Anhidema (Musical Project)

Anhidema is a musical project created by Armenian composer Abraham Mkrtchyan, also known by the artistic name Michael Vermey. Born on October 8, 1994, in Gyumri, Armenia, Mkrtchyan developed Anhidema as a vehicle for introspective, cosmic, and culturally expansive musical storytelling rooted in spiritual symbolism and inner transformation.

With formal classical piano training beginning at the age of four, and a formative spiritual background influenced by his grandfather—an astrophysicist with alchemical interests—Anhidema emerged as a synthesis of discipline, metaphysical inquiry, and sonic imagination.

Artistic Vision and Philosophy

Anhidema’s work approaches music as a form of spiritual cartography. Rather than functioning as standalone songs, his compositions unfold as extended sound environments designed to guide the listener through symbolic, mythological, and inner landscapes.

Each release is conceived as a conceptual architecture, where sound operates as narrative, ritual, and meditative space simultaneously. Silence, harmonic suspension, repetition, and gradual transformation are treated as compositional tools with equal importance to melody and rhythm.

This approach places Anhidema within a lineage of transcendent creators who use sound as a medium for awakening, remembrance, and introspection rather than entertainment.

Musical Language and Style

Anhidema’s musical language traverses the boundaries between:

• Ambient and cinematic soundscapes

• Downtempo electronic frameworks

• Sacred and ancient musical motifs

• Multicultural rhythmic and harmonic traditions

His compositions frequently incorporate epic vocal layering, ethereal harmonic structures, and ancient-style vocalizations. Multilingual chants and instrumental motifs draw from diverse spiritual traditions, including Indian ragas, Middle Eastern scales, Balkan choral textures, and Native American rhythmic elements.

These components are not decorative, but serve as narrative vessels within broader metaphysical journeys articulated through sound.

Conceptual and Spiritual Themes

Recurring themes in Anhidema’s work include:

• Inner transformation and spiritual initiation

• Mythological archetypes and forgotten civilizations

• Cosmic consciousness and universal memory

• Descent into shadow and return to illumination

Albums are often structured as symbolic journeys—initiations that move through darkness, revelation, and integration. Listening is positioned as an active, inward experience rather than passive consumption.

Relationship to Enigma and Shinnobu

The influence of Enigma, particularly its fusion of electronic, Gregorian, and tribal elements, is acknowledged as formative in Anhidema’s early philosophical orientation. However, Anhidema developed a distinct sonic identity that leans more deeply into cinematic meditation and conceptual continuity.

Within the contemporary spiritual ambient landscape, Anhidema shares philosophical ground with projects such as SHINNOBU While stylistically distinct, both operate through ritual sound, symbolic storytelling, and global musical vocabulary. Their connection is one of parallel intention rather than direct influence, reflecting a shared approach to sound as consciousness practice.

Notable Works

Conversation With the Cosmos (2014)
A concept album released under the name Michael Vermey, representing the culmination of seven years of composition. Structured as a narrative in chapters, the album follows a metaphysical journey through cosmic realms. Recorded across multiple cultural contexts—including India, Bulgaria, Italy, Africa, the United States, and among the Lakota people—the work blends piano, electronic textures, layered harmonies, and ritual percussion into a universal sonic language.

Le Retour du Anunnaki (2016 / 2018)
A large-scale conceptual work framed as a metaphysical return after 3,600 years. Inspired by ancient civilizations and esoteric symbolism, the album explores belief systems, divine archetypes, and sacred history through ambient and electronic composition. The visual artwork references goddesses such as Inanna and Venus, emphasizing continuity of sacred knowledge.

The Lamb’s Book of Life (2018)
The third conceptual release in Anhidema’s Underworld series. Structured as a symbolic descent and ascent, the album presents a psychological and spiritual journey from shadow toward illumination. The recurring image of the lamb functions as an emblem of purity, sacrifice, and revelation within a 21-track ceremonial architecture.

Complete Discography

Legacy and Presence

Anhidema has established a distinct presence within spiritual ambient and cinematic music through conceptual depth, symbolic coherence, and emotional immersion. His work is frequently approached as a meditative or transformative practice rather than conventional listening.

Through sustained commitment to mythic storytelling and spiritual resonance, Anhidema occupies a unique space where music functions as memory, ritual, and inner exploration.

See Also

• Achillea

• Shinnobu

• Enigma

• Michael Cretu

References

• Anhidema on Bandcamp

• Streaming Apple Music