In the mesmerizing landscapes of Sonic Arabia, each step I took in my journey toward healing was filled with a sense of wonder and magic. The air around me felt alive, almost as if the essence of the land danced in tune with the music that enveloped us. Each day revealed fresh marvels and deep insights that allowed me to better understand the complexities of my inner self.

Moved by inspiring melodies and beautiful compositions, I set off on a transformative journey to sacred places, where I confronted my past traumas with courage and began to break free from their hold on me. Partnering with the talented musician Sven Klitsch, I found the words to express my deepest feelings were often elusive. Yet, together we created captivating sounds that touched my soul. Through the healing power of music, I found a powerful release, turning my pain into melodies that resonated with who I truly am.

In the peaceful stretches of the desert, I embraced my vulnerabilities with a sense of self-acceptance I hadn’t known before. The steady rhythm of the drums anchored me, helping me reclaim my inner strength and rediscover the resilient spirit that had been lying dormant within me.

Alongside a group of others also seeking personal growth, we built a supportive community that nourished our individual paths to healing and self-discovery. As I bid farewell to Salerno, the enchanting melodies lingered in my heart, a lasting reminder of the profound transformation I underwent.

Empowered by my journey, I now raise my voice to advocate for holistic healing and to illuminate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Sonic Arabia has unveiled the strength within me, and I am fully committed to supporting others, offering understanding and encouragement as they navigate their own humble quests for healing.

Sonic Arabia

Tribe - ( Salerno Nightviews Mix ) - Final Remaster

I set out on a night-time mission, feeling the weight of my task pressing on me. With resolve, I glide through the city’s bustling streets until I reach the quieter edges.

Getting off of the side of my ride, I tread carefully through the faintly lit roads, well aware of the potential dangers that hide in the darkness. Alone, my senses are sharper; my contact had warned me that going in with a team would draw too much attention. “You need to ride in like a shadow,” he insisted before disappearing.

Now, on foot, I weave through the maze of alleys, guided by the faint hope of help from a mysterious shop near the entrance. As I push open the shop’s creaky door, a gentle bell tolls to mark my entry. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of ancient relics, and flickering candlelight casts playful shadows on the timeworn walls.

The shopkeeper, a figure whose years seem to hang beautifully in their presence, greets me with a knowing smile. Their eyes hold stories and understanding, reflecting the weight I carry. We share few words, for sometimes silence speaks volumes.

With great respect, I share the weight of my mission, the hurdles in my path, and the doubts clouding my thoughts. The shopkeeper nods in empathy, their steady presence providing a sense of comfort.

Together, in this enchanting shop, we embark on a journey of discovery. We explore the hidden corners of the shelves, uncovering forgotten wisdom and treasures long neglected. With practiced skill, the shopkeeper reveals talismans, charms, and amulets filled with ancient power.

As we handle each artifact, the shopkeeper shares their insights, weaving stories and wisdom handed down through the years. They help me see my mission’s true nature, bringing clarity to the chaos. I come to understand that the city, once just a jumble of confusion, is a rich canvas of hidden possibilities waiting to be explored.

Bolstered by this newfound understanding, I step back into the night. The darkness no longer feels threatening; instead, I’ve learned to embrace its mysteries and navigate its shadows with confidence. The shopkeeper’s sage advice remains with me, a comforting whisper as I face the challenges ahead.

Reaching for the knob on my portable radio, I hear the crackling voice cut through the silence, “Vampire 4, how copy?” The familiar sound reinforces my sense of belonging and purpose. With the shopkeeper's guidance firmly in my grasp, I embark on my mission, traversing the murky path with unwavering resolve.

The journey ahead may be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but I carry the spirit of that mystical shop in my heart. Its wisdom and the beauty uncovered amid the chaos will forever light my way, reminding me to balance darkness and light and to find beauty even in turmoil.

Kairo City

In the vast and unyielding desert, I set out on a tough journey driven by a deep desire for self-discovery. The blazing sun bears down on me, while the relentless wind challenges my perseverance.

With every step, the shifting sands make it hard to move forward, turning my path into a real struggle. There comes a point when I’m completely spent, lying in the meager shade cast by the landscape and unable to go on.

Yet, amid these daunting challenges, I find comfort in the desert's stark beauty. Then, fortuitously, a nomadic tribe appears before me, their majestic camels in tow.

They offer a helping hand, lifting me from the ground and providing me with a fresh perspective.

In that moment, the desert reveals itself as a mirror, showing me both my strengths and my weaknesses, and teaching me essential lessons about patience and resilience. With their support, I gather the strength to keep going, eventually reaching my destination—a feat that leaves me both exhausted and triumphant.

As I carefully dismount from the camel that has carried me through the desert, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude.

The transformative insights gained from this journey are forever etched into my heart, shaping my spirit in ways I never expected. I carry with me a deep appreciation for the challenges that pushed my limits and helped me grow into a stronger, more resilient person.

Desert Caravan - Oriental Ambient Mix

I find myself standing alone, grappling with a profound sense of emptiness. The vast expanse stretches out before me, devoid of any signs of life or companionship. In my solitude, I reach for the SINGARS microphone, my voice trembling as I desperately call out, "Vampire 4.....

does anyone copy?"

The ensuing silence humbles me, intensifying my sense of isolation. 

I become acutely aware of the immense distance that separates me from my team and the familiar comforts of home. As night falls, I take a moment to gather my thoughts and pen them down, addressing them with reverence to the universe itself.

"To the universe,

In this realm of enchantment and wonder, I acknowledge the undeniable ache permeating my depths. It is an emptiness that reverberates through the spaces, whispering in the silence that is all around me.

No captivating sight or mystical allure of this land can fill this void. 

Instead, it is marked by towering monoliths, their stoic presence reaching towards the heavens, casting a shadow upon the land. The fog conceals mountains, enemies to be specific. Shrouding potential ambushes and navigation challenges.  At the same time, treacherous gaps, razor-sharp ravines, and perilous valleys lie in wait, reminding me of the skill required to navigate this terrain.

Yet standing here, amidst the endless desert, I cannot help but recognize my aloneness. Every landscape and whispered tale only serves to deepen the longing within me. The beauty that envelops me becomes a bittersweet reminder of what I have temporarily left behind. 

The vastness of this land magnifies the ache, as the enchantment that surrounds me contrasts with the absence of those dear to my heart.

This longing takes on many forms. It is an ache for human connection, a yearning for the touch of a loved one's hand, and solace in shared laughter.

It encompasses the comforting presence of family and friends, the shared stories and memories that anchor us to our sense of belonging."

Humbly signed,
Me

With all it's charm, Afghanistan becomes both a sanctuary and a reminder of what I have left behind. Its beauty and mystery offer temporary solace and soothe the longing within me.

However, as the days pass, the ache resurfaces, a constant companion whispering reminders of the distance that separates me from what I hold dear.

Yet within this emptiness and longing lies a profound opportunity for self-discovery and growth. It is in the absence of the familiar that I begin to uncover hidden depths within myself. 

I learn to find solace in solitude, embracing the silence and introspection that this mystical land offers. It becomes a journey of self-reflection, where the emptiness becomes a canvas upon which I paint the colors of my own identity.

As I navigate this foreign realm, I carry with me the memories of home, the faces, and voices that fill my heart with love and warmth. The longing becomes a reminder of the bonds that transcend distance, reminding me of the strength of the connections I hold dear.

In this mystical land of beauty and enigma, the emptiness and longing become companions on my journey. They shape my perspective, deepen my appreciation for the beauty around me, and ultimately fuel my resilience.

And as I tread this path, I know that the emptiness and longing will eventually be replaced by the joy of reunion, when I can once again embrace those I long for. 

In the future, as I look back, I will cherish the memories created in this distant, mystical land, right now, in the middle of nowhere.

Solaris - Final Remaster

In the rugged landscape of Afghanistan, I found myself accompanying a fireteam from the US Army on a time-sensitive mission. We encountered unforeseen obstacles, and a rapidly approaching sandstorm left us with a narrow window to reach our intended destination.

Time was of the essence, and we had to quickly make up for lost time. With determined strides, clouds of dust billowed behind us as we pressed forward. Our team leader's commands were swift and urgent, and the sense of urgency was palpable.

We were well aware that the impending sandstorm could hamper our progress and pose a risk to our safety. Drawing upon our training, we moved with purpose while keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. Adrenaline coursed through our veins as we neared our objective.

The sandstorm loomed on the horizon, and we fully grasped the potential dangers it posed: reduced visibility, impaired communication, and heightened vulnerability. We needed to find a secure location before nightfall.

As the sun descended, we quickened our pace. Each step was deliberate, driven by the urgency to outpace the encroaching sandstorm and the motorized enemies, that were closing in on us, on horseback. 

In the height of the moment, the threat of enemy forces closing in became imminent, and our time window was rapidly closing. However, we were saved by a squadron of aircraft, (Hawgs) providing us with the precious moments needed to vanish into the mirage-like landscape.

As darkness settled upon us, we sought refuge. we were huddled together in a defensible position, seeking shelter. Fatigue weighed heavily upon us, but we remained vigilant, taking turns to rest while maintaining a watchful eye over our surroundings.

St0rm's Mirage

St0rm's  Mirage

https://open.spotify.com/album/6ivACjO1UT7iI8ev811ikJ?si=UL_LSTd8Q6mmlPPgBPUgjA

Keith stood in the vocal booth, his mood a bit heavy as he prepared to record. 

Not only did he lay down the drums for this track, but he also shared his thoughts on life. This moment signified the close of Keith’s creative exploration, presented as a vocal trilogy.

His words had a way of tangling themselves around you, requiring careful attention to fully grasp their meaning. It was like a tangled wire, this was Keith Alban’s unique perspective on life, an engaging journey woven through spoken word and narrative.

And the wire….

is really… the process of life itself. Here you are tracking down your road of life, you're doing your thing, you're making your choices… 

and along comes this wire. And you look at it and say: Dude……

there is no way I'm going to make it through this   

And before you know you know it you're tangled up in the wire, you're kind of caught up in the smoke and the charcoal….

combat is everywhere, 

it's chaos….it's……bad days


…it's everything that just kind of BLOWS YOU AWAY. 

thinking to yourself Dude…there is no way I'm going to make it through this.


 And then all of a sudden….the smoke just kind of settles, and you look back and you say: holy crap….


I can't believe I made it through that, and as you focus back on the way you're going… in life, 

you see that's another wire, and that's just kind of the process of life itself, Is to get tripped up in these wires. each wire you get tangled up in, Sometimes it's a cable, 

sometimes it's a thin wire…

sometimes it's….

a series of wires and that's just the way life is, to get through these wires.

Spoken Words, Stories and Dialogue

The Wire (Spoken Text, In The Description)

Get ready for an immersive experience with this specially crafted song for the renowned Full Moon Festival held on the vibrant "GOA-HIGHWAY" in Germany.

Recorded live during the preparations, in our lab, the legendary "Kantine," we crafted this authentic performance that captures the aura and vibe of the event. 

You might hear a slight hiss in the recording, but it only adds to the raw and genuine atmosphere. Countless hours were spent rehearsing in "The Kantine," to perfect the production. We meticulously sculpted the sound using a powerful PA system, creating an immersive "arena sound" that surrounds you.

During the preparations, a comical mishap occurred with Sven's fader on the mixer during the bass/drum section. We forgot to bring up his fader on the mixer.  We had a good laugh about it afterward, adding a touch of spontaneity to the recording.

As we worked on this project, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. Years ago, during a deployment, I discovered a rhythm to the day, a tempo and atmosphere that resonated with this very composition. It reminded me of the structure and purpose found in familiar routines, even in challenging circumstances.

Piece by piece, a melody formed in my mind, and I shared it with Sven. We collaborated on every aspect, from the bass line to the delicate flutter pattern on the kicks, the captivating ostinato on the shaker, the unforgettable hook, and the exhilarating crescendo. 

Sven's exceptional talent brought it all together to perfection.

Interestingly, we decided to film our preparation process, creating a demo video for submission to the Ultimae label in France. Somewhere out there in the digital realm, this video exists, capturing the essence of our creation.

Thank you for joining us on this musical journey, where our passion and creativity blend with memories of the past and dreams for the future.

Kabul Live- Kantine Mix: Final Remaster

Imagine yourself enveloped in deep darkness, with an unsettling aura all around.

You've been given the green light, “Extreme Vengeance,” is to be exercised, but as the sun sets, it leaves behind a stunning display of swirling reds painted across a sandstorm-filled sky. Sounds nice....but

This creates a particularly perilous environment for your task.

Against this dramatic backdrop, a crackling radio in your ear suddenly breaks the stillness with a mysterious message: “Vampire… 3 minutes, 47 seconds.”

Sweeping sweat from your brow, you move carefully across the landscape, your attention narrowed through a powerful scope.

Veterans are all too familiar with scenes like this; they've survived these heart-pounding moments repeatedly. In high-pressure scenarios like these, each action is intentional, and every breath carries a weight of significance.

The night is alive with tension, momentarily lit by flashes erupting from shattered windows. You hear the quiet thumps of suppressed gunfire. Then, in a mere 3.47 seconds, you slip back into the shadows, your presence as fleeting as the light that just vanished.

Remaining intensely focused and breathing deeply in anticipation becomes second nature, an integral part of who they are—even when they find themselves at home, surrounded by comfort.

How does one genuinely “come back to normal” after facing such raw intensity?

These experiences etch themselves into your memory, leaving a lasting mark, a tribute to the remarkable skill and brave spirit of those who selflessly serve their country in the face of danger and uncertainty.

__________________________________________
behind the song: Audio construction time: 10 years.  (!!!) When we were working on Agade, https://soundcloud.com/brainstorm-operations/agade-ii I fell in love with the sounds we chose. I was working privately with some of them, to create the re-enactment of a firefight, that runs it's course. 

It's 2025, and PTSD issues still persist.

A Glimpse Through NVG's - Final Remaster

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

Welcome to the BrainStorm Experience. 

This is where our music has  become our devotion, where story and sound entwine as one living entity. 

Each track is a untold story, until now, carrying fragments of emotion across the threshold between you and something beyond the ordinary. 

Beneath the surface, quiet truths wait to be found, revealed not through words alone, but through feeling. 

We offer notes and timestamps only as constellations to help you navigate, though the meaning is yours to uncover.

What you see is as vital as what you hear. 

The screen before you transforms into a mirror of the music’s soul, a shifting, breathing gallery that reflects tone, motion, and memory. 

Each image pulses with the same essence that lives within the melodies, inviting you to reflect, to drift, to become part of its rhythm.

For the truest experience, we suggest listening through headphones.

They awaken the subtle layers that dwell beneath the surface, where whispered harmonies, faint textures, and unseen details wait to be heard. 

In that space between sound and silence, time begins to dissolve, and the world grows distant.

BrainStorm Operations exists to offer more than sound. It is a refuge, a sanctuary carved from serenity, designed to bring stillness to the mind and warmth to the soul. 

Across more than ten hours of carefully woven music and vision, we extend a hand into the quiet , a moment to simply exist and feel.

If you are here, it's not an accident. Your presence completes the circle. 

Settle into the stillness, surrender to what stirs within, and let the music find you. 

This is where the journey begins.

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.

New tracks tagged #music for deployments