Stomu Yamash'ta - Mandala (part) Apr 2026

"Mandala" is a pivotal composition by Japanese percussionist and composer , primarily recognized for its inclusion on the soundtrack of the 1976 film The Man Who Fell to Earth starring David Bowie. Originally released on the 1973 album The Man from the East by Stomu Yamash'ta's Red Buddha Theatre , the track serves as a sonic bridge between avant-garde classical percussion, progressive rock, and Eastern spiritualism. 1. Context and Origin

The track’s "churning Krautish mantra" quality led director Nicolas Roeg to feature it prominently in The Man Who Fell to Earth , where it underscores the alien and transcendental themes of the narrative. 2. Musical Structure and Style Stomu Yamash'ta - Mandala (Part)

Yamash'ta's work on "Mandala" helped establish him as a "Man from the East" in Western circles, a title he used to present a unique fusion of Japanese folk and Western progressive rock. "Mandala" is a pivotal composition by Japanese percussionist

It exemplifies a "kaleidoscopic musical cosmos," merging Miles Davis-style electric fusion with primitive, proto-techno beats. Context and Origin The track’s "churning Krautish mantra"

Along with other key tracks like "Memory of Hiroshima" and "Wind Words," "Mandala" remains a cult favorite among fans of 1970s prog-rock and experimental jazz.

The Man from the East (1973), released on Island Records .

The title "Mandala" refers to the Buddhist symbol of the universe. True to this, the music appeals to archaic sensibilities of silence and duration , reminiscent of Shintoist court music or Buddhist ritual. 3. Critical and Artistic Impact