The music consists mostly of subtle electronic textures, tribal percussion and occasional soprano saxophone by Kevin Braheny.

The title of the album is named after a book by American author Edward Abbey. The album is dedicated to Edward Abbey who died in 1989.

Track listing

1. ”Flatlands” (Roach) (4:49)
2. ”Labyrinth” (Sterns) (6:56)
3. ”Specter” (Roach) (9:34)
4. ”The Canyon’s Embrace” (Roach, Stearns) (3:35)
5. ”Cloud of Promise” (Roach, Stearns) (6:38)
6. ”Knowledge & Dust” (Braheny) (3:23)
7. ”Shiprock” (Stearns) (4:00)
8. ”Highnoon” (Roach, Stearns) (10:30)
9. ”Empty Time” (Braheny) (5:51)
10. ”From the Heart of Darkness” (Stearns) (3:50)
11. ”Desert Solitaire” (Roach, Braheny) (6:06)

Personnel

• Steve Roach (Oberheim OB8, DMX, Matrix 12, Xpander, Emax, Arp 2600, Korg M-1, Kawi K-5, ocarina, Taos Drum)
• Kevin Braheny (The Mighty Serge, Prophet VS, Prophet 2002, soprano saxophone, tin whistle, Diamondback rattlesnake)
• Michael Stearns (Roland S-50, D-50, Yamaha TX-7, Oberheim OB8, Serge Modular synthesizer, 12-string guitar)
• Chuck Oken, Jr. (shakers on “Flatlands”)
• Robert Rich (dumbek and gourd drums on “Specter”)
• Goergianne Cowan (voice on “Specter”)
• Miguel Rivera (effects and ghost percussion on “Labyrinth” and “From the Heart of Darkness”)
• Leonice Shinneman (percussion, pakhawaj, manjerra, African berimbau, melodic rattle, claves on “Empty Time”)
• Hyman Katz (flute on “From the Heart of Darkness”)

See also

• Steve Roach
• Kevin Braheny
• Michael Stearns
• Robert Rich
• Ambient music
• Electronic music
• Edward Abbey
• Desert Solitaire
• Southwestern United States