ambient

I've got a lot to share with you all, and I’m done waiting for Sven.

Lately, I’ve been making progress in refining my musical skills, though I'm still on this journey of continuous learning.

If you listen to this playlist, you’ll see how far I’ve come. In the beginning, with tracks like “MAYDAY, MAYDAY” and “PTSD,” my melodies were a bit rough around the edges. But as you explore “Stoic Thought Machine,” you’ll notice a significant leap forward.

My wife often says I’ve been on fire creatively lately, and that’s when BrainStorm 2.0 kicked off.

We’ve upgraded our approach to include a broader collaboration beyond just the dynamic Sven and I shared. Moving forward, I’ll have the chance to work with more amazing folks.

Or maybe not. Who knows what new paths I’ll find…

after all, the sky is mine to explore.

BrainStorm Operations 2.0 :

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/q7vb7ZKUo08


https://soundcloud.com/enigmaspace/sadeness-part-i-extended?si=1f1f0aed569e482eaeb16c1c71888290&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Enigma, an enthralling music project that emerged in 1990 from the imagination of Romanian-German artist Michael Cretu, has undoubtedly left a significant imprint on the music landscape. Blending electronic sounds with elements of worldbeat and new-age music, they’ve captivated audiences worldwide. Their first album, “MCMXC a.D.,” released in 1990, is a standout achievement, largely due to the remarkable success of “Sadeness (Part I),” which alone sold an astounding twelve million copies!

Enigma is celebrated for its unique sound, which combines Gregorian chants, tribal rhythms, and rich ambient sounds. They continued to push boundaries with albums like “The Cross of Changes” (1993) and “Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!” (1996), artfully integrating various cultural influences and experimental touches. To date, Enigma has sold over 70 million albums and earned two Grammy nominations.

If you're curious about exploring Enigma’s magical musical journey, I invite you to check out their Soundcloud page at @enigmaspace. Let’s take a moment to honor Enigma and Michael Cretu for the immense joy and inspiration they have given us through their remarkable art! 🎶🙌 

-Keith Alban

Psybersphere

Equilibrium - Final Remaster

"Satellit," a captivating chillout tune by BrainStorm Operations, beautifully captures the journey of a satellite orbiting the Earth. The song artfully mirrors the satellite's path and the moments of radio silence it experiences, especially as it moves behind the Earth’s curvature.

Around the 2:30 mark, the music subtly fades, evoking the feeling of entering that radio silence phase. This fading effect reflects the temporary communication interruptions that satellites face when they’re positioned just right relative to our planet.

Yet, as the piece continues, the melody and harmonies bounce back with renewed energy, representing the satellite's triumphant return from silence. This symbolizes the moment it rises above the Earth's curve and reconnects with everything below, brimming with vitality and enthusiasm.

"Satellit" invites listeners to embark on a reflective journey, encapsulating the daily rhythm and transformative moments of a satellite’s orbit.

Now, let’s not forget the undeniable influence of Space Night. You can feel that Space Night vibe pushing us to dive into music creation, before we knew it, we were in the lab, fully inspired.

On Keith's end alone, there are about 35 tracks, complete with intricate drumming, overdubs, split subdivisions, and accents. He utilized "OPTIMUS PERC," his go-to preset crafted with Native Instruments Komplete 6, to bring everything to life.

Satellit - Final Remaster

Dawn In The Valley

As I regained consciousness, the world around me slowly emerged from a hazy dream. I found myself in an unfamiliar landscape, still reeling from the chaotic helicopter crash. Faint echoes of gunfire and cries from my fellow soldiers blended with the rush of adrenaline coursing through me. I struggled to gather my thoughts, memories resurfacing, the vibrations of the helicopter colliding, the blinding flash, and the deafening sound of metal tearing apart.

Amidst the chaos, I felt a glimmer of hope pierce the darkness. It was the belief in our training and resilience that guided me through those harrowing moments. But as time passed, I began to question whether reclaiming "normalcy" was truly possible. The traumas of the crash and the challenges of survival had etched themselves deep within me. I found myself in a relentless battle of stress—constantly alert, navigating unfamiliar territory, and facing persistent danger that tested my endurance.

Yet, amidst these struggles, a surprising beauty emerged from the chaos within me. It refused to succumb; instead, I found solace and strength in music. Melodies played in my mind, reminding me of the enduring beauty that still existed in this world.

Music became my escape, my sanctuary, and my source of courage. It fueled my determination to persevere in the face of unyielding challenges, proving that my spirit remained indomitable and unbroken.

Within me, a transformation took place; the broken soldier began to heal. Music transcended my limitations, offering me freedom even in the depths of despair.

And so, my story continues. With each step I take, I carry hope, the weight of a traumatic past, the endurance born of survival, and the unwavering belief that music will always set me free.

Interludes

MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

Looking at the waveform, it’s clear that it breaks down into four key categories, each revealing different facets of my journey:

The first category, "POST," reflects where you stand right now. It radiates hope and positivity, showcasing the progress you’ve made and signaling a bright outlook for what lies ahead.

Next, we have "TRAUMATIC." This part dives into the deep-seated experiences that have shaped who you are. It raises an important question: can you ever really go back to normal after facing such significant events?

Then comes "STRESS," which addresses the toughest times you’ve faced. This section highlights the struggles you've encountered, emphasizing the strength and resilience necessary to push through difficult moments.

Finally, we arrive at "DISORDER." There’s a unique beauty in this segment. It reflects your ability to stand firm and resilient, even when chaos reigns around you. It embodies your unwavering belief in the uplifting power of music to heal and empower.

P T S D

ᑭ   T   S   ᗪ

The rhythmic patterns of the drums are notably influenced by the musical artistry of Sleep Token. (Sleep Token Influenced Drums-STID) As I immersed myself in the intricate compositions of II, I carefully observed his distinct approach to sound.

II's drumming style is characterized by his creative application of rudiments and rhythmic techniques. He masterfully integrates these elements into both fills and grooves, adding depth and complexity to Sleep Token's music.

Six-Stroke Roll: II doesn't just use the six-stroke roll (RRLLRL or LLRR LR) as a simple fill. He weaves it into the fabric of his grooves, creating a dynamic interplay between dense and open sounds. Whether played softly for a ghost note effect or accented for a powerful surge, the six-stroke roll contributes to the music's forward momentum and subtle rhythmic shifts. You can hear this in moments where the drumming feels both intricate and driving.

Triplets: Triplets are essential to II's fluid and often syncopated feel. He uses them in a variety of ways: rapid fills that inject bursts of energy, complex hi-hat patterns that contribute to a "Jungle" or broken beat vibe, and subtle groove variations that create a sense of swing or push. The contrast between straight eighth/sixteenth notes and triplets adds rhythmic tension and release, keeping the listener engaged.

Quads (Four-Note Groupings): II's precise execution of four-note patterns, whether as sixteenth notes or other variations, contributes to the tightness and complexity of the Djent-influenced sections. These patterns appear as powerful, syncopated kick drum patterns, rapid snare fills, or intricate combinations across the kit. His ability to maintain clarity and power, even at high tempos, is a testament to his technical skill.

What sets II apart is his seamless integration of these rudiments with electronic elements. For example, a rapid triplet fill on the acoustic kit might be mirrored or punctuated by a synthesized sound from a Strike Pad, creating a unique sonic texture that blurs the lines between organic and electronic sounds. 

Drawing inspiration from those observations, I incorporated his distinctive elements into this uncomplicated, yet undeniably engaging beat that captures attention and evokes emotion.

STID

As I continue to create the simple yet deeply meaningful loops on my Alesis Strike Pad Pro, I'm on track to make my studio recording dreams a reality by Fall 2025.

In this latest piece, I'm excited to share another composition that draws inspiration from the unique sound of Sleep Token (STID). This creation has been carefully crafted over the past few weeks, with each line played thoughtfully on the Alesis Strike Pro. Like my previous piece, II, this one also has its own distinctive charm.

I truly hope you enjoy this work. If you’re curious about what I’ve learned from II, here are a few insights:

**The Gospel Influence:** One of the standout elements of II's drumming is its gospel-inspired flair. The use of ghost notes, intricate hi-hat patterns, and the emotional depth of his performance inject a soulful quality that enhances the music’s impact. It's more than just technical skill; there’s an emotional weight that resonates through the music. If you listen closely to tracks like "The Offering" or "Higher," you can almost feel the heartbeat of a church rhythm section supporting the heavier sounds.

**The Djent Foundation:** This is the backbone of much of Sleep Token's music, and II skillfully navigates its complex, syncopated rhythms with remarkable precision. His driving patterns and often dissonant polyrhythms create that signature hypnotic sound. He locks in perfectly with the guitars, contributing to a rhythmic structure that’s both powerful and nuanced.

**The Unique Blend of Jungle and Future Garage:** Here, II truly pushes the boundaries of modern drumming. By integrating broken beats and delicate ghost note patterns reminiscent of Jungle, along with atmospheric textures that evoke Future Garage, he adds a level of sophistication rarely heard in this genre. It’s not just about layering these elements; it’s about weaving them into a fluid rhythm. His use of space and silence, along with unexpected groove shifts, often reflects the dynamic nature of these electronic styles.

**The Thoughtful Integration of Electronics and the Strike Pad:** As a fan of the Strike Pad myself, I recognize its potential to enrich the sound. However, II has taken it a step further by incorporating electronic textures and percussive elements into the very core of his playing. These sounds blend beautifully with his acoustic kit, creating a dialogue between organic and synthetic sounds that adds layers of complexity and atmosphere that a traditional drum kit alone couldn’t provide. It’s a rich tapestry of sound that enhances the essence of Sleep Token.

What truly sets II apart isn't just his technical prowess across various styles but his ability to weave them together into a cohesive and distinctive voice. His musicality shines through in how rhythm can evoke emotion and atmosphere. He isn't merely keeping time; he’s actively shaping the emotional landscape of Sleep Token’s music.

It’s incredibly exciting to witness a drummer innovating in heavy music. II’s creative approach is a key part of what makes Sleep Token captivating and why they resonate deeply with musicians and fans alike

ESPECIALLY with me.

STID II

Until the tape runs out on me....

Join us as we embrace these moments of pause, stepping away from the relentless pace of everyday life... This is the rhythm that fuels our journey.

This transformation will reveal itself around the midpoint of the song, leading the listener toward a renewed experience in time. It won’t take much of a wait; anticipate a seamless shift before the composition reaches its conclusion.

At the 2:13 mark, my concept takes a descent, signaled by the pounding sound of the bass drum flams. To be truthfully candid, I find myself lacking complete satisfaction with how it stands at this moment, So I stopped "the tape."

Chilltrap (STID III and final in series)

Amazing music by BrainStorm Operations:
https://soundcloud.com/brainstorm-operations 

Listen to the original track, "Drum n Space", here:
https://soundcloud.com/keithondrums/drum-n-space

Vocals, Lyrics and Experimental Mix by Wildsilences.
Based on my "Out to Sea" EP on Bandcamp:
https://wildsilences.bandcamp.com/album/out-to-sea

Stunning cover art by my friend, Utopia Fade:
https://soundcloud.com/utopiafade

Lyrics:

I lost you
In the dark
Searched for days
Left no soul unturned
We searched for your ghost
Voices unheard of
Searched for your song
The love gone
Searched for your broken dreams
Searched for your words
Spirit unseen
Lost, lost, lost again
Like a ghost

Ghost (with music by BrainStorm Operations)

Amazing music by BrainStorm Operations:
@brainstorm-operations

Listen to the original track, "Drum n Space", here:
https://soundcloud.com/keithondrums/drum-n-space

Vocals, Lyrics and Experimental Mix by Wildsilences.
Based on my "Out to Sea" EP on Bandcamp:
https://wildsilences.bandcamp.com/album/out-to-sea

Stunning cover art by my friend, Utopia Fade:
@utopiafade

Lyrics:
We searched for your ghost
I lost you in the dark
Lost, lost 
I lost you in the dark
We searched for your ghost
Voices unheard of
Searched for your song
I lost you in the dark
Like a ghost
Like a shadow

Ghost (with music by BrainStorm Operations) [Ambient Depth Mix]

Welcome to the BrainStorm Experience, where the enchanting realms of music and storytelling unite for an unforgettable adventure. More than just a collection of songs, each track holds a story waiting to be uncovered, inviting you to delve deeper than mere listening and connect with the emotions and narratives intricately woven into every melody. To enrich your journey, we provide insightful notes and timestamps, your guides to discovering the very essence of each composition.

Our vision extends beyond the auditory. We've created a stunning visual experience, transforming your mobile device into a vibrant gallery. As you explore the tracks, each image serves as a companion to the music, encouraging reflection and sparking inspiration.

To further enhance this immersive experience, we gently suggest the use of headphones. While not a necessity, a quality pair can profoundly transform your engagement with the music, revealing subtle details and layers that might otherwise be missed, crafting a rich tapestry of sound that invites a state of blissful relaxation.

At BrainStorm Operations, our core goal is to offer a peaceful escape from the demands of everyday life. With over ten and a half hours of carefully curated content, we aim to provide a seamless journey that helps you unwind and find solace from your daily routine.

As we embark on this magical adventure together, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support of our vision. Sharing this musical exploration with you is a true privilege. So, please take a moment to settle in, surrender to the rhythms, and enjoy the fluid experience we've crafted just for you. Thank you for being such a valued part of the BrainStorm community.

Warm regards from the flightdeck,

Keith Alban, (and formerly Sven Klitsch)
*Disclaimer*  

I must acknowledge the fantastic source of my artwork: Desktopography - desktopography.net/. I am also a part of three art collectives: Desktopography, depthCORE, and EvokeONE, where I have served as the music director.  

I have been fortunate enough to use their incredible works in this format. The heart of this experience lies in the stunning artwork contributed by the talented artists from all three collectives, lending a unique charm and beauty to the BrainStorm visual treasure.