The Stargate was the first of a four-album contract Mortiis signed with Earache. The music is rich in layered synth compositions that are as dramatic as they are morose. Mortiis is a keyboard ghoul adept at crafting a dungeon-drone. These soundscapes immediately bring to mind the sylvan, fantasy landscape of tall, spindly, dead trees obscuring a hidden, crumbling castle. One can imagine just such a vision in Mortiis' native Norway. From the "darkest depths of Mordor" Mortiis summons and masters the sighing spirits (present as the voices of disembodied, female plainchanters) of ambient doom. ~ Tom Schulte, All Music Guide
The Stargate is an album by Norwegian solo artist Mortiis that was scheduled for release with the book Secrets of My Kingdom, alongside a limited gold press version of the CD, which was for unknown reasons later released in 2001, prior to The Smell of Rain. The LP was a 3-sided gatefold with a 12" fold-out lyric sheet. The fourth side was etched. Initially there was to be a large poster, however this was dropped by the record label. There was going to be a reprint of this CD, but it never happened.
Track listing
"Child of Curiosity & the Old Man of Knowledge" - 5:33 (Mortiis)
"I am the World" - 6:18 (Mortiis)
"World Essence" - 5:58 (Trane)
"Across the World of Wonders" - 6:42 (Mortiis)
"(Passing by) an Old and Raped Village" - 5:09 (Trane)
"Towards the Gate of Stars" - 7:45 (Mortiis)
"Spirit of Conquest/the Warfare" - 9:16 (Mortiis)
"Army of Conquest/the Warfare (Ever Onwards)" - 13:04 (Trane)
Reissue
Earache Records reissued the CD as part of a 3 CD set, along with Fodt til a Herske and Crypt of the Wizard. Remastered by Mortiis and repackaged in a deluxe embossed slipcase. It came included with liner notes by Tommy Udo.
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![Stargate [1999]](http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/amg/pop_albums/cov200/dre200/e220/e220740eu19.jpg)
