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From out of the emerald forest and into your CD player comes "The Wheel of Time," the musical accompaniment to the long running fantasy book series from author Robert Jordan. Jordan's been heralded as a modern day Tolkien with his novels having completed an astounding nine tales in the "Wheel of Time" series, had a taste of the New York Times bestsellers list and with the release of this soundtrack, not only will fans be able to relive another dimension to the ongoing adventure, but even those who've not yet followed the saga, an adventurous soundtrack that makes for an encapsulating listening experience. Performed, produced and written by Robert Berry, known for previous work with the likes of Emerson and Palmer from the obscure 3 band, it was his job to coordinate and orchestrate this project to follow faithfully the direction with which the author sought to take the stories but further, to allow each song to present its own identity without leaving off in a running theme that might otherwise leave a void for new listeners. But in all, this soundtrack can be hailed as a complete success-this coming from someone with no prior knowledge of the storybook series, nor any great impetus for theatrical music and dramatic themes. Across the patchy blue sky, stands the warrior and his maiden, stealthily mapping out their quest, gazing off into the distance, their steeds momentarily at bay, they stand atop the hill, bold, determined… and nineteen overall tracks set the tone ranging from fiercely operatic, folk-like and medieval, undaunted and glorious, made up mainly of instrumental pieces led by strings and various sound effects ranging from song to song, mood swiveling and emotional… and that's where the exciting part comes in here. For anyone expecting an hour-long monotone drone of aesthetic effects with a few drum roll entries just to keep you awake will be in for a pleasant surprise. While the earlier part of the soundtrack does in fact swing in favor of deep orchestration to set the tone, we're swung into a quick Celtic-styled tune completely offsetting the prior, right away the sun's shining, the sky is bright… something good's happening. And then the scene changes again, black clouds rolling in; the air grows a little colder… Try to imagine a combination of the electronic and atmospheric principles of a Pink Floyd, combined with the folksy-melodic attributes of English yarn-spinners Skyclad, and the infinite patriotism of Gary Moore… and yet that's only a rough starting place. As limitless as the mind's eye, the soundtrack to "The Wheel of Time," brings you back to a land not very far off; a magical, mystical place where your journey into imagination begins with the whispering wind…
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