Illusions (Thomas Bergersen album)

Illusions is the first studio album by Norwegian composer Thomas J. Bergersen, of Two Steps From Hell fame.[2] It was released in June 2011. It consists of 19 tracks and features vocal performances by Vladislava Vasileva, Elitsa Todorova, Merethe Soltvedt, Kate St. Pierre, Jenifer Thigpen and Colin O'Malley, as well as instrumental performances by cellist Tina Guo, and the Capellen Orchestra.[3] The album cover and artwork are designed by Jesper Krijgsman, inspired by visuals from Beauty and the Beast.[4] Initially a digital release, the CD was made available in March 2012.[5] It has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.[6]

Illusions
Studio album by
Thomas J. Bergersen
Released22 June 2011[1]
GenreWorld music
Length1:19:34
Thomas J. Bergersen chronology
Illusions
(2011)		 Sun
(2014)

It took Bergersen around three years to produce the album.[3][6] It began with him setting aside compositions he had originally created for Two Steps from Hell but which he ultimately felt were not in keeping with the group's style; he self described the compositions as "all the wonderful musical wonders of the world together in a big collective hug".[6] Originally under the working title of Nemesis II, he confirmed its final title as Illusions in September 2010.[7] Four preview tracks were released in February 2011,[2] with all proceeds going to the relief fund for the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[8]

In January 2013, the album was released to clients promoting motion picture advertising via Extreme Music,[9] featuring 18 alternative versions of many pieces, which makes 37 tracks in total.[10]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Thomas J. Bergersen

No.TitleLength
1."Aura"7:43
2."Starvation"4:27
3."Dreammaker" (feat. Vladislava Vasileva)4:18
4."Hurt" (feat. Kate St. Pierre)1:43
5."Ocean Princess" (feat. Merethe Soltvedt)2:53
6."Gift of Life" (feat. Merethe Soltvedt & Tina Guo)3:22
7."Rada" (feat. Vladislava Vasileva)4:23
8."A Place in Heaven" (feat. Jenifer Thigpen)4:16
9."Merchant Prince" (feat. Merethe Soltvedt & Kate St. Pierre)2:26
10."Promise" (feat. Merethe Soltvedt & Tina Guo)4:59
11."Femme fatale" (feat. Vladislava Vasileva)4:12
12."Homecoming"2:57
13."Immortal" (feat. Merethe Soltvedt)4:08
14."Remember Me" (feat. Merethe Soltvedt)4:30
15."Sonera" (feat. Colin O'Malley & Jenifer Thigpen)5:37
16."Reborn" (feat. Kate St. Pierre)3:53
17."Age of Gods"2:30
18."Illusions" (feat. Kate St. Pierre)8:02
19."Soulseeker" (feat. Elitsa Todorova)3:15

Critical reception

IFMCA-associated reviews website, MundoBSO,[11] was positive, describing it as "intense and at times beautiful... music that navigates various sources that the author surely takes advantage of to find -and expose- his own style." It was rated seven out of ten stars.[12]

Alejandro Clavijo, of ReviewsNewAge, was very positive, stating, "during those three years, Bergersen has played with the melodies until he found the perfect music in the nineteen pieces that make it up. A marvel." He concluded, "the quality and strength that are presented in this work are evident from the first seconds of listening to the touch of the last note." It was subsequently nominated for the outlet's "Album of the Year" award for 2012.[3]

Charts
Chart (2012) Peak
position
US World Albums (Billboard)[13] 13

Use in media

Thomas Bergersen's music has been licensed for several trailers.[3]

  • Remember Me and Dreammaker were used in the documentary, Star Trek: Secrets of the Universe.
  • Soulseeker was used by 2012 Olympic Uneven Bars Champion, Aliya Mustafina, as her floor piece for the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. It was also used as music for a group dance during Season 8 of the popular show, Dance Moms.
  • Illusions was played in "The Masterpiece" concert with Uyanga being featured with her vocals.
  • Starvation was used as the opening theme for the 5th season and 6th season of Survivor Greece.
  • Immortal and Merchant prince are played in the show Le bal des oiseaux fantômes in the French theme park Le Puy du Fou.
  • Immortal is also played at the campaign events of the 2022 French Presidential Election candidate Eric Zemmour.

References
  1. "Illusions". trailermusic.info. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  2. Lebrun, Clothilde (18 February 2011). "Thomas Bergersen Releases 4 Preview Tracks From Illusions". Trailer Music News. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  3. Clavijo, Alejandro (14 September 2012). "Thomas Bergersen – Illusions". Reviews New Age (in Spanish). Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  4. "Jesper Krijgsman Grafik Design | Illusions CD". www.jesperkrijgsman.com.
  5. Finally the Audio CD of "Illusions" is available on CDBaby!. Thomas Bergersen. 14 March 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  6. "Illusions - Thomas Bergersen". Thomas Bergersen. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  7. Morone, Michael (18 September 2010). "Thomas Bergersen's 'Illusions' Promises to Wow". Trailer Music News. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  8. "Helping Japan with "Heart"". Trailer Music News. 18 March 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  9. "ExtremeMusic Facebook Update". Facebook. Retrieved 2013-01-26.
  10. "Illusions on ExtremeMusic.com". Extreme Music. Retrieved 2013-01-26.
  11. "Members". IFMCA: International Film Music Critics Association. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  12. "Illusions". MundoBSO. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  13. "Thomas Bergersen". billboard.com.
  14. Morone, Michael (20 August 2012). "Trailer Talk: Cloud Atlas". Trailer Music News. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  15. "Medal of Honor Warfighter - Singleplayer Launch Trailer". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  16. "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance - Kojima's Trailer". YouTube. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
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