Review by Denis on March 9, 2003.

A splendid debut release created by Heidi S. Tveitan (Ihriel) from one of today's great Avant-garde act, Peccatum. I really freaked out on "Amor Fati" and let me tell you, "Iter.Viator." was up to my expectations. Heidi composed, wrote and arranged all these wonders besides doing the lead singing all along this poetic adventure. The keys and programming were also graced by her touch. Husband Vegard handles the guitar and bass sections plus do a couple of appearances on vocals. The drums are supplied by Knut Aalefjaer.

Heidi used Star of Ash as a mode of transportation for her imaginary visions of beautiful soundscapes and lyrical poetry. Our ears are finally granted the pleasure of hearing her voice upfront, loud and clear. The Avant-garde style of Peccatum sees one of its creators unveiling a more ambient and dreamy side and the charming voice of Heidi is painting in subtle colors and secrets of the poetry emerging from deep inside her soul. From the instrumental spaced out intro to the epic 'In the Throws of Guilt' passing by a wave of strangely gorgeous and well-arranged compositions in between, magical and mysterious moments are opening up for you. Whether it be by use of symphonic keyboard works, piano, cool guitar reverbs, great vocals, strong percussion and bass parts or crafty alternant moods ranging from romantic to spacey, ambient to something completely weird and even as far as being heavy at times...

Bottom Line: I wish this would be a double or triple album!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Originality: 9
Production: 9
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.9 out of 10