I found this music to be excellent. However, I heard the ex partner of Anyma, (Chrystian) is a drug addict and got charged with assault. No matter how much I like the music, I cannot respect those who hurt other people and therefore, I cannot respect the composer. Since now I undersood Anyma is now composed by a different guy, I can honestly say "Good Job" to the composer of Anyma and good thing you are working solo. Keep it up!

ANYMA
Volume I
AnymaWorld.com (2004)

Here is another entry in the ever-expanding collection of artists (and their recordings) who are reinvigorating the Enigma-esque/Delerium electronica subgenre, in which chill-out and ethnic beats are wedded to a variety of keyboards and lush sensuous synthesizers with some additional wordless or chanting vocals. However, like all the artists I have mentioned so far, what Anyma shares with them is special attention paid to production and engineering detail, high quality electronic instrumentation and a knack for integrating melodic hooks with infectious beats. As such, Volume 1 is highly recommended if you enjoy the music of the other musicians I’ve listed above.

Track include the solid opening “Antea Bellum” sparkling with lots of retro EM and quasi-Berlin synthesizers as well as those infectious rhythms. This cut sets the tone for the remaining six pieces, which range from the sensual ethno-tribal laced rhythms and reverbed piano of “I Am,” to the more instrumentally-based “Free Me” (which again swings the electronics into a neo-Berlin vein) and the pulsing and thunderous drums which are heard in the propulsive “Down to Ashes.” Interestingly, “Morpheus,” the longest track on the CD, also features the fewest vocals. It’s an intoxicating and pleasantly eerie blend of percolating beats, background textures and effects, and layer upon layer of assorted keyboards and synthesizers, topped off with medieval sounding bells later in the song. The album concludes with “Exordyum,” echoed hand drums, plucked string synths, and a slow steady build-up as the piece progresses towards an almost enveloping “wall of sound” and faster tempo beats bring the CD to a solid conclusion.

All things considered, Volume I should elevate Anyma’s stature in the electronica and chill-out subgenre considerably if enough people find out about it. The use of retro EM elements on some tracks juxtaposed with the organic ethno-tribal percussion ends up being an evocative and unique combination, one that should broaden the appeal of this CD beyond the expected audience of Enigma/Delerium/Dead Can dance-philes.

Bill Binkelman
Producer and Host
Wind and Wire
KFAI-FM
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

November 23rd, 2005.

Independent Music Spotlight
November 2005 Spotlight !!

ANYMA: Volume I
Genre: Rock, Relaxation, Spiritual /

Artist Site: www.anymaworld.com /

Rating by Kangar Radio: *****

I interviewed Enigma and did a review for them a few years back in France. This group Anyma excels and delivers the same sound but with more kick and original lyrics and sound. If you think you will here a commercial song like “SAD” here sorry but this CD is fresh and unique in there sound. From track one to seven each track is crafted to perfection and is a great sounding CD.

Andrew Allan Rating: 5/5
Global rating : 5/5

Volume One of the Anyma Chronicles

by Paul Zimmerman
First Coast News

With a quiet chilled out approach French Canadian group Anyma envelope and surround rooms with rich, opaque, and uncanny textures. Best described as downtempo or ambient, Anyma sound like the best Bill Nelson, In the Nursery or Enigma records never recorded.Using chants, miniscule beats, airy synths, and who knows what else Anyma are all about creating atmosphere. Whether it is chilling and spooky or relaxed and subdued Volume One covers just about everything in between. The album builds from a subdued and nondescript environment to a mystical spiritual climax that could be the soundtrack to a supernatural thriller. Anyma are expert craftsmen with an eye towards the heavens and their music is a reflection of that. Volume One is a moody spacey masterpiece that has been influenced by the Middle East as much as the Cosmos. Whether it’s the dramatic chanting of, “Down to Ashes,” or the chilled melodrama of, “Antea Bellum,” Volume One is a lush metaphysical sensory experience that will enshroud all who listen. It’s definitely a record to align chakras, burn incense, and just relax to and after a hard day in the newsroom that sounds ideal.

Associated Press
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=41141

Music Review: Anyma “Volume 1”

By Beverly Durfee | August 8, 2005, 12:15 AM

I like it when I find music that challenges my vocabulary, but it makes it damn difficult to write a review. Anyma is emotional/electronic, mellow/pulsating … it crosses too many musical barriers to be defined simply.
Anyma is made up of Chrystian Bourassa and Ghislain Caya and that’s all I know about the band members. Don’t know nationality, gender, age or any other description. But I do know the music they make is simply fantastic. Their output is both mind-expanding and introspective at the same time. Beautiful becomes a very weak word applied to the sounds created by this duo.
Every tune on this seven song CD is profoundly composed and executed. Listening is like experiencing a sculpture of sound being formed in your brain. I would call this an instrumental CD if not for the incomprehensibly haunting vocals in “Down to Ashes.” Human voices mingled with the rest of the songs play the role of musical instruments communicating sound instead of language.
The first song,”Antea Bellum,” sets the stage for the rest of the CD as its sound deftly moves from soothing to expectant … like a soundtrack of a drama that you only slowly realize has you brought you to the edge of your seat.
Anyma weaves introspective melodies that in some way seem to fill the other 90 percent of the brain we supposedly don’t use. Experience the CD with headphones for the deepest effect, but turning it up loud and letting it fill your room and your head is also a surefire journey to another world. CDs like this remind me why music is magical.
To find the CD - and some bonus tracks - go to www.anymaworld.com. Listen to a few samples and if they move you, do buy the CD. Independent music like this will survive only with our support.

http://www.gjsentinel.com/blogs/content/shared-en/blogs/communities/post/entries/2005/08/08/music_review_an.html