Erik Wøllo has released his 14th studio effort with the arrival of Gateway, an album of 12 uniquely individual tracks that form a superbly memorable collection. The signature of Wøllo's satisfying craftwork is deeply reminiscent of the haunting early period of Tangerine Dream, with wonderful forays into the soundscapes that remind of the little-heard Michael Hoenig. But none of this is to say that the carefully constructed work of Erik Wøllo is derivative. In fact, it's so refreshing to hear such grandly orchestrated music in the ambient framework that the first spin of Gateway should have fans of ambient compositions completely in thrall to Erik Wøllo.

The album begins with "Land of Myths," a track that explores the vacated, now desolate landscape once occupied by German composer, Michael Hoenig, with its dark but strangely peaceful night. Hoenig created an acoustical world that warmly invited you to immerse in its emotional atmosphere, and Erik Wøllo does the same with his gorgeous and immersive opener. Wøllo follows it up with the brilliantly played "First Arrival," an obviously developing soundtrack for the beauty of an entry into an alien world (or one visiting us for the first time. Earth is engagingly beautiful from outer space and even takes my breath away seeing approaching photos of it). The composition has electric guitar in it that elevates the track beyond that of an eerie ambient flow.

No ground is left untouched within these 12 tracks. There is plenty of aural beauty for you to slip into. If you found Tangerine Dream's soundtrack for Sorcerer to be deeply surrounding, then you'll also find "The Traveler" to take you in that direction. If a frosty world is your ideal, then the richly layered "There Will Be Snow" is your arctic roadmap. And if a threatening environment is what pulls you forward, then "Wetlands"' unsettling beauty is the perfect coat for you to slip into. It closes with the beautiful "Thule."

No matter your preference, Erik Wøllo's new album, Gateway, is the key to multiple dreamworlds. It also unveils an extraordinary talent, one that draws on the influence of the masters of the past, yet crafts music that is uniquely his own, music that will etch Erik Wøllo into your mind as one to be enshrined with those same masters.

Immeasureably recommended!