A ghostly visage on a cosmic scale, these remains of shocked, glowing gas haunt planet Earth's sky toward the constellation of Cygnus and form the Veil Nebula. The nebula itself is a large supernova remnant, an expanding cloud born of the death explosion of a massive star. Light from the original supernova explosion likely reached Earth over 5,000 years ago. Also known as the Cygnus Loop, the Veil Nebula now spans nearly 3 degrees or about six times the diameter of the full Moon. That translates to over 70 light-years at its estimated distance of 1,500 light-years. In fact, the Veil is so large its brighter parts are recognized as separate nebulae, including The Witch's Broom (NGC 6960) pictured left of center. At the top right you can find the Spectre of IC 1340.

In loving memory of Ana-Maria Avram (1961-2017). "Our GRM session with Iancu Dumitrescu 'Crepescule' and Ana-Maria Avram 'Metalstorm'. Primarily just the guitar parts (with some conversations and electronics in the background!) recorded at GRM December 2012. This session was kind of a tryout for these pieces ... which I wanted to record properly (as they never record their music in a studio that way). We used Neuman mics etc. A working session of the guitar mics with Iancu and Ana's computer music blasting on the studio Genelecs and bleeding through the mics, as well as conversation between the three of us and their verbal conduction. I find that the character of this recording and the performance is very interesting, and acts nearly as an x-ray into the personal experience I have had performing with Hyperion Ensemble and working with Dumitrescu and Avram, from the other side of the instrument... yes it's music but material which is close to the feeling of unhinged dynamic of phenomena that both composers embody in their individual and idiosyncratic ways, which were at the same time synchronized and other volcanic and nebulous ways which opened up like an oyster. In loving memorial to Ana-Maria." --Stephen O'Malley, Berlin May 2020

Personnel: Stephen O'Malley - electric guitar; AMA & ID - Computer. Rehearsals and conversations recorded at the GRM Paris December 2012 by François Bonnet. Mastered at Schwebung May 2020 by Stephan Mathieu.