Phantasia - Aetheria Solterra (1992)

©️ 𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 - 𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀
After the release of Infinity Embodied in '91, rumors swirled about another Phantasia album, one last return to their classic era, a direct continuation and possible finale to the Starborn Metamorphosis saga. This was Aetheria Solterra (地霊守), a reimagining of Call of Eternity and the definitive closing chapter of the band's well known synth driven disco funk era.

Unlike Infinity Embodied, which evolved the original compositions further, Aetheria Solterra stays true to the core essence of Call of Eternity. However, with refined production methods, every synth was reworked, every texture polished, creating a cohesive, immersive soundscape. This was not just a remaster, it was the album as it was always meant to be heard, crafted to shine in a disco atmosphere.

While every song remained faithful to its roots, one track transcended. The final, self-titled piece, Call of Eternity, took on an entirely new meaning. This was no longer a mere call, it was the final incarnation of the character, her ascended form, now bearing the name Aetheria Solterra. To embody this transformation, Keiko Arai returned, delivering a mystical, yet haunting vocal performance, channeling the divine presence of Aetheria herself.

Fun Fact:
Thanks to its refined remastering, this version of the album better portrays its original two chapter structure. Side A unfolds as a unified journey, leading the listener from the anticipation of the call to the ritualistic moment of ascension. Side B expands into the vast unknown, capturing the different phases of the ascension, culminating in the final form, Aetheria Solterra.

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Side A:

00:00 - Jungle Pulse (密林の鼓動)
05:02 - Moonlight on the River (川面の月光)
08:27 - Cosmic Ovation (宇宙の喝采)
13:56 - Thrive of the Wild (荒野の息吹)
17:46 - Your Fragment of Heaven (あなたの天のかけら)
21:31 - The Ascension Ritual (昇天の儀式)

Side B:

25:51 - Boundless Essence (無限の本質)
30:23 - Circle of Fate (宿命の輪廻)
35:03 - Voyage Among the Stars (星々の旅路)
39:52 - Soul Memories (魂の記憶)
44:21 - Metamorphose (変容)
47:56 - Aetheria Solterra (地霊守)

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Guitar: Takashi Yamada (山田 隆司)
Bass: Hiroshi Nakamura (中村 博)
Drums: Shun Tanaka (田中 俊)
Piano/Keyboards: Keiko Arai (新井 恵子)
Saxophone & Artwork: Akira Matsuda (松田 亮)

Produced by Phantasia Records (夢幻音律館).

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This album draws inspiration from George Duke, Giorgio Moroder and Yellow Magic Orchestra.

This project utilizes AI technology to enhance visuals and audio.

All tracks and images are the property of PhantasiaRecords.

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