Skar De Line - Personal Martyr
Skar de Line takes us down a dark path, one filled with purpose and pain with 'Personal Martyr'! The London-based, Swedish artist and producer, Skar de Line, crafts a bleak, spine-chilling track built upon immersive, orchestral electronic elements and his low, Marilyn Manson-esuqe vocals. The track opens ruthlessly, grips you tight in its industrial vice, hitting you with pulsating rhythms and otherworldly sounds and effects. Without a moment's waste, Skar's low, melancholic vocals take over, waxing poetic, personal, and deeply intense prose. The words serve as a bare-it-all confessional from Skar, exposing his deepest, darkest parts. It's jarring and brutal, yet brilliant in its framing and delivery. The theme of being a martyr, a slave, a prisoner to your life, rings deeply relatable for anyone who lives life on the edge. His scathing delivery fills you with dread, excitement, numbness, and euphoria in varying measures. As the track unfolds relentlessly, wailing synths pair with the dark, industrial arrangements and Skar's vocals. There are some truly terrifying, awe-inspiring moments interspaced that evoke emotions deep, dark, and true. This is the kind of soul-shaking track we could see being the score to an intense thriller action/adventure thriller like Dune. Its dystopian, postmodern arrangements and bleak, industrial outlook would make for the perfect accompaniment to a movie built around personal drive, determination, and, eventually, surrender to what is. 'Personal Martyr' is definitely one of the most intense, catharsis-inducing tracks we've heard this year, and in our minds, it firmly establishes Skar as a powerful, eclectic force to be reckoned with. Listen to this and experience the darkness it brings out in you.
Cries of Redemption - The Return - Raw
Strap for a blistering Nu-Metal track from Cries of Redemption, 'The Return - Raw'! Led by Savannah, GA-based indie artist Ed Silva, Cries of Redemption is an exciting, experimental Modern Rock/Nu Metal project that you've got to immerse yourself into! With influences ranging from legendary axe wielders such as David Gilmour, John Frusciante, Morgan Rose and Victor de la Pena to elements of Trap, Deep House and Classical, Cries of Redemption stands tall on the shoulders of its eclectic, determined founder, talented session artists he teams with and his hybrid approach to songwriting and production. Now, lets dive into his latest scintillating release, 'The Return - Raw', taken from the EP 'Patterns'. The track opens onto ominous, emotive strings that slow burn into a thunderous metal riff section. The tone is dark, sinister, amplified by some stunning electric guitar work. Like something straight out of a Children of Bodom album. Strong, commanding female vocals enter, beautifully restrained yet simmering with a quiet rage. The lyrics paint a blood-soaked, compelling tale of two individuals locked into a all-consuming, destructive relationship. The female vocals are sung by Denisse Ferrara, who absolutely takes this track to another level with her soul-chilling delivery. Silva's vocals are enhanced to deliver just as gripping metal screams and roars that make you quiver. 'The Return - Raw' features raw, razor-sharp production and design. Siva's use of various modern audio enhancement software adds a cutting edge, while he also writes 100% of the lyrics, melodies, and guitar riffs. This is truly a benchmark for an artist to harness limitless tech while preserving the very human aspect of his creation. It's the kind of score we could see fitting right into a modern love/horror story like 'Obsession'. It's spot-on in illuminating the canyon-like distance that forms between souls as their bond disintegrates and burns down to ashes. We're captivated by what we've headbanged to with this intelligent, emotionally resonant and downright earth-shatteringly powerful track. Keep an eye out for an absolutely ripper of a breakdown just past the 3 min mark. You have been warned. Also, rock out to the rest of Cries of Redemption's thrilling new album, "Patterns" next!
Until They Burn Me - Dead Water and the Seeds of Despair
Dark country duo Until They Burn Me takes us on a terrifying, exhilarating, multi-dimensional sonic journey with 'Dead Water and the Seeds of Despair'! Prepare to dive into an unpredictable, yet deeply immersive groove. Built upon an array of distorted recordings, vocal effects and some truly sublime string and percussion arrangements. The duo of Cody Carlyle and Travis Jordan credit their musical influences to an eclectic mix of Americana, old-timey, murder ballads, garage rock, dark country, punk, punkgrass and folk. That couldn't be more spot on. This track is nothing short of a thrill ride, from start to finish. We could so envision this being the score to an action/horror western flick like 'Django Unchained'. The word to describe the brilliance of this track is precisely that: Unchained. Until They Burn Me are defiant in their focus on crafting soundscapes that transport listeners to realms unknown. In this particular instance, 'Dead Water and the Seeds of Despair' transports you to a dark, desolate desert landscape. But far from being just cinematic, this is a masterpiece in creating depth and emotion. The use of altered recordings and snake hisses creates a heavy, sinister vibe that is equally thrilling. Dare we say, this track skirts the edges of known soundscapes and plunges you into a primal, ancient, ritualistic experience. It feels the birthing of something ancient, but in a futuristic space. We absolutely love what we're hearing from these eclectic artist Until They Burn Me and look forward to hearing more of their hypnotic compositions.
Boabie - The Tron Symphony Finale
The Tron Symphony finale is proof that art has the capacity to surpass time itself and Boabie breaks the law of physics as he packs the past, present and future in this track
Massimo Donelli-Paolo Rossi - Famoyo
- Italiano
Immerse yourself in a progressive, futuristic fusion album from the eclectic musical duo Massimo Donelli & Paolo Rossi, 'Famoyo'! With a collection of 11 high-octane compositions, amplified using AI music technology, 'Famoyo' represents the evolution of music in a grand way. When veteran musicians like Massimo and Paolo, channel their musical creativity, skill, and vision through the limitless potential of music production technology, the result is an album such as this, impossible to pin down to any one genre! The album opens with 'Guarda dentro', a scintillating ballad built upon pulsating electronic textures, stirring, cinematic instrumentals, and an explosive chorus. The title translates to 'Keep inside'. Sung entirely in Italian, and with immense passion and emotion, this evokes a smooth AF vibe, like the soundtrack to a spy thriller, like James Bond or Jason Bourne. Its a fantastically exciting, energetic opening track that shows you what this duo is capable of. Hold on to your hats! The next three tracks, titled 'Il Fachiro' or 'The Fakir', in different stages, show us the grand storytelling side. The first of the three, 'Gestation and birth' gives you the euphoria of a new beginning, tempered with scintillating tribal percussion and evocative vocals. It's the kind of track you can imagine being the score for a fiery, contemporary dance performance. 'Potere del corpo' or 'power of the body' takes that euphoric feeling to a whole other level. Its rapid in its tempo, built upon fiery, passionate beats, cinematic harmonies, and evocative vocals. It has an irresistible effect on the mind and body. One of exuberance, radiant energy, and rise! Definitely one of our favorite tracks on this album. That seems to be a common theme in 'Famoyo'—Larger-than-life soundscapes, infused with global sounds and vocals that burn with spirit and passion. 'L'essenza' delves into choral group vocals and electrifying guitar and key arrangements. Over its close to 7 min runtime, the track takes you through a radiant, colourful soundscape, laden with elevated emotion. It's also nicely balanced with a range of vocals, which gives it a more universal, inclusive feel. Even if you don't understand the words, there's something inherently magnetic and magical about this composition. Aptly titled, it captures the effervescent essence of life itself! The next 6 tracks are also split into two groups around spiritual figures: 'Il Monaco (The Monk)' and Lo Yogi. The overarching theme of 'Famoyo' seems to inspire internal change through the Fakir, Monk, and Yogi. It oscillates around self-realization and awakening to one's true nature. To rise above heavy, negative emotions and connect to higher emotions of love. To contastly challenges one's conceptions and opinions and stay open-minded to the ephemeral nature of our very existence. Signing off with an upbeat jazzy track, 'L'uomo astuto - Balance and completeness', Massimo and Paolo delight with their sublime blend of jazz, electro- pop, funk and upbeat vocal adornments. You can't help but admire the colorful spontaneity in their performance style. They firmly stray from any conventional song structure and form and instead craft an engaging, varied melodic listening experience that awakens the mind, body, and spirit! We've had a fantastic time listening to and grooving to Massimo Donelli-Paolo Rossi's latest album, 'Famoyo'! Add it to your world music playlists and choose it for when you want to experience a radiant, colorful album with deeper, spiritual significance!
Razed by Rebels - Broken Paradigm
Tune into Razed by Rebels's sharp, industrial rock album, 'The Broken Paradigm'! The Texas-based rock group, headed by Jason Winfield, leans into dark, dystopian alt-rock that is evocative and downright chilling. The album's tonality and feel lies somewhere between Nine Inch Nails, Muse, and SOAD. Grand, cinematic rock ballads that hit hard and true. While Jason is the driving force behind Razed by Rebels, it's his connection and collaboration with various artists and engineers on the creation of 'Broken Paradigm' that makes it such a compelling, varied listen. Although the overall album stays true to Jason's razor-sharp, industrial hard rock energy, each one hits differently because of the collaborative approach chosen here. We open with 'Until It's Over', an immersive dystopian commentary that sounds like it should be the score to a TRON movie. Loaded with rebellious lyricism, heavy hypnotizing dub-rock melodies, melancholic harmonies, and a general disposition for revolution. Hope Irish's supporting vocals make it feel like an urgent conversation to be had. A stirring reminder to not give into the overarching evil that seeks to doom us all. Reminds us of Muse of 'Uprising', its a track that gets you amped and hyper-aware. Next, we have a reimagination of one of our favorite Marilyn Manson tracks, 'The Nobodies'. Razed by Rebels do such a great job with this reimagination. Honoring the original's slow-burning, emotional build up with a melancholic piano melody. Alva Slim's yearning vocals singing 'We are the nobodies', evoking sharp nostalgic feelings while keeping true to the original's gripping emotional core. 'Beware the Hunters' highlights Razed by Rebels' experimental, modern rock approach. It's a track that exudes a metallic, original personality, conveying a range of emotions through its cinematic, jagged alt-rock arrangements. 'Shattered Eyes' slows down a bit into more evocative, rhythmic, and melodious territory. A somber, almost emo-reaching track that screams rebellion. Strong lyricism, clearly written to hit a nerve, to evoke emotions of anger and uprising. The layered, tuned-up vocals disturb and rock you in the right measures. Halfway into the album now, 'A Way Through' suspends you in a weightless state. Its a beautifully composed track, gentle, evocative, and minimal. Perfecting the balance of everything that came before it. Speaks volumes to the Rebels's approcah to guiding listeners through the album with varied tonality and styles. 'Hiding Within' has us amped back up again. Zooming effects immediately raise your heartbeat, leading you into an excellent industrial rock arrangement. Very Rammstein-esque. Urgent, Hard-Hitting, and Irresistible. Headbang away! 'Together We've Lost' feels like you're approaching the end now. Cinematic, evoking a sense of unease with its slow-burning riffs, and excellent echoing vocals from Alexandra. Its a track that makes you reflect on all of humanity's horrors and ponder how we managed to fall so low. The final track, 'Heaven's Gate' feels like a full-circle kind of moment. Again, it builds theatrically, as if to let you know that we're in the endgame now. The urgent, despairing vocals make you really feel that this is the last stand. The final, heavy, industrial rock arrangements keep you hanging on the razor's edge till the very last notes. 'Broken Paradigm' is an impressive work of tracks, each storied and diverse, but together they convey a compelling, albeit unsettling, emotion. Razed by Rebels delivers a stirring collection that ignites a fire within, no doubt. This is an album that would a excellent score to a sci-fi, dystopian movie like 'V for Vendetta'
OpCritical - Not Alone
OpCritical doesn’t just make songs; they bring to the surface thoughts and ideologies that will haunt you, especially in their latest release, Not Alone.
Crux-Save Me
There is a melange of sounds that collide to make Crux who they are. This is a band formed with varied influences, and it creates for a surprising journey that is tantalising and creative. Their latest single expresses all those emotives, and phrases of inspirations that have created this dramatic poetry you’ll hear. This is their single, Save Me. With phasing synths, we enter this unfamiliar realm that Crux creates. The intro is like a slow burn mystery, almost like a search for some truth. As we foray into this uncharted territory, the intro allows us to meditate before they take a Steven Wilson turn. The keys and the harmonised vocals are like an isolated choir, almost ominous. The vocals take the high pitched falsettos of Matt Bellamy, yet have the pained honesty of Max’s voice. This is absolution that will lead to redemption, and those are the routes the song will take. The synths supporting the vocals have the melancholy of strings, yet resonate with a much stronger sound. The preface being a long, convoluted intro helps in meditating over what the song aims to narrate. The visuals drawn up will be much more stark, films like Sean Penn’s Mystic River and Demolition, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It is a bleak break, a crack of light needed to change over from the sordid ways of this protagonist. Max’s voice and the band creating this mystery laced rhythm does justice to this song. So go ahead, and try to imagine what visuals this song created for you! If you want to get more of Crux, listen to their singles like Living in Dystopia & Radgie Gadgie, some of their best work. This is a perfect prose from Crux, so enjoy!
Agent Envy-No Friend
Agent Envy has the keys and means to the post-grunge rock universe. Starting off with incredible covers of her favourite songs, she has progressed to create some rattling, rocking originals. Today we look at No Friend, her snippet of the alt-rock creation that is organic yet obliterates any sense of doubt that this is a rock star in the making. Opening with an intriguing, mystery formulating bassline, her vocals come in soft, but wary. It is worth the warning she is issuing, creating a foreboding environment. This is where she capitalizes on her dynamic voice range, shifting from soft to aggressive with just a change in pitch or the modulation. As the overdrive guitars explode, you can hear the Deftones influence clear as day, the vocals taking the route of Chino’s alleyways and styles. As Agent Envy recedes into the verse, the second push is stronger, and brings more of the harmonics and layers. It is a perfect embodiment of who she identifies as a musician, forging a weapon so uniquely marked with her fingerprints-it is evident. The bridge brings the kind of build a chorus like this deserves, intensifying the emotion and range. Any classic revenge film comes to mind with this song, especially the scenes in John Wick and the Bourne series, where friend turns to enemy. Agent Envy banks on her speciality of the vocal ballet she can perform with her tantalizing and powerful voice, resonating with the lyrics she writes. Listen to her covers of Deftones and Nirvana, along with her soul shaking originals.
Proklaim-Priceless
A lyrical mastermind and a seashell in the sand. Proklaim has the story to tell you near the shore, and you’re going to listen. It isn’t the fact that he can balance a groove so well, but also to do with his connection to what he writes. His sound is truly his, and he is on an upward trajectory with wings bent to fly. This is his latest single, Priceless. Within the repetition of the opening of this song, you find the soul that guides you. What is priceless is Proklaim and his ability to traverse through a rap. Hitting hard truths and choosing the spoils in words, this is a jester in the moonlight. The soft, warm bass that echoes in the background makes for his canvas. As the sound is felt, so are the lines and verses, and you’ll have to hear them twice. This song is best enjoyed as an effect first, and as the narrative the second time around. The heat is in the moment, and he holds it for long-like coal embers. There’s a reason Proklaim is on so many Spotify playlists, every true music fan sees a spark that they want to be responsible for honing. From Creed to Just Mercy, you can hear this song be the spine for truth. The embarkation of the lyrical genius in his prime is worth witnessing, and can be seen in the protagonist. In many ways, this artist holds the same power as the film’s lead, kicking the doors open with your own weight. There is a legacy to follow, and some will be following his.
Mad Painter-Rock and Roll Samurai
Mad Painter has the pageantry and aplomb of a star group. Like Meatloaf, you can hear their songs to be visual and audio epics. Their sense of composition and arrangement is unparalleled for an indie project like this. Energy shifts from place to place in their songs, it is never lost. This is their latest single, Rock and Roll Samurai. I don’t know what visual might come to you when you hear that term. Welding a Gibson axe and an all leather karate gi, you can expect mayhem from this warrior. With a Deep Purple like intro, the synth immediately goes on the pedestal. Quick paced, energetic and full of drive, this song is only to be played on 5th gear. The organ support with the distorted guitar gives an Ian Gillian kind of edge to Mad Painter. You can expect nothing to take a backseat in this song. Right from the get-go, you’re treated to a 220V charged band like appeal, the zeal is electric. The chorus is unique and kick-ass, a balance very often lost due to trying too hard. Mad Painter’s way is to create an intensely catchy hook that you’d want to hum and sing when you feel like it. From Rock the Kasbah & School of Rock, this song bleeds rock and roll. It is an instant zap back to the late 70s, where this used to be airplay regularly. The attack and energy would make for some engaging scenes where rock-ery is in full form. Listen to Mad Painter’s self-titled debut and Illusion for some eye-opening rock revival. Devil Horns up and indulge!