II by Abstract Rituals

Includes two bonus tracks with purchase

Purchase CD
https://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX001DJ7ZN&pp=1 (US)
https://elasticstage.com/abstractrituals/releases/ii-album (International)

日本語は下記です。

"Top 12 Releases"
-Cyclical Magazine #14, March 2025

"Personally, [II] took me straight back to my adolescence, imagining this album as the star of the soundtrack for an imaginary movie about the planet Arrakis"
-Leandro Torres, Album Review, Cyclical Magazine #14

Star’s End Top Releases, February 2025
-Chuck Van Zyl, Star’s End Radio

"II doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them, delivering on every level and cementing Abstract Rituals as an artist to watch."
-David Rain, Music Journalist

"A great album, where you can always discover something new!"
-sequenzerwelten.de, Album Review

"2025 already has one of its best albums."
-Pablo Bilbao, Cyclical Dreams

"[II's] music is born from the intersection of past and present, putting Berlin School elements in the blender while matching it simultaneously with a progressive approach towards sound design."
-Bert Strolenberg, SonicImmersion.org

"[II] brings to mind a classic album, “trans harmonic nights” by Peter Bauman… the sequences having a precise, almost fragile, like geometry about them, and a strong sense of melody."
-Thom Brennan, Electronic Artist

“II confirms the inspiration of the Japanese synthesist, who had already delighted us with Altered Waves in 2023. A reliable talent—one to follow closely!"
-Clavius Reticulus, Prog Censor

Abstract Rituals, the creative project of Mike Donzella, returns with II, an album that builds on the foundation of his critically acclaimed debut, Altered Waves. Based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Donzella is redefining modern electronic music with a meticulous approach to composition, blending rhythmic sequences with striking melodies and rich textures. One listener described II as "rhythmically whimsical," while another said, "This album has three tracks I’ve already listened to more than 20 times—it’s that addictive."

Building on the foundation of Altered Waves, this album tells a story through episodic tracks, each offering a unique emotional arc ranging from adventurous to introspective. Influenced by the underground cassette culture of the 1980s and Berlin School, it combines nostalgic warmth with fresh ideas. Perfect for fans of dynamic, narrative-driven electronic music, II invites listeners into a world of vivid soundscapes and tightly woven arrangements that reward both focused attention and repeat exploration.

マイク・ドンゼーラ、「Abstract Rituals」が、彼の高い評価を受けたデビュー作 Altered Waves の基盤をさらに発展させたアルバム、II を引っ提げて再登場です。東京・新宿を拠点に活動するドンゼラは、リズミカルなシーケンスと印象的なメロディ、豊かな感触を織り交ぜた緻密な作曲アプローチで、現代電子音楽を再定義しています。あるリスナーは II を「リズム的に気まぐれ」と評し、別のリスナーは「このアルバムには、すでに20回以上聴いた曲が3つもある。中毒性がすごい」と語っています。

「Altered Waves」の土台の上に築かれたこのアルバムは、冒険的なものから内省的なものまで、各曲が独自の感情の起伏を持つエピソード形式で物語を紡いでいます。1980年代のアングラ・カセット文化やベルリン・スクールの影響を受け、ノスタルジックな温かみと新たなアイデアが融合。ダイナミックで物語性の強い電子音楽を好む方に最適で、II は鮮やかな雰囲気と緻密な編曲の世界へとリスナーを誘います。集中して聴くのはもちろん、繰り返し聴くことで新たな発見がある作品です。

Tracklist

1.	The Return	4:49

2.	Whispers of Contact	3:16

3.	電子地下	4:49

4.	Eyeline	5:33

5.	Penetration	5:09

6.	空白の13年	3:27

7.	Shifting Identities	5:56

8.	Heir to the Stars	3:54

9.	Echoes of a Reploid City	3:29

10.	Encounters	4:30

11.	Passing Memory	4:08

12.	Farewell to Neon Blue	4:38

Credits

License