AEONIAN SORROW - From The Shadows

Written By Chris Magdalenski

The Sorrow, Endless and Black: A review of “From The Shadows” by Aeonian Sorrow

Haunted vocals wrapped within echos of a spectral choir open the proceedings. The song titled “Harbinger of Ruin” is true to its name — eight minutes and forty-five seconds of epic brutality mixed with interludes of dark ethereal beauty. Contributing to the former are Joel Notkonen’s razor-wire growls, their subhuman rage providing a stark contrast to the despondent beauty of Gogo Melone’s pleading siren calls. 

The music is deep and all encompassing. Each piece on the four song EP draws you into a world of chilling emotional darkness which the band says was “inspired from cold nights in the forest, isolation, despair and the haunting memories that linger in the the shadows of our minds”. It’s an apt description of the musicianship on display. 

Without a doubt Aeonian Sorrow are very effective at crafting a story with their music. To me, the leaden guitar riffs rise up from the depths of the earth forming massive grey granite walls. Slick with an icy damp, they entomb the listener within their realms of sonic despair, relentless in delivering their message… 

We all have undertaken a journey though darkness. We all hope beyond hope to come out the other side. 

For more Aeonian Sorrow, visit: https://aeoniansorrow.bandcamp.com/

Mike Templar - The Owl & The Moon

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Mike Templar’s The Owl & The Moon is an artfully created, beautifully musical album that explores the full range and depth of synths—both sonically and emotionally. The artist uses his skillful ear to choose the right sounds and combines them with superb melodies and emotionally intense moods throughout the album. The result is a layered and dense listening experience, full of fascinating ear candy and moments of emotional strength.

Perhaps more important than any other element on The Owl & The Moon is the emotional and atmospheric quality of the music. Mike Templar skillfully weaves the full range of human feeling—from loss and pain to joyous celebration—into his music. Each track has a unique character and creates a different sensation and mood, drawing me in and filling me with powerful impressions.

The way Mike Templar employs synths on The Owl & The Moon is fresh and engaging. He has the ability to paint with sound, evoking a wide range of emotional and mental states while crafting uniquely textured music. Each track is carefully constructed and intensely expressive as it unfolds and the artist uses his talents to reach deep into the listener’s heart. I also enjoy the fascinating tonal contrasts that appear throughout the album.

As someone who deeply appreciates well-written melodies, I have to say that The Owl & The Moon features some of Mike Templar’s best work. His ability to create melodic content that pulls me in with its depth of expression and evocative touches is second to none and contributes mightily to the enjoyment of the journey this album offers.

I also want to point out that I enjoy the mood and theme of the album artwork, but it would be amazing to see a talented member of the artistic #synthfam contribute some original work!

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Soundcheck” begins with sharply cutting, full synth notes crying out above a rich bass well. slowly rising, gleaming synth cries out above the dense low end and fades.

Pure calm emanates from a richly swirling synth that swells in volume to kick off “Arcadia”. A trip hop beat pops through the music as deeply undulating bass throbs lusciously, touched by shadow. A woodwind-like synth drifts restfully, slipping through the music.

A glimmering synth spins out with a light touch while the bass continues to glide. As the radiant synth taps with an open voice, smoothly intertwining notes plane out and the trip hop beat adds motion. Brightness leaps as trickling notes flicker with sliding gentleness. I enjoy the steady low end heartbeat and the intermingling, shining notes that dance together.

Airy synth slowly fades out with the softly muffled sounds as an ethereal melodic pattern wanders. The drums and bass continue to pulsate and swell back into full power, the giant bass driving on as metallic notes chime and a hi hat ticks before the track ends on the calming melody.

“Crimson Skies” starts with deeply relaxing notes flowing below intensely flashing synth. Gruff bass moves with a quickly leaping drumbeat to generate energetic motion as the flaring synth shines with inspiring luminosity. The melody carried by the main synth is full of celebration, while the richly bouncing low end adds guidance and chimes trickle with shimmering joy.

As the trumpeting melody flies, I feel uplifted and hopeful while the low end pulses on. A broadly dancing synth calls out with dynamic positivity before the track again moves with radiant chords and shiny bells that skip past. The drums flourish as finger snaps move and the lead melody exudes sunlight and happiness as the low end pushes on. The chiming notes are full of starry light while the nasal-sounding, twirling synth sings with a feeling of progress.

The unrelentingly throbbing beat shapes the music as the cascading chimes shine and rich-sounding notes fly outward. I enjoy the thrilling life within the music as it unfolds. Finger snaps add shape as the vocal sounds shift in chopped-up pieces. A synth spills brilliance as it climbs upward. The chimes flicker once and the track goes silent before the massive bass punches and the chiming notes leap again. The beat kicks in, pushing on as the bass dances. Uniquely bending sounds and strings intertwine with liveliness before the song comes to an end.

Bells ring out with haunting serenity as “Solar Genesis” begins. Solid drums punch as the bells move in intertwining lines and the bass begins to pulse with heavy motion. The dense throbbing is cut by hissing drums as tremulous, illuminating synth vibrates. Now the funky guitar adds a groovy element to the track, which flows forth with encouragement and celebratory liveliness.

The powerful low end has a distinctive heartbeat as swelling sounds in the background spill out to surround me, filling me with relaxing sensations. Trembling notes in the distance float as worshipful sounds descend and the drums burst. The chimes are beaming as a guitar slips between them with a gruff sound. Bending notes wander and the rough-edged guitar cries out as it forcefully fills the music.

Gliding, elevated synth caresses the music as the low end continues to pulsate. The way in which the music moves forward combines elegance and strength before the music ends.

Worshipful notes swell and glisten to commence “The Owl.” There is a choir-like quality to the notes before a portentously pulsing bass growls with unambiguous threat. The full-sounding synth carries a melody that is gossamer and ghostly as the steady drum pulse continues.

Brightness flashes from the tightly wound synth as chimes glimmer and the heavily pulsating low end shifts. The metallic, chiming notes tremble and broader bells ring as flickering notes intermingle. I enjoy the hypnotic and powerful quality that the music exudes.

String-like notes swell and the reverent vocal synth is cut by the intensely glowing melody that drifts with a more positive sensation. Well-flowing notes wash above the gigantic bass. Silence falls briefly as the warmly enfolding voices call out and the swirling notes glide hazily. Wind rushes and the scintillating chimes tremble with lively dynamism before the track ends.

“The Moon” opens as a steady, metallic tone floats and glimmering notes descend with clean light. The steady droning note fades as the colossal bass is joined by hard-punching drums and dense low end.

The main melody is gently touching and full of peaceful emotion, while a glockenspiel adds sparkling accents. The drums and bass are a steady heartbeat as the silken synth floats and the glockenspiel echoes. Quickly bending notes are joined by almost wolf-like howls before the music box trips with a haunting feeling.

The drums and bass reverberate while hissing sounds in the distance add a vaguely ominous quality. A wide-sounding, brassy synth carries a luscious melody with a hint of melancholy as the drum pulse continues. A slipping synth wraps around me with tenderness and transports me, evoking moonlight with silvery elegance.

Now the thickly expanding low end continues to pulse as the quickly leaping synth cuts past. Once again, the music box adds a vaguely unsettling quality while the flashing notes cascade. The string-like notes intertwine and gleam before the song closes.

Fragile notes trickle gently as they are joined by a computerized echo to begin “Halo.” Intimidating bass rises as the open, digitized synth wriggles in drifting motion while broadly growling notes sweep past. The melodic pattern has a broken quality that fascinates me, as delicate notes wander. The snare and kick drum become a steady heartbeat as the ringing notes tremble with tender light and a minor-key, roaming melody passes in a lithe line.

The computerized notes drift spectrally as sharply twisting noises move alongside the bursting low end. A tripping synth adds an unsettling quality while the drums pulsate. A steadily shaping, repeating synth pattern wriggles as the low end adds form. The main melody carries an enigmatic energy that I find compelling, while fluting notes twirl past. The roaming melody flows and silence falls before the drums reverberate again and the track ends.

“Ad Astra” starts with a tremulously caressing synth joined by smoothly guiding drums as descending notes emerge with rich, immersive sound. The drums and bass create smooth, forward-moving force beneath the elegantly unfolding synth melody. Chimes add a galactic sparkle behind the affectionate melody that calls out above the dense bass and lightly touching percussion. Rounded notes sail by in the distance while the main melody dances.

I’m affected by the emotionally fragile melodic pattern as it slides past on a nasally elevated synth, putting me at ease. Clapping percussion joins the steadily moving warmth of the synth and echoes carry through the atmosphere. The chimes are full of starlit serenity as the drums tremble and the bass glides. A rich fullness permeates the music as a shimmering synth flickers while the deep notes continue to pulse. The track ends with a peaceful flow as it fades into silence.

Conclusion

The Owl & The Moon is full of feeling and expression, delving deep into humanity with instrumental beauty and skill. The end result is a journey through a rich tapestry of emotional and mental states as the music unfolds.

M.K. Khan - Almost Beautiful

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

M.K. Khan’s Almost Beautiful tells the story of a grand competition between robots and humans for supremacy in extreme sports. The artist weaves together his skillful guitar performances with atmospheric and fascinating synths to tell the tale of the battle between the robots and the humans. The richly layered sounds, along with the ear-pleasing melodies and aural storytelling, bring a depth and listening pleasure to this album.

One cannot talk about Almost Beautiful without mentioning M.K. Khan’s guitar chops. His playing is fluid and dynamic, with expression and feeling, as he unfolds intricate solos and well-composed melodies. The way in which he chooses guitar tones allows for excellent evocations of mood and emotion, while he conveys the album's message with smooth skill.

Another crucial element of Almost Beautiful is the way in which M.K. Khan creates atmosphere through different sonic components. The mixing of the guitar sounds with fascinating and varied synth textures results in a contrast between the more robotic and mechanical and the purely creative and heartfelt. The end result is music that reveals the different facets of the storytelling while showcasing M.K. Khan’s tasteful ability to choose the best sounds.

I am also drawn in by Almost Beautiful’s melodic strength. M.K. Khan writes melodies that are engaging and full of life. They are able to transmit the mood-related elements of the story with precision and beauty. I enjoy the way in which M.K. Khan can move a melody through different emotional states and sensations within the space of one track.

The album's message is also something I find edifying. In this era of domination by artificial intelligence and social media, the notion of emphasizing human creativity and endeavor is more important than ever. I can get behind the spirit of this music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Victory Lap” comes into being as M.K. Khan’s guitar cries out with bright vigour and the drums batter and rebound. The guitar flies out with dynamism before a mysterious floating synth carries a gently touching melody and the guitar leaps with orchestra hits flashing in the distance. The piano notes are effervescent and easygoing as the guitar cries out with passion and joy, infusing the music with triumphant positivity.

The blasting orchestra hits add radiance as bubbling bass rumbles and again the brightly shining guitar flies with uplifting, celebratory life. Piano notes cascade and gleam, tripping through the music as the thunderous guitar and battering drums add more power. The melody carried on the guitar is full of lively emotion and a sense of progress, while the piano adds a skipping lightness, filling me with a sense of freedom as it dances. The orchestra hits tower and the drums explode as the deeply rippling bass oscillates with rich sound before the track ends.

An explosive, popping drumbeat moves with angular synth and intertwining guitar to begin “For the People.” Ethereal synth hovers with a peaceful luminosity as a broken voice twitches along with record scratches. Majestically rising synth drifts past with a caress, drawing me into it. M.K. Khan’s guitar has sharpness and bite as it slices and now an open-voiced synth winds with elegant and haunting motion.

The drums continue to pulse unevenly along with the dense bass as a gritty guitar cuts in and floating notes wander with graceful simplicity. Quickly twirling, glimmering synth spins past and the sound of waves sweeping shifts. Tightly twisted record scratches move along with a meditatively gliding synth and the broken voice calls out again. The track ends on glittering notes and cleanly cutting drums.

“Party at Zach and Erving's” opens as cymbals clash, guitar snarls and triumphant synth blares with uplifting dynamism. M.K. Khan’s guitar sings with thrilling vitality and intertwines with complexity as it cascades while the drums pulse with steady motion. A piano adds motion in the distance while the trumpeting synth flashes with dramatic luminescence and the low end expands. Lusciously roaming guitar sings out while the brassy synth glistens. I enjoy the nobility and growing excitement in the guitar melody.

Now a quickly twirling arpeggio moves with the growling guitar that slashes as the drums pulsate. M.K. Khan’s guitar leaps again, swirling and flying, imbued with unstoppable strength as the arpeggios continue to speed. Once again the synth calls out, full of nobility, as the entangling notes below it glitter. The open-sounding percussion moves as the guitar weaves a bright filigree of encouragement before the song ends.

Drums erupt and a guitar bursts with whirling enthusiasm to kick off “Frosty Chocolate Milkshakes.” M.K. Khan’s guitar carries a melody full of thrilling joy as it spins out above the cascading drums. The battering drums and accelerating beat move as the wildly leaping synth jumps into a melody full of unstoppable motion and celebratory feelings.

The drums are a rapid rush as the synth weaves a complex pattern and the drums shatter as the guitar growls, charging into a solo that exudes muscle and drama. The gruff bass is joined by a synth that speeds past, glittering as it flies and the electric guitar howls again in a minor key melody that thrills me and fills me with a sense of possibility. Trickling xylophone rapidly flickers before the track charges to an end.

“New Chucks” opens as the groove of the low end swings and slap bass adds a funky quality as orchestra hits explode. The drums swing smoothly while a widely drifting, caressing synth carries a wistful, nostalgic memory in the melody and M.K. Khan’s guitar climbs with gripping life and a funky swing.

Horn-like synth intertwines with lustrous effulgence as it carries the jazz-inflected melody above the low-end pulse. The orchestra hits add radiance as a slipping synth swirls and bends with surrounding motion, while the wildly varied percussion is joined by slap bass that pops as the hollow drums tap.

In the distance, swelling chords add a soft sunset illumination and the groove moves again. I enjoy the overall funk and chill of this track. It ends on the guitar flying out, reaching for the stars before it grows quiet.

Orchestra hits burst with massive strength as the guitar and drums explode to force “Cherry Boy” forward. A brassy synth contributes scintillating effulgence as the drums burst and a tiny, glowing synth flickers past. The lead synth carries a melody that explodes with victorious life and M.K. Khan’s guitar swirls wildly as it flies forward.

The drums are steady and strong while the guitar cries out with passion and dynamism. Record scratches wriggle as the colossal bass unfolds. Rounded, flicking notes briefly skip and the fierce bass and widely charging drums move on.

The lead synth melody is full of adventurous life, giving me the impression of a classic Japanese role-playing game theme. The drums add shape while the elevated synth carries the noble melody and chimes shimmer as the track ends.

“Planet Indigo” starts as calming notes wash over me, accompanied by a distantly twinkling synth and the rush of windy sounds. Luscious bass continues to pulse as the digital-sounding notes wander and a delicate melody unfolds on a string-like synth with tranquility and grace. The music reaches out to curl soft tendrils around me and soothe my mind.

The drums pulse gently as the elevated, silky-smooth synth sails past with a melody that lifts me and transports me through the clouds. M.K. Khan’s guitar cascades with serenity and swirling sounds illuminate the distance. As the guitar shimmers, warmth oozes from it and quickly rushing drums move with darker bass.

The force increases as panpipes move through the music with an ethereal airiness and the drums add guidance. Computerized notes entangle as the drumbeat continues. After a drum flourish, piano chords add tender strength as they flicker. The track ends as the panpipes glide, the encouraging, laid-back guitar sings and the strings drift softly.

“Goonda Boulevard” opens with active, ear-grabbing percussion that throbs as the thunderous guitar explodes. The drums move with ferocious dynamism and the guitar winds with mad strength and minor-key darkness while the bass snarls. Broadly echoing, scintillating synth leaps into a thrilling melody as the guitar lashes out again.

A twisting synth moves in a snaky melody, adding haunting sensations while the percussion explodes with a unique sonic signature. M.K. Khan’s guitar unwinds into intricately intermingling notes that twirl before the victorious synth echoes and the drums batter. The descending synth is joined again by the churning guitar and a nasal-sounding, wriggling synth dances before the song ends.

Mechanically shifting sounds and threatening bass move to kick off “Dragons in Cucamonga.” The bass seethes as the metallic noises move and ferociously battering drums slice. A piano melody reflects thrilling strength as the guitar erupts with volcanic motion and intensity, cascading while the rushing low end smashes hard. The bass towers as the guitar howls with unstoppable liveliness and the thunderous low end is cut by metallic clanking.

The music’s raw energy tears at me with razor claws as the guitar rings out, imbuing the music with a sense of feral vitality. As the drums break, the guitar climbs and the bass looms with ominous import. The piano melody dances again, lightening the mood, but danger is never far away in the huge bass. The low end continues to rush and burst before the track ends with imposing power and snarling guitar.

“C.D.R.E.A.M.” starts as gigantic bass rumbles while fragile chimes shimmer and a melancholy, almost oboe-like synth drifts in the distance. The computerized chimes have a double sound as they levitate and air sweeps past. A clean synth shines while the undulating bass shifts and chimes flick past in easy motion.

A gently triumphant quality fills the music as the track swells and a glockenspiel carries the yearning and dreamy melody, full of hope and potential, above the dense bass. I feel that humanity’s hope and promise are beautifully embodied in the melody here.

Now the percussion ticks softly and the chiming sound carries the tender melody. A sense of nobility spills from the track now, rising up with pride and majesty, carrying the song to an end and filling my heart as it does so.

Conclusion

Almost Beautiful is a wondrous journey through a story of humanity triumphing over soulless mechanical creations. I enjoy the mixture of melody, lush harmony and intensely engaging synth sounds that unfold this story and immerse me fully in it.

Atlas Neon - Miami Vampire

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Atlas Neon’s Miami Vampire tells the story of a dark love between a vampire and a werewolf. The music seethes with ferocious weight and rising shadows, while the tale unfolds with melancholy and passion. The way in which the album combines excellent guest artists with Atlas Neon’s production creates atmospheric and shatteringly powerful music that draws me in and carries me along as it evolves and the story unfolds.

One of the more compelling elements of Miami Vampire is the range of guest artists with whom Atlas Neon has collaborated. All of the performers bring their unique sounds to the album and the guest producers maintain the mood while introducing their own touches. The way that all of the different sonic profiles combine winds up creating an album that is irresistibly ear-pleasing.

The way in which Atlas Neon combines hard-hitting EDM styles with synthwave results in a powerful and well-crafted musical offering. The crushing strength of the massive bass and high-powered drums adds to the darkness pouring from the album, while the synth sounds are well-chosen and are intertwined in a way that deepens the music’s atmosphere. I also enjoy the way in which Atlas Neon writes music, creating depth and richness.

I’m also interested by the way that Atlas Neon tells Miami Vampire’s story. The sense of unfolding emotional and physical connection, along with the struggles faced by the characters, is well expressed within the songs’ lyrics and the mood of the music. As the album progresses, I find myself more engaged by the story it tells.

One last note about the cover art. I love the feeling of it and the mood it sets, but perhaps it would be better still having employed the skills of a talented visual artist.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Ashes” comes into being as haunting chanting moves with sweeping, massive bass that vibrates out into space. Gleaming chords flash as Sergio Ochoa’s intensely felt vocals come in and drums begin to clap while seething, shadowy bass growls. Slashing, angular synth moves with the hard-punching drums as Sergio Ochoa expresses every ounce of passion in the lyrics. Pipe organ chords add dark drama as the low end batters with ferocious energy. The bass growls with crushing weight and the dark chanting moves with hard-hitting, martial drums. The piano rings out with brightness and the aching need within Sergio Ochoa's vocals is visceral.

As glowing arpeggios spin, ferociously tearing bass and heavy drums rebound. Heartfelt loss and desire pour from the vocals as the drumbeat shatters. Angrily trembling notes move with the explosive drums as Sergio Ochoa's voice echoes. Now the drums and bass unrelentingly push on while the jagged synth and computerized-sounding notes intertwine. As the song comes to an end, the drums smash with monumental power and Sergio Ochoa chants while the swirling arpeggios whirl before the track ends.

Our storyteller speaks of his passions, "Breaking down the walls I used to know." While he wishes the feelings would stop, he can’t let the song’s subject go. He lets his guard down as he has to "tiptoe around everything that I want to do."

The narrator sees all of the signs and asks if the other person can read them or see them as they fall into line. He adds, "You're not forever, just a season end," and that the other person is "the reason why the night hides the light."

Our storyteller points out that the song's subject is like "a million thoughts that I just can't avoid" as he tries to clear his mind but finds nothing to stop the noise. He can see the signs and asks again if the other person can read them or see them as well, "as they fall into line."

Vibrating, slowly shifting synth sparkles as bass seethes below to kick off “Dream With Me.” Gobi chants into the music as the drums begin to buck hard and the bass throbs. The low end surges with intimidating power as a tabla rings out and Gobi continues to call out. Celina weaves a threatening web of power beneath the vocal performance. The low end is colossal and propulsive as the vocals convey urgency and need, while the bass moves with oppressive weight.

I enjoy the tension and terrifying power that fills this song as it unfolds. A synth skitters as Gobi repeats a hypnotic phrase and now the low end erupts with undeniable energy. The vocals repeat as the low end lacerates and the tabla rings out as Gobi chants with deep desire. The drums and bass pound unstoppably. As Gobi adds a trance-like feeling, the tabla burbles deeply and tremulous notes float past before the percussion accelerates again. The low end is sliced by warning notes as it throbs with continual motion before the track comes to an end with portentous power.

The narrator says that he's been "lost up in that lonely desert highway" as he sees the fear in the song subject's tears. He asks to be told of "something that I'll always need more of" as he travels west, waiting for the sunrise. He repeats that his time is running out and asks the other person to "come and dream with me."

Our storyteller says that his "memories turn to dust in the daytime" as he asks the song's subject to "be the stranger that I never got to meet." He says that every time he needs to feel a bit warmer, "I close my eyes and you are in my sleep."

“Breakup Scene” starts with ominous drums and Iyes Keen’s expressive, needful vocals. Quickly rushing synths move with gleaming notes before the punchy drum and bass beat jumps in, while the wistfully drifting vocals shift with need and want. The punishing bass cascades with saw-toothed edges, while Iyes Keen’s spectral vocals carry a melody full of wanting and loss.

The bursting synth adds flaring energy while the unstoppable low end shatters and Iyes Keen’s voice captures every bit of feeling in the lyrics. The synth charges like a snarling guitar while the low end continues to stutter and break. Rough-edged bass tears into the music as Iyes Keen fills her voice with deep desire. The slicing tones shift with dangerous strength as the tenderly floating vocals caress my ears.

The way in which this track combines melancholy and crushing power is enjoyable for me. Iyes Keen’s voice is smooth and eloquent, while the bass seethes like a vicious tide and the drums break. Haunting vocals slip past along with notes that add radiant accents before the song comes to an end.

Our storyteller is "waiting for the scene to fade away," as she adds that it's nothing but the spotlight for her and the song's subject. She says, "There's no better place in time to erase all the things we said that we can't take back." She goes on to say that they should move tonight because she'd like to stay with the song’s subject.

The narrator says that she's "rolling high when I'm here with you," as she reminds the song's subject not to try too hard because it doesn't matter. She points out that the other person knows that they're best together. She adds, "I've been waiting for the change to come, I can feel the shift, I'm overcome," and says she feels her bones "turn to dust at your touch."

Our storyteller wonders if the feeling they have will be enough to put their emotions on the right track. She's been waiting for the other person's heart slowly while the solar wind blows.

“Miami Vampire” begins with computerized notes sparkling and shifting as Iyes Keen’s haunting voice glides past and the bass begins to throb. Tholos captures the emotion of the lyrics as the drums pound with thrilling energy and a steadily undulating bassline moves. The mixture of desire and ache is a powerful presence in Tholos' voice, which moves from darkness to elevated tenderness as slowly circling notes echo in the distance.

Tholos calls out with ardor and a warning, while the synth ramping up adds tension. The vocals echo and the drums and bass smack into the music with raging energy as Tholos calls out. Chasing Stars’ production is full of unbelievable vigor here. The angular synth slices with bright power as the higher notes glitter.

Iyes Keen’s voice glides out with ghostly smoothness. She takes hold of the lyrics, her vocals full of danger and need. Slipping, metallically shining synth moves past as Iyes Keen digs deep into the song’s feelings. Tholos calls out with barely restrained wanting as the hard bass edges lacerate the music and the song comes to a close.

The first narrator says he was walking on a dark night, taking a last puff of his cigarette. He adds, "When all of a sudden from the shadows, she came and asked me for a dance." The female narrator replies, "Boy, you're my next victim, I wanna kiss you in the rain," to which he responds, "Girl, you sure you want this long night?" He adds, "You can come and take my pain, I wanna kiss you in the rain."

Our first storyteller says that "ain't nothing, nothing about it," as he adds that he knows the song’s subject wants some love. He tells her not to talk about it and says, "I'll show you how it's done," because she has it all. He tells her that he'll "kiss you in the rain, so you can take my pain" and show him she isn't afraid.

The second narrator follows the first through the dark night as she runs "into your silhouette." She wanted to bring him to the gallows: "So I came and asked you for a dance." He's her next victim and to his question—if she wants the long night—she answers, "I'm here to take your pain."

“The Last Goodbye” starts with rushing noise and computerized sounds vibrating above a slowly rising bass. Robotic sounds shift and now the heavily pulsing low end and tapping hi-hat move with worshipful choral voices and shot-away notes. BerillJull's soulful, unique voice calls out with a heartfelt plea.

The drums jump as a quickly oscillating, brilliant synth moves beneath BerillJull’s heart-touching voice. A piano-like synth dances with delicate, softly touching energy and smoothly shining chords glow. The vocals explode as the drums and bass burst in steady motion. The percussion is heavy and lush as a grating sound shivers and a minor key, shadowy melodic pattern shifts. Laser-like sounds float and BerillJull’s wonderfully expressive vocals capture me with their sincerity. The gigantic drums and bass pulsate while feeling pours from BerillJull's voice before the song ends.

Our storyteller asks the song’s subject to say hello every once in a while when they pass by. She asks, “When you pass me by, baby, does it hurt so much to smile?” She points out that they promised to be friends until the end and now she’s begging the other person to “let me down easy” because she knows it’s finished—except for the last goodbye. Once again, she asks to be let down easily, because the other person's love is gone and she repeats the fact that everything is over but their final farewell.

A vibrating guitar and the lead singer's pained, emotive voice carry a melody full of mournful feelings as “The False Rumour” begins . Her voice echoes with loss and need as the imposing bass trembles alongside a cleanly illuminating synth and the drums pound and accelerate.

As the energy rises, the track explodes into drum and bass motion. The bass slashes with hard edges and the drums are propulsive. Raised notes bend and cry as the vocals drift, full of longing and bereft emotion, while the drums erupt again. Donnie Dynamite's guitar cascades and leaps, full of intricacy and feral muscle, as the track cries out.

The slicing bass moves with chimes that flicker and the lead singer's tender voice reaches out, full of fear and tension, as the track accelerates again. The vocals speed as hollow percussion echoes and floating synths shimmer while the drums and bass add motion before the track ends.

The narrator asks the song’s subject to hold her tight because “I'm standing on the edge of fright.” She feels that perhaps “maybe now nothing will come to me tonight” as she points out that she's still young, “though no one will care if I should die, so hold me tight.” She tells the other person not to ask her why, going on to say, “Please don't let me die.”

Our storyteller says she’s out of sight now and “can’t make enough for just the night,” adding that she’ll soon be done “keeping up with this daily fight.” She adds that she’s aged too much and no longer sees any light, so “hold me tight, please don’t make me hide, please don’t let me die.”

“The Hand That Feeds” looms to life with enormous synth swells as finger snaps move and quickly rushing notes with a computerized quality tumble. Now the bass explodes as OnenO’s strong voice erupts while the guitar slashes. The low end presses on while OnenO captures the flying and flashing melody with his gutsy vocals and the guitar shines with raging energy.

The low end continues to throb with forceful dynamism as the vocals leap out with wild, intense power. The guitar breaks through the music with brilliance while the drums and bass continue to pound. Now the charging synth growls while chords add brightness.

OnenO’s spoken word part adds to the feeling of shadowed madness, while the pounding low end is sliced by the guitar’s bright and intriguing melodic energy. As the low end continues to drive, the vocal segment galvanizes me. The bass pumps hard until the track comes to an end on portentous chords and heavy bass.

Our storyteller points out that the song’s subject is “keeping in step in the line” as they hold their head high and feel perfectly fine because they’re doing what they’re told. However, he says that “inside your heart it is black and it’s hollow and it’s cold,” and asks how deeply the other person believes.

The narrator goes on to query if the song’s subject will “bite the hand that feeds… chew until it bleeds,” as he wonders if they’re brave enough to see and effect change. He asks, “What if this whole crusade’s a charade and behind it all there's a price to be paid for the blood on which we dine?” The blood that is “justified in the name of the holy and the divine.”

As the song concludes, the storyteller calls himself naive for “holding on to what I want to believe.” His sight is clear, but he continues to hold on as he asks, “Will you bite the hand that feeds you?”

Drums echo into space and a smoothly vibrating synth with cutting edges shifts to open “Maverick 2077”. Reverberant drums throb as intensely metallic chimes jump with dynamic life. The drums and bass hit with thick weight as the string-like synth flows with hazy luminosity.

The low-end weight is propulsive as a shiny synth twists with constant motion and the track explodes. The drums and bass cruise on as the chiming synth calls out with a victorious melody, charming me with its nobility and power. A twisting, nasal synth glides while the drums burst.

The gleaming, metallic notes reverberate with triumph and a hint of melancholy while the huge bass throbs. A bending, lustrous synth twirls while the drums accelerate and the track explodes into motion as a slap bass adds a funky element and the arpeggiating synth spins. The main melody calls out with indomitable dynamism before the track ends.

Conclusion

Miami Vampire carries me along with its shadowy, beautiful story—through the danger and the hope and past neon-lit signs in Miami’s darkness. The killer combination of superbly talented guest artists and producers with Atlas Neon’s own creativity and skill makes for a very engaging listening experience.