Making an Egyptian-themed mix had a couple of challenges right out of the gate.
Unlike the Deep Dark Jungle mix from a few weeks ago, Egypt and its deserts are much more subdued and solemn by nature. The vast, open spaces of quiet and dry landscapes are profoundly ambient and inherently minimalist. And while I could have tracked a bunch of “Sounds of Nature” new-age silliness for the Jungle mix (replete with birds chirping, insects buzzing and the like) that’d put everyone to sleep. The same goes for an Egyptian/desert theme – I don’t just want some wind chimes, a whirling breeze and sporadic lute strumming. While that may be authentic, I want something that both FEELS Egyptian and can engage the listener.
The other big challenge was: Karl Sanders (of Nile fame) has two solo records under his belt of Egyptian perfection out already. So, rather than beat a dead horse (since he’s THE authority on Egyptian sounds), I wanted to try to bring in some other elements that capture the feel via electronic, industrial, ambient and other genres to show that even with it’s drier climate and quiet expanses, there is a wealth of texture and color in this region…
Cryogenic Husk #15 – Egyptology
1) Nile – Dusk Falls Upon The Temple Of The Serpent On The Mount Of Sunrise 2) Trial Of The Bow – Father Of The Flower 3) Einstürzende Neubauten - Zentrifuge 4) Ulver – Let The Children Go 5) Dead Can Dance – Cantara 6) Karl Sanders – Curse The Sun 7) Trial Of The Bow – From The Mountains Of Tangier 8) Aphex Twin – Journey (Aphex Twin Care Mix) 9) Nile – The Infinity Of Stone 10) Dark Castle – Spirited Migration 11) Amon Tobin – Theme From Battery 12) Nile - Libation Unto the Shades Who Lurk in the Shadows of the Temple of Anhur 13) Karl Sanders – Awaiting The Vultures 14) The Blood Of Heroes – Wounds Against Wounds (Gunshae’s Sunset Over English Bay Remix) 15) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – Night Fight
You can further segment this list into four main groups based on their surroundings and atmosphere:
Marketplace: #1, #2, #6, #10 Dunes: #4, #14, #3, #11 Ancient History: #5, #12, #9, #15 Caravan: #13, #7, #8
