Sacred Circle

Published in the summer of 2006, Sacred Circle heralded the return of Runestone after a seven year break.

With so many keyboard composers around at the moment, the use of non-keyboard instruments has always provided the extra qualities that make Runestone unusual. Acoustic guitar, 12 string and nylon string guitars, mandolin, mandola as well as the usual keyboards and samplers all play a part in this album. Various items of hand-percussion were used during the recording process to get away from standard sample loops:- frame drums, rainsticks, udu pot and (an old Runestone signature) a bunch of bamboo sticks chosen carefully from the garden centre. Low frequency drones and expansive reverb techniques go further to enhance the relaxational qualities of the album.

Sacred Circle has been written with the intention to provide the listener with an audio image of a nocturnal world in a primal atmosphere. While atmospheric effects reinforce this sense of imagery, Runestone has been careful to avoid anything sweet or contrived. This album portrays an air of mystery and magic as opposed to peace and tranquillity. For these reasons, the album leans towards vision quest, path-working or visualization rather than meditational purposes.

To add to the journey quality, there are no breaks between tracks. Each unfolds from the one before, introducing new elements to give the listener a real sense of place (whatever their reasons for being there).