Under an Holy Ritual is an electronic minimalism classic. It is a set of deep and dark atmospheres from
Alio Die, aka Stefano Musso, one of Europe's leading minimalists. He achieves these strange experimental sounds with synths, samples, and processing techniques. Similar to the "Frippertronics" loops of Robert Fripp, Musso processes his processed sounds and samples. He starts with an incessant drone and builds vacuous atmospheres from them. He also uses silence as an element of the sound design. The atmospheres are gray and wispy, with hints of color. The deep drones connect the atmospheres to form the soundscape. This is a single soundscape with 11 movements. Each movement has at least one atmosphere. Musso's techniques allow for a cohesive and exhilarating listening adventure. This is one of the ultimate experiences to which electronic musicians aspire. ~ Jim Brenholts