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]
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]
"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]
Remember Me and Dreammaker were used in the documentary, Star Trek: Secrets of the Universe.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed] It was also used as music for a group dance during Season 8 of the popular show, Dance Moms.[citation needed]
Illusions was played in "The Masterpiece" concert with Uyanga being featured with her vocals.[citation needed]
Remember Me was used in the Collateral Beauty trailer.[citation needed] It was also used in a 2015 video by My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic YouTuber Argodaemon titled 'Remebrance', which focused on Twilight Sparkle's struggle with being immortal and losing her friends; but is ultimately able to bring them back to life at the cost of her wings.
