A Promise of Eternity is the 30th album from Australian composer/musician Jim Ottaway and is a collection of twelve original electronic instrumentals composed and performed in a variety of styles that range from very peaceful and calming to more upbeat and lively. The music focuses on different aspects of this "fleeting" world and the world beyond - Eternity - and includes several sub-genres of electronic music that include a hint of Berlin school, melodic electronic and ambient styles, and some pure EM. In the twenty years since his debut release, First Light, Jim has won a very impressive list of international music awards and nominations for his recordings as well as his film music and music for television.

A Promise of Eternity begins with "Path Of Destiny," a piece that features repeating musical motifs on an interesting assortment of electronic instruments that include sounds like organ, electric guitar, and light choral voices. Although tinged with melancholy, the piece seems to be moving forward throughout. "Shadow Dreams" takes a darker, more mysterious turn and would be much more ambient except for the driving rhythm that keeps it moving ahead. There are two versions of "Light Dawns" on the album - the closing track and "Light Dawns (Reimagined)." Both versions are very slow and ambient with a gently haunting grace. "Horizons Beyond" suggests feelings of vast open space and possibilities we can't even imagine. "The Edge of Knowing" picks up the tempo considerably with a driving beat and lots of electric guitar "twang" as well as playful wordless vocals. I really like the contrasting dreamy, ambient instruments with the catchy bass and driving beat on "Days Without Yesterdays." "Dancing In Shadow and Light" is also a study in contrasts with a lively bass rhythm and more ethereal sounds over the top - I really like this one, too! "Once Forever" feels a little darker and more ominous although some of the electronic sounds in the middle are rather whimsical. Light and playful, "Whispers of the Soul" goes in a different direction yet remains within the spirit of the album. "This Fleeting World" also has a lively rhythm, but also seems to express a sense of frustration at the fast pace of contemporary life and its constant change (my interpretation!). The title track is the "official" closing track (before the bonus track of "Light Dawns") and is very peaceful while expressing warmth and light - the most calming track on the album and a favorite!

A Promise of Eternity is available from Jim Ottaway's website as well as Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and many streaming sites including Spotify. CDs are also available, so check Jim's site for where to buy those.