by Jim BrenholtsMichael Stearns has recorded a lot of music for soundtracks over the years. He also created a mini-CD for Amplexus. The Storm is a collection from those works, gathered into one package and formatted nicely. These pieces feature some of Stearns' darker and more exotic soundscapes and atmospheres. And, despite being from different media, Stearns has sequenced the tracks to achieve thematic integrity. The opening track, "The Storm," is from The Doe in the Headlights, a Mountainair Films release directed by Alton Walpole. The track features the quintessential recording of a thunderstorm. That sample has graced many of Stearns' recordings, including at least one of his collaborations with Steve Roach. Roach has used it, with permission, as well. This ambient classic is an absolute essential CD for e-music collectors. From minimalism to ethnic electro tribal soundscapes, this disc has it all.