Thrill Element features deep ethereal soundscapes. With elements of rhythmic layering, the songs are awash in complex Ambient/New Age textures. With foundations of percussives and bass on some cuts, the overall presence is of an ambient and spatial environment. Launched in January 2000, Thrill Element is a side project of Smooth/Fusion Jazz artist Michael Lee Thomas. With this project, more emphasis is put on Ambient/New Age composition. Some pieces are atmospheric while others lean toward a light Jazz Fusion. A different side of Michael Lee, highly reflective of his earlier New Age releases.
As a side project of Jazz / New Age artist Michael Lee Thomas, Thrill Element was developed to feature material composed with a more Ambient/New Age style. The cuts are recorded in the same studio as Michael's other LP's, but reveal a more ethereal feel. The project was conceived in 1999, and the debut LP, 'Navadeen Protocol', released in 2000, with 'Surreal Dream', the Second album launched in 2001. Between 2002 and 2010, Nine more Thrill Element albums were released. A Four volume, "Best of", Thrill Element Album set titled 'Time Of SoundDreams' Books I, II, III & IV, was Released between July 2013 and October 2014, featuring select Thrill Element songs previously released between 2000 - 2014. The Twelfth Thrill Element Album, 'Escape of Angels', was released in 2013, followed by 'Oceans On Mars', and 'The Still Remains', both released in 2014. Summer 2017, saw the debut of 'Time of SoundDreams - Books V & VI, and a Special Edition compilation LP, 'Ending Blue', featuring 14 re-mastered cuts. The Fifteenth album, 'Deep Into The Next', was released in November 2018, and the Sixteenth, 'Surface Illusion', will debut in Fall 2024. Although initially a side effort, Thrill Element has become and been recognized Worldwide as a viable and successful musical endeavor.
Brian Eno and Pink Floyd were major influences along with Tangerine Dream.
Thrill Element - Discography: 'Navadeen Protocol'(2000); 'Surreal Dream' (2001); 'Chasing Light' (2002); 'Time Climate' (2003); 'Last Silent Glide' (2004); 'Absolute Calm' (2005); 'Living Shadows' (2006); 'Thoughts Through Water' (2007); 'Contrast In Darkness' (2008); 'Fountain Of Skies'( 2009); 'Echo Breathing' (2010); 'Time of SoundDreams'- Book I (2013); 'Time of SoundDreams' - Book II (2013); 'Escape of Angels' (2013); 'Oceans On Mars' (2014); 'Time of SoundDreams' - Book III (2014); 'Time of SoundDreams' - Book IV (2014); 'The Still Remains' (2014); 'Time of SoundDreams'- Book V (2017); 'Time of SoundDreams'- Book VI (2017); 'Ending Blue' (2017); 'Deep Into The Next' (2018); 'Surface Illusion' (2024)