Stone Tower

Released in 1991, Stone Tower is the fourth studio album by Delerium, the side project of Front Line Assembly members Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber. This record is a pivotal entry in their discography, marking the transition from the abrasive, experimental industrial sounds of 'Faces, Forms & Illusions' toward the 'ethereal' sound that would eventually lead to global hits like 'Silence.' However, Stone Tower remains firmly rooted in the dark ambient tradition. It heavily utilizes early sampling technology to incorporate ethnic instruments and religious chants, creating a 'global' sound that is far more ominous than the New Age music of the same era. Critically, it is often cited alongside works by Lustmord or Dead Can Dance as a foundational text for the dark ambient genre, praised for its ability to evoke specific physical locations through sound design. It remains a fan favorite for those who prefer the duo's more experimental and less commercial output.