAL REVIEW :
Oh no, another one of Zoharum’s extensive – to the point of being excessive! – ambient anthologies! This was my first thought upon getting my hands on this 3 CD compilation, with the Polish label’s recent Rapoon 3 CD compilation Dream Circle (In Three Phases) in fresh memory. And while there are similarities in the nature of the releases, musically the two are quite different. And as such, my assessment of them. Twilight Of Perception Redux shares the name with an older compilation from the mid-90’s. However, I think it is best to think of these two as entirely different releases: they share less than half of the original’s tracks, which means about 1/6th of this compilation’s tracks. But, like that one, this is a deep dive into the archives of the Dutch project, compiling together rare and hard to find compilation tracks and such. Apparently it is also the first installment in a series that is meant to expand to at least four volumes. Vidna Obmana’s style is an almost cosmic, harmonious and peaceful take on ambient. Slow, long, drawn out layers of understated synthesizers dominate here. The music is not so much about composition as it is about movement; of slowly shifting, undulating and transforming layers of soothing, beautiful and ever-so-slightly mystic ambience. Subtle details such as buried percussive elements, piano or harmonious supporting layers bring depth to the compositions, but never make the music crowded or demanding.
This is the kind of music you can put on for relaxing, meditation or other activities, and it will beautifully keep you grounded. However, especially at this length, listening to Twilight Of Perception Redux in one sitting is some kind of madness. I’m fairly sure I at least couldn’t withstand the entire thing in one helping.
But of course, the release being a three CD thing, there’s no need to do that. It’s easy to listen to one CD per listening session. With each CD clocking in at about one hour, they’re quite heavy in their own right as well, but not too.
To reiterate, I admit I approached this CD with quite some trepidation. Or worse: I was fairly sure this would be an ordeal to sit through. I was surprised to find it wasn’t; quite the contrary in fact. I quite enjoy listening to Vidna Obmana’s understated if not exactly minimalist compositions of ethereal, cosmic ambience. I may splice the whole into smaller bits, but I enjoy those bits unreservedly.
My only grievance is that there are lengthy silences between some of the tracks – we’re talking five to ten seconds. This sounds like a quibble, but in music like this, such needless interruptions to a seamless, constantly streaming audial journey have a disproportionately large impact. They really bother me. Apart from that, Twilight Of Perception Redux is a beautiful piece of ambient music in its own right, and another worthy archival project by the fine people at Zoharum. Definitely holds a wider appeal than just for Vidna Obmana fans.
ROCKERILLA REVIEW :
Il genio tormentato è partito per l’ultimo tour.
L’archivio di vidnaObmana è davvero stupefacente. In due nuovi tripli cd il musicista belga ha raccolto ben trentanove brani per la durata complessiva di oltre sei ore di musica. Il primo volume raccoglie per lo più brani già editi su raccolte introvabili. Come Within Whitering Memories apparsa originariamente sulla musicassetta Fairy Tales & Myths (1990, 3Rio Art Tapes), o la parte conclusiva della meravigliosa suite che apre l’album capolavoro Passage In Beauty (1991, Decade), Awaken In Floating Colours – Composition 5 (Ending), pubblicata dalla Projekt di Sam Rosenthal sulla compilation From Across This Gray Land, n° 3 nel 1992. Si tratta in alcuni casi di raccolte che hanno aiutato a definire i confini di una scena in evoluzione, in grado di mettere insieme diversi stili dell’universo elettronico come l’imperdibile The Sombient Trilogy della Asphodel: vidnaObmana è presente sui primi due capitoli della serie, con Equal Distance (uno dei rari brani del musicista belga dove è presente la voce) su The Throne Of Drones, e con Flat Earth sul doppio cd Swarm Of Drones, entrambi pubblicati originariamente nel 1995. Nel complesso si tratta di brani che aiutano a capire il passaggio della musica di vidnaObmana dai primi esperimenti in ambito ambient fortemente caratterizzati dall’immaginario post-industriale, alle distese sconfinate delle opere space-ambient della metà degli anni 90.
Solo quattro, invece, le tracce presenti su Twilight Of Perception Redux – Volume Two 1995-2002 già pubblicate in passato: tre su altrettante compilation e una su un raro sette pollici della Klanggalerie del 2002, Isolation Trip/Path of Distortion.
Incredibili la qualità degli inediti. Non si spiega davvero come un brano della portata di Tapestry Of Dust non sia apparso su un album di metà anni 90 del musicista belga. Per non dire della suite in tre parti The Surreal Expansion I,II,III, un bagno di ambient stellare a gravità lunare.
Da quando Dirk Serries ha ripreso ad osservare il cosmo con il naso all’insù pubblicando nuovi dischi di musica ambient accanto a quelli della sua oramai avviata etichetta free-jazz (A New Wave Of Jazz), deve essersi accorto che l’interesse per la musica di vidnaObmana era tutt’altro che svanito. Nel mese di maggio del 2024 ha così rimasterizzato le ventitre tracce finite poi sul triplo cd Twilight Of Perception Redux – Volume One 1990-1998. E sorte analoga è capitata alle sedici contenute su Twilight Of Perception Redux – Volume Two 1995-2002, ripulite e rimasterizzate durante lo scorso mese di ottobre. Un ascolto che vale come un’immersione rigenerante.
dirkserries.com 