Over a year in the making, Transmigration is loosely interpretative of the Bardo, or intermediate state after death and before rebirth in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Transmigration is not about death, but rather the introspection this transition requires. This is a dark journey exploring the Ceremony of the Within, the pursuit beyond delusion toward the essence of existence.

Transmigration is meant to be listened to as a cohesive whole. The composition forms a complete circle, ending at its origin. The music and the ring afire are representational of a continuous life cycle. To further the organic theme, Transmigration was performed using entirely traditional and handmade acoustic instruments and sound sources; no samplers, sequencers, or synthesizers were used. Special guest Peter Ragan of Life Garden appears on Transcendence and Tempest, performing on drums.

The sculptures were created and photographed by Voice of Eye specifically for this cd. Reinforcing the transience of mortality, these guardian figures act as a guide through the Ring of Fire on to the purity of Oblivion. These were taken to where all the elements converge, and set afire during the full moon rise. Yes, this really happened, it was a coincidence, but it’s true! Ooh ooh, I’m so scared!

2021 note: Some projects are a hard birth. This is one of those. Perhaps it was the subject matter. I don't know what we were going through for this to emerge after Vespers, almost it's polar opposite. Some things are a trial by fire and you immerse yourself in that fire knowing that the work demands it and that it won't come any other way. The artist must be transformed to enable the work to come through. For me, this will always be the heaviest VOE release. It's hard for me to listen to, but I'm always impressed when I do. This edition was remastered in 2010