This is the voice of Enigma;
Nah! Just kidding! It’s me, and I’ve got a story to share that you might not know.
Anyways, it is recommended to listen to the music bellow while you’re reading this post. Don’t focus on the music, your brain will take care of that automatically.
Music has a way of touching our souls. For me, the journey with Enigma began when I was nine years old, around the year 2000. I first heard a song that would forever change my perception of music. The song was “Sadeness (Part I)” by Enigma.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
I still remember the first time I heard “Sadeness (Part I).” It was in a neighbor’s house. He had recently visited China and brought back some audio cassettes. Every evening, he would play those cassettes on a speaker, and I would eagerly wait by my window to hear that hypnotic tune. At the time, I had no idea about the lyrics or the meaning behind the song. I just knew I loved the Gregorian chants and hypnotic beats.
As time passed, the song found its way to FM radio. I would often hear it playing on various channels. The rise of the internet and online radio apps introduced me to the genre known as “New Age,” and that’s when I rediscovered the song. I downloaded it and played it repeatedly. It had become my all-time favorite.
Discovering Enigma’s Magic
Enigma, the brainchild of Michael Cretu, blended various musical styles, from Gregorian chants to electronic beats. The debut album, “MCMXC a.D.,” released in 1990, introduced the world to this unique sound. The project’s hallmark was its ability to mix ancient and modern elements, creating a timeless and otherworldly musical experience.
As I delved deeper into Enigma’s music, I discovered other popular songs like “The Age of Loneliness”, “Mea Culpa,” “Return to Innocence,” “The Child in Us,” and “Principles of Lust.” I didn’t care much about the lyrics at first. It was the unique blend of sounds from around the globe that captivated me.
The first time I heard “The Child in Us,” I was surprised to hear some ancient Indian shlokas in a song by a German band. This curiosity led me to research more about Enigma. I read articles, scoured Wikipedia, and tried to understand the essence of this enigmatic music project. Enigma was not just about music; it was an experience.
The Mystical Lyrics and Albums
Eventually, I started paying attention to the lyrics. Each song was like a puzzle, either questioning existence and the self or questioning life, rules, society or breaking the chains of misconceptions, dispelling myths and more. I learned that Enigma’s albums were not just collections of individual songs but cohesive stories that took listeners on a journey. Each album, from “The Cross of Changes” to “A Posteriori,” explored new themes and sounds while maintaining the signature Enigma style. The music often delved into themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the mysteries of life, resonating with listeners on a deeper level.
One memorable experience was after my first trek in the Himalayas. Sitting by the bank of a river with two dogs as my companions, I listened to “Beyond the Invisible” and checked the lyrics. I was blown away by the profound message about the higher self and one consciousness:
It is real and not a dreamBeyond the Invisible (Enigma)
I'm in you and you're in me.
It is time
To break the chains of life
If you follow you will see
What's beyond reality.
Conclusion
Enigma’s music has been more than just a soundtrack to my life; it has been a catalyst for personal growth and exploration. The blend of global sounds, philosophical lyrics, and abstract visuals created a profound experience that went beyond mere entertainment.
For anyone seeking music that challenges the mind and soothes the soul, Enigma offers a journey worth taking. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, there’s always something new to discover in the enigmatic world of Enigma.
