I have followed Mark C.Petersen’s works since his self-titled CD ‘Geodesium’ from 1977 to this day, and I have to say that this one stands out from the rest, in a very unique and pleasant way. I love space-music, and this disc, partly, fails to deliver just that. However, it is not Mark’s intention to create another follow-up to ‘Gentle Rain of Starlight’, at least not from what we hear on this CD. Instead we get to hear some really intricate and evocative “thrillride” music. Some tracks being quite spacious, that goes along very well along with a Dome Show. The best thing about this CD is the great variety of themes and melodies, something this CD has tons of, and does it sound good? Oh yes!. There’s everything ranging from plain and “simple” electronic fusion to some outstanding ethereal and subtle use of ‘space guitars’ that does it’s job very well throughout tracks such as ‘Lobates Scarp’ and ‘Titanical Gas’. Those tracks alone makes it worth buying this CD!. While listening, I can easily imagine myself sitting inside a darkened dome (planetarium if you like), getting ready for the ride of my life as the music progress through with it’s very infectious rockin’ edge to it. Other notable tracks are ‘European Ice’ and ‘Ring Surfer’, both being well structured and versatile, both rhythmmic wise and ‘guitar’ wise. The album itself can be listened to “as is”, but I really think it would make perfect inside a darkened planetarium, but not during a cosmic space documentary, but during a thrillride in space, in which this album is intended for!. So who will like this CD? Well, basicly, from my point of view, anybody looking for something old and something new. Mark’s distinctive sound palette can be heard on many tracks, most notably on ‘Depth Perceptions’, which is a ‘cover’ from one of his earlier albums. Also, if you’re a long-time fan of Mark’s earlier albums and want something completely new and different for your ears, then this is for you!. Most certainly a highly recommended album for all space enthusiasts out there! Get it!

Iv’e been listening to all of the Geodesium cd’s (and own them aswell), and this one stands out from the rest. There is a fresh new sound to this new installment, though it sounds very much like “Fourth Universe” except that this CD has more depth & emotions to it like never heard before. Listen to “Celestial Solitude” & “Silver Lagoon” and you know what I mean. I would highly recommend this CD to just about anyone who likes to add floating space music to their Planetarium show at home or at the theatres.

If you like Jonn Serrie’s music then you can’t go wrong with this release. It has everything, it’s fresh, a new classic, has more depth than the other Geodesium CD’s and most important I guess, it sounds very personal but I really can’t put my fingers on why, perhaps this is just me. Anyway, excellent work as usual Marc C.Petersen! Now Buy it!

West of the Galaxy is as vital and richly enjoyable a recording of space music as ever. Mark Petersen (aka Geodesium) makes music that wears very well and this CD shows that fact to good effect.

The CD opens with “The Grand Tour” and its slowly pulsing bass notes and shimmering synths. This is followed by a hyper-space cruiser, “Zephyr,” with whooshing effects, wonderfully done plucked-harp synths, and ferocious drum pads. These two cuts exemplify the duality of “West of the Galaxy”, i.e., the presence of deep space drifts and high velocity cruisers.

Not many musicians that I know of are as comfortable with both styles as Mark is. Jonn Serrie comes to mind, but Mark does not use the same long synth washes, instead concentrating more on notes and chords. Interestingly, Mark and Jonn are two of the premier composers of music for planetariums. That should certainly tell you something about the mood Mark’s music conveys. You’ll hear this in “The Ocean of Space” with its gently rotating melodies, “Sky Flight” with percolating rhythms and breezy synth flute, or the sixteen-minute title cut, a wonderful visit to deep space with slow bass rhythms, languid synth bass flutes, and shimmering synth effects.

Despite this recording’s release date of 1987, I don’t know if you will find much better space music being recorded today. “West of the Galaxy” is not dark or mysterious, but warm and friendly. For lovers of more melodic (but not neo-romantic) and cheerful space music, I recommend it highly, and if you want more of the same dose then this is only the beginning of a journey through space!