Synth Single Review: “Tempus Ruinae” by XIII Nights

by Karl Magi

XIII Nights’ “Tempus Ruinae” captures light, shadow, hope and ruin. The piece opens with gradually swelling notes whirling in arpeggio as dominant bass surges in a maelstrom and drums drive with fearsome propulsion. Sawtoothed bass slices through while percussion smashes with unstoppable force. A synth drifts outward in melancholy lines as broad arpeggios support the explosive rhythm.

Rippling strings join the low end power, reaching like tendrils spreading outward. As arpeggios continue spinning, orchestral strikes flash and elevated tones cry out with haunted precision. Dramatic tension courses through a contemplative melody carried on mournful horns, tentative and elegiac. I feel a welter of varied emotion pour through me as the track unfolds

The higher synth melody asserts strength against the fragility of the background line. Shattering bass snarls while swirling tones intermingle in misted tenderness. Percussion returns alongside heavy low end as arpeggios spin faster and high notes flare with dynamism, carrying the track to its resonant close.