While marketed as part of an album titled Chants and Dances of the Native Americans , the track has faced significant criticism regarding its authenticity and cultural appropriation :
The primary vocals are actually a yoik (a traditional form of song) from the Sámi people of Northern Europe, specifically the song "Normo Jovnna" by Terje Tretnes. Ly O Lay Ale Loya Circle Dance ~ Native Song
It creates a meditative, cinematic soundscape often compared to the work of Enigma . While marketed as part of an album titled
The title refers to a "counterclockwise motion," which is culturally significant in many indigenous circle dances as a way to step out of the mundane world order. The Controversy: Origin of the Vocals Ly O Lay Ale Loya Circle Dance ~ Native Song
The recording was reportedly taken from a 1994 interview without the artist's or the Sámi organization's permission.