Hill Valley Hero - Electric Outlands

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hill Valley Hero’s Electric Outlands takes listeners on a cinematic, intricately layered journey through rich synthscapes in a grand adventure, full of action and drama. It combines well crafted melodies, intricately layered sounds and the contributions of talented guest performers. The end result is music that entertains and engages listeners as it unfolds.

One of the major reasons for which I'm drawn to Electric Outlands is the way in which Hill Valley Hero tells a story through auditory imagery. A palpable sense of new vistas, exploration and adventure fills the music. The way in which Hill Valley Hero weaves together ear catching, layered synth elements creates impactful impressions of landscapes and action that I find compelling. I enjoy being taken on this filmic quest by Hill Valley Hero.

Melodies are something which touches me deeply in music and the melodies on Electric Outlands are well-written and sometimes simply beautiful. I enjoy Hill Valley Hero’s ability to create melodies that pull me in with their emotional impact and imagery. Each melody has an expressive core that tells some part of the story and helps me to engage with the feelings which Hill Valley Hero conveys. The way in which the melodies evolve continues to create a cinematic impression in my mind's eye.

Each synth sound and instrumental choice made by Hill Valley Hero comes together to create music which weaves a sonic tapestry and conveys the  album’s story in cinematic scenes. This is music with an intense ability to evoke emotion and paint vivid pictures through the layering and interweaving of many musical elements. I also want to credit the superb guest performances on the album which contribute to the complexity and depth of the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Pilot Elite” comes to life as chimes flash out with crystalline light before truly gigantic drums thunder into the music along with a hint of guitar. Weighty bass adds even more muscle as chimes leap out. Cooper White’s freewheeling sax twists through the music with intensely passionate energy.

Massive drums keep throbbing and a twirling arpeggio spins through the music. Drums and bass drive onwards as an elevated sound forms a rhythmic pulse. Panpipes call out and the guitar swells into the music with growling energy.

Sharply glassy synth adds illumination above the pounding drums and bass. Now the track slips into a section in which calming and easy going flow from a caressing synth along with flaring guitar.

Drums flourish and now a brass section adds dynamic life above the colossal low end. The main melody effectively fuels inspiration as it calls out on a gleaming synth as the pulsing low end drives to a conclusion.

Razor-edged, string-like notes entwine rapidly and a vocal sample echoes out while the hypnotic low end pulses on with forceful motion to open “Ultrasonic”. A haunting quality permeates the lead synth and digital-sounding notes tremble through the music.

Arpeggios keep swirling and the main melody flies out, carried on a medium high, glowing synth imbued with a sense of dynamic life and a hint of shadow. I enjoy the synth parts’ complexity within the track. A tight-sounding synth spins in the distance while the drums throb and the bass pulses.

Slicing arpeggios move as sparkling notes flick through the music. After the drums flourish, a delicately shining synth floats and the arpeggios add texture to the music.

The drums and bass create a strong sense of motion and we glide into a segment in which piano light notes create an accelerative feeling as the drums tick. Gritty, broad-sounding synth snarls as the drums pound hard. The song drives to a conclusion with the leaping, arpeggiating pulse.

An engine starts and idles before revving as arpeggios softly drift in the distance and heavy hitting drama's pound to start “Into The Outlands.” There's a swinging quality to the low end as funky bass entangles. Widely trumpeting synth calls out with a sweeping, majestic melody as chimes sparkle in the distance.

Colossal drums provide support while a feeling of nobility flows from the open-voiced synth. Xylophone trickles in the background and the lead synth has a smoothly rounded sound as it carries a tranquil melody. Broad strength emanates from the brassy lead synth that glows through the music as drums flourish.

The gigantic low end pushes forward as the main melody tells the tale of a tremendous journey across uncharted territory. I'm thrilled by the sense of adventure that fills the melody. Now fluting synth rapidly winds through the music, adding to the sense of exotic exploration in new lands. Funky slap bass moves underneath as the drums burst before the song ends on luminous synth.

“Magnetism” begins as strong drums and hollow percussion form a steady beat while intensely gleaming synth flows out in an inspirational melody. Smoothly entangled, guitar frolics through the music before moving out with vaulting energy above the strongly propulsive drums and bass.

The music has a jubilant and celebratory quality as the synth adds illumination. The guitar wheels through the music as the urgent low end jumps forward. A feeling of freedom and joyous energy fills the music and I find it infectious.

The main melody flies out with encouragement and power. Coruscating synth dances through the music and we move into a section where rising piano chords support a tightly wound and soaring synth while the drums explode again. The guitar circles high above and the song ends with a deep sense of positivity.

Static crackles above a low rumble to start “No Turning Back.” Now softly luminous synth trembles above swirling, warm chords. The impression is one of gentleness, but huge bass growls below to add a powerful element. The low end contrasts with caressing sounds above it. Now broadly spinning arpeggios are cut by a sharp sound.

The lead synth calls out with triumphant energy and a melancholy tinge. Sparkling synth descends in a clean burst of sound through the music as the powerful bass moves below.

A starry feeling permeates the music and tremendous drums punch hard. Reverberating percussion flows out and adds even more strength. The track ends on the well-crafted sense of nobility with which it is filled.

“When We Say Goodbye” commences with glittering arpeggios that twinkle into the music and grow in strength to add bright motion. Lush bass floats out to underpin the music.

Arpeggios circle to create texture and shape as crisp drums hit hard. Trembling, solar notes add more scintillating light as they burst. Thunder rolls and the brightness grows even more intense from the flashing notes that leap into the music.

Underneath the other musical elements, the drums and bass are intensely propulsive. I am drawn to the sense of light that fills the track, generating feelings of encouragement before the music ends.

Sweeping, luminous synth swells before muscled drums throb and heavy bass smacks in to start “Victory Dance.” The low end has a strong groove and a synth pulses steadily as it flickers out. An entirely joyous feeling fills the main melody as it calls out. A wide variety of fascinating percussion is slashed by orchestra hits.

Playful energy fills the lead synth in a way that just makes me smile. Manuel Trabucco’s sax calls out with an infectious, jazzy joy as it jumps through the music. The music flows funkily as the guitar moves in while more orchestra hits add dynamism and percussion punches.

The main guitar melody flashes in with an expression of pure happiness. A sax solo wanders with excitement and ease before synth shimmers and the low end takes on a slower pulse. High, digital-sounding synth ripples and the track expresses lively emotion before it ends.

Conclusion

Electric Outlands creates a thrilling, fascinating soundtrack to an adventure that roams across wild terrain and through intense action. All of the different musical elements mingle into a deeply pleasing listening experience on this album.

XENNON - The Light That Came For The People

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

One of the most interesting aspects of the Synthwave genre is that a lot of the current artist-producers originally came from various musical backgrounds such as metal and progressive rock. Many got swept in the tantalizing neon-grid, palm tree-lined sunset nostalgia wave. However, as wave genres often ebb and flow, in the recent years we saw a few notable artists who started their musical explorations in synthwave enter their own evolutions, some changing directions more dramatically than others in search of what is next and also - more importantly - their own individuality. Many would argue that synthwave may or may not be dead, yet regardless, now is probably the most interesting moment in the synth scene as more and more artists reshape their musical palette, shift gears and redefine their own musicality. Such artist is Xennon.

Xennon first emerged in the scene with his concept synthwave LPs, “Miami Cop”, “Dark Of A Distant World”, and “Utopia”, and was backed by his playlist “Synthwave Sounds” that went viral at the peak of Netflix’s Stranger Things hype. However, today, we see Xennon diving into his love for classic progressive rock for clues as to where to go next with his synth soundscapes. The result is a brand new record slated for release later this year, spearheaded by his new single, “The Light That Came For The People”.

“The Light That Came For The People” starts off with a stark, dual harmony acapella before dropping into giant, colorful synth leads and rhythm section that somehow bring the prog rock band Rush and sounds of 80s Television Sitcoms to mind. The track segues between funky odd meters, expertly performed guitar arpeggios, surges of bright, colorful synths, and Xennon’s indelibly vibrant vocals poignantly emoting hope — all running in polyrhythms with each section countering and meeting at certain points. Lush, yet juxtaposed with sharp drops and dramatic resolves, the composition and arrangments are ambitious yet feel effortless and cohesive at the same time, with infectiously colorful, rainbow hues in the atmosphere. The song is also marked by a message of hope and beauty - something greatly needed in the current times of war and unrest.

With the first single off his upcoming record, Xennon somehow manages to keep one foot in nostalgia and also explore a new type of musical bravado with the other. “The Light That Came For The People” is an exemplary light we needed to experience.

For more Xennon, visit his Bandcamp.

DAV DRALLEON - STREET KRVZADER

Review by Atomic Rabo-Kid

In Dav Drelleon’s latest LP, STREET KRVZADER, We find ourselves in the dark alleyways of Abaddon, a City full of repression. A City whose citizens are controlled through force, either physical or psychological. Dangerous gangs exerting violent power and mega corporations twisting the use of AI to manipulate the human mind. The evil Valhalla have the city under total control! Or do they? Thankfully, all is not lost due to groups of rebellious factions uniting and creating Zantetsuken. A hybrid cyborg that welds immense power and battle prowess! They are the only hope to save humanity and destroy the machines that threaten its survival! 

'Who will survive this war? Let's listen to find out!

'Metal Warriors' is a powerful introduction both to the brutal sonic soundscapes which is prevalent across this album and to one of the aforementioned rebellious factions. Epic guitar work sets the scene whilst a high tempo synth melody sets the blood to boiling point. The street battles are violent and so is this track! Vicious guitar hooks ensnare us, as Dav Dralleon showcases his extreme ability to play extremely barbaric music!

'Deathbringer' Feat. Irving Force is a track I've been wanting to hear from Dav Dralleon for a long time. As, I've been intrigued to discover what such aggressive music sounds like with equally aggressive vocals. Boy, I'm not disappointed, It easily satisfies my intrigue! Irving Force does an incredible job here and his ferocious vocals align perfectly with the unbridled aggression of this track. The vocal skills are perfectly balanced, showing similarities between the voices of the front men from Cradle of Filth and Sylosis. A scorching track! 

'Street Krvzader' starts with a face melting riff and an explosive array of brutal beats! Heavy metal percussion helps create an intense juxtaposition with the guitar work fluctuating into an aggressive series of cutting grooves! Heavy breakdowns and risers grab your attention throughout!

'Vulkan Force' launches us straight into the action, with a fast and frantic higher end solo guitar and interesting dark glitched vocal elements. This is supercharged high tempo action, at its best! Furious lead guitar pierces through the background of rapid fire doom laden beats. There's ample amounts of glitched percussive sampling that makes for an explosive listen. 

The glitched beats remain with 'Quarter Of The Iron Priest', with a heightened intensity and sensitivity in crafting a soundscape that to my ear, at least, is reminiscent of Aphex Twin, when his tracks let rip into an explosive percussive sequence. It's pure genius the way these beat led rhythmic elements are woven and timed to perfection! 

'Zantetsuken' explodes through the speakers with violent guitar and rapid fire drums culminating in a bass filled deep rhythm that would rile up a mosh pit with devastating effect! More signature glitchy, metal, noise percussion rips through the expertly laid riffs. This track, like most on the album in fact, is simply mind-blowing. 

Sludgy dark structural elements, cutting lead guitar, frantic beats and a touch of the orient is what 'Ryu Cyberblade' is all about. Revenge is what he seeks and Abaddon should be fearful for he is a powerful lone warrior out for blood! This track encapsulates raw high adrenaline fight scenes where bad blood is spilt by the plenty! 

Somehow the tone finds a way to get even darker, monstrous growls and tuned down plucks introduces us to 'Vertikall Daemon' Feat. Moris Blak. These swarming sounds pass by us paving the way for a blistering onslaught of sound where the darkest techno ensues. This attack takes on a more dance floor persona, than is evident in the rest of the album and I love it!  There's an awesome balance of Dark Techno, powerful percussion, deep shredding and the darkest of Darksynth. What a blend and with magnificent results! 

The tense atmospheric emotions are well crafted in 'Valhalla Sektor 99', the track starts with futuristic sweeps and metallic thuds. High pitched synth work creates an eerie, deathly soundscape. 'Valhalla Sektor 99', set on a lower BPM, takes us into a deep journey into the cyber city of Abaddon, through the intense layers of sound. Drone sounds and darkness that culminate in terrifying vocal samples. 

'Abaddon Lethal Future Shock' is the finale, to a truly mind blowing album. The despairing future of the City of Abaddon is played through with intensity with plenty of twists and turns. An epic track, on every level, for every second in this monster 9 minute 11 seconds song! 

Overall,  STREET KRVZADER is honestly one of the heaviest and meticulously excellent albums I've heard in a very long time. Perhaps, even ever! Which is saying something having grown up on albums like Sepultura's 'Arise' and Slayers 'Reign in Blood'. Dav Dralleon has captured the essence of pure violence and bottled it in a sound that represents raw, unadulterated, visceral aggression. Sure, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. But, who wants tea when you can drink straight from the bottle with the dark lords and become an immortal? 

Dav Dralleon deserves tons more attention than he currently receives, after all he manages the roles and skills of a multitude of band members usually expected in a traditional metal band. He brings new elements with every release and is a sonic force to be reckoned with! A real master of the heavy metal craft demonstrating not only highly skilled technique but also an understanding of how to get you up and headbanging! Or, whatever the kids do these days! Song composition is just spot on, complex and technically brilliant!  STREET KRVZADER blends traditional heavy metal elements with Metalcore, Shredwave, Darksynth, Cyberpunk and Metalstep seamlessly and with incredible results. There's a lot in this for any fan of the harder styles of metal music or any of the genres mentioned above. So, prepare yourself! Then, go and have a listen!

For more Dav Dralleon visit his BANDCAMP and Instagram

Full Eclipse - In Place Of Power

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Full Eclipse’s In Place Of Power features mature, emotionally engaging songwriting supported by Full Eclipse’s unique vocal style and a musical backing that has richness, complexity and depth to it. The end result is an album which delves into the widely varied terrain of human experience and draws listeners into the journey on which it travels. 

I am fascinated and galvanized by the lyrics that Full Eclipse has written for In Place Of Power. The lyrics are pure poetry and dissect the inherent contradictions and complexities of human emotion. Full Eclipse doesn't shy away from discussing difficult feelings and ideas, but his songwriting is never less than fully engaging as he does so.

The way in which Full Eclipse uses his voice is another strong aspect of the album’s success. He has a resonance and expressive quality to his voice that captures some of the uncertain emotion in the lyrics and delivers them in a way that pulls me into them. I like to hear Full Eclipse sing. 

All of the musical elements are well thought out and subtly emphasize the atmosphere of each song. Nothing takes over or fades too much and the musical choices are superb. I’d especially like to mention Michael W. Stuart’s sax work on the album as I feel that his performance drives the music’s emotion home. 

 My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“This Place Has Power” comes to life as heavy bass flows out underneath raised, effulgent notes that wander through the music with sharp edges. Now strong drums move in and pulsate with guiding energy as synth flows out with soothing motion and the active low end gives the track shape. Now we drift into a calming section in which tranquil notes caress the ears and the track slips into silence.

Gleaming notes move above deep bass with a sharp edge sound in the distance as “Reeling” opens. Metallic chimes ring out and the drums and bass create a steady pulse as Full Eclipse’s unique voice chants the words.

Bereft emotion fills the vocal melody. Flaring notes blossom out as the drums and bass keep smoothly guiding the music. I enjoy the chanting quality of the vocals while piano notes jump out into the track. This song has an undeniable heartbeat. Drums batter and piano chords move as the song grows in power.

Bright notes ripple through and the percussion keeps throbbing. Now the track moves into a peacefully drifting section as the piano has a rather melancholy feeling and the low end pushes forward. Guitar cries out now with keening notes moving above the steady low end pulse before the song ends.

Our storyteller starts off with a powerful image as “frost glasses blur the cold moonlight from here to there then it's passing away.” He talks about a house angled into one's line of sight that gives the impression of something imprisoned within.

The narrator says that it's the last stop and a first look at a new home. He talks about old habits spread and magnified and a fire burned down to embers. In the new house there's a new life to step into.

In a sudden rush the storyteller is reeling out of “this broken house is coming loose and rising high and catching fire" as it all falls apart and collapses.

There's a “slow motion shattering of glass” and the windows flash as they fall. The narrator is outside now and there's no going back. He finds himself staring into mirrors as he crawls.

Now the storyteller is being pelted by rain “driven down through riven skies." the path that he was promised hasn't appeared and he has to push through the night " to realize everything's lost in time." He continues to slip by and find himself "reeling out into the very last. "

“More” starts out as elevated noises drift as big drums and muscle base moves below a sort of choral sounding synth. Extended, medium-low notes play out into the music as the drums and bass keep pulsing. Gritty, shining synth moves with Full Eclipse’s deeply felt voice as chimes shimmer.

The low end has an insistent quality as the wide sounding, glowing synth flows through and the piano adds warmth and a moving quality as it echoes out. Gigantic bass rumbles and the drums are even as glistening, medium-low notes shift. Full Eclipse’s vocal performance skillfully creates depth and emotional engagement.

Piano floats out with a minor key shadow touching It as the low end floats below. Chimes flicker brightly while the vocals exhale with a softly whispering quality. The guitar calls out with fuzzy edges as the drums touch softly. The track ends on bursting drums, Full Eclipse’s melancholy voice and flickering chimes while the guitar twists in the distance.

The narrator talks about waves crashing down on “hearts and minds erased in sound” as we feel change inside of ourselves. All of us hold on as we “brace against the flow.” The narrator asks if change is so wrong because “ we haven't felt the power in a long, long time now.”

Our storyteller says that for our whole lives we couldn't help but bend. We had a perfect view ahead of “rolling waves and what they send." Now we can see “a face in the clouds, a storm in the distance so people will take their time, battle for more, ride the waves and “open up till we drift away.

A low hanging moon glows and the narrator says that the water “ folds us in ”as the moonlight shines through it and glimmers off of one's skin. The rolling waves open up a door and “we’re hand in hand as we stand at the edge saying “no, more, I want more.”

Colossal bass pounds while quickly pulsing synth notes cut in to commence “Highway Nipigon.” Full Eclipse’s vocals have a floating and distant quality while plaintive synth cries out in extended lines. Guitar winds through while Full Eclipse’s voice contains tremulous expression within it.

The drums keep calling while the guitar expresses melancholy and wistful feelings. Full Eclipse captures a world of feeling in his voice with an ominous touch. The guitar calls out with warmth and yearning while the gigantic drums keep guiding the music. I enjoy the way in which the vocals encapsulate the emotion of the lyrics.

Chimes sparkle with solar brightness while the low end throbs on. The vocal melody conveys a feeling of loss within it and there's vulnerability in the music. The guitar in the distance adds to the emotional depth of the music. Full Eclipse’s unique voice carries the song.

Our storyteller talks about adding a “splash of new paint” as he and another person are rolling away. He says they took back themselves, their "no look back" selves because they weren't planning on staying.

The narrator creates an image of “carriage horses under the sky” travelling west with “foaming mouths and rolling eyes” He says that all of the “motion and feel seems so real.” He talks about moving into the light which creates sharpened sight to see "how we look when we're unconcealed.”

We are warned by the storyteller that "there's always blood-soaked wolves out there." He speaks of shaking it apart and saving the best part. He adds that they'll “ stop pretending without ending.” The storyteller goes on to say the pictures have been erased as they're rolling away.

The narrator talks about crossing the highway as the “ night changed to day.” He speaks of wide-ranging emotion on far away vistas as they move “towards a new sun. ”

“Current Sky” opens as fragile chimes shimmer while bass glides out along with intertwining guitar echoing into the distance. There's peace within the Music as the guitar chords flow out. Now drums create shape as chimes twinkle and full eclipses voice has pain and tenderness within it as it carries the caressing melody.

The drums and bass are subtle while the scintillating chimes add delicate light. A reverent quality fills Full Eclipse’s voice along with hurt. Illumination radiates from the music while the vocals enfold the listeners' ears. Now the drums rebound and a saxophone lends gutsy, emotive strength to the music while the bass flares underneath.

I enjoy the emotion in the saxophone as it calls out with passionate feeling as the drums gently guide the music underneath. The saxophone reaches a crescendo, howling out with feeling as flashing chords repeat. Full Eclipse’s voice takes hold of my heart and the song ends with sparkling light and slipping bass.

The narrator creates an image of the song subject’s cloud moving on “in a broken sky.” He says that all of the other person's cares came along with them. He goes on to say that he "almost saw your point of view " but at the last moment he saw the whole of the other person.

Our storyteller says that “you push too much in slow dreams and quote and learn that the more you push “the slower they turn.” He says that the other person is waiting in the sky for current news and “for the high power with the human views.”

When the song’s subject was "coming back from that state of strange” the narrator saw them change as they clawed at the air. He talks about how they “went above the clouds in the current sky” and above the moon until they died.

Our storyteller points out that they say that everything lost gets replaced by something new. He adds that “ for all that we know it could add to the whole of you.” He talks about “every intricate low and one singular high” all being reflected in the other person's eyes, full of desperation.

He concludes “I saw you were above the clouds in the current sky, wave goodbye. "

Swelling notes are joined by echoing piano and guitar with a digital sound that climbs above it as trumpet-like synth floats to start “True Looking Glass.” Piano notes scintillate, interlocking with guitar that winds through with vague darkness pouring from it and bass moves to the slightly hissing background adds depth.

The guitar melody has a wonderfully haunting quality and the piano and some weight. The drums softly pulse to shape the music while synth tendrils wrap around the low end. The drums are strong while the piano feels lost. The entire track exudes feelings of openness mingled with more tragic feelings

“Witness Us” commences as fuzzed out, gritty guitar moves with solid drums and heavy bass. broad chimes ring out with a metallic edge as the drums pulse. Smoking Gore’s vocalist has a full voice with dark shadings that pulls me in while the drums tap in the distance and a gently swirling, somewhat ominous sound.

The drums clash and the chorus comes in with a sense of threat hovering in the background. Guitar adds a nervous feeling while the drums keep tapping. An elevated, hollow synth flows through with a disconnected sensation while the drums hit hard. The vocals fade out as gruff noise moves in the distance and bells with a harsh quality ring. A haunting feeling permeates the music.

Wide sounding bells call out as if hit with a hammer and the massive drums guide the chorus. Now the guitar winds out in a ghostly melody and the drums tower over the music. The drifting melody has a terrified quality in it while the low end batters. The piano rings out now with a melody conveying a sense of bereft pain as bass floats of the distance.

Minor key shadings permeate the piano as we flow through a section where reverent sound continues in a long line and electric bass moves below as the drums hit hard again. The guitar cries out with strength and confusion as the drums press onto a conclusion.

Our narrator warns us to be careful "what you whisper around your little spy” and speaks about how people are prone to taking the suggestions made by certain online companies' algorithms. He talks about how when one feeds these devices information, along with supplying reactions, we shape the way in which they respond.

The storyteller talks about this digital information like firing a gun. He goes on to ask " don't you feel connected, ain't all your nervousness gone?" He continues by saying that if people “think like we do, they will take the sky. "

Our narrator ends by saying that we’ll “supply destruction, there's nowhere to hide” and as the song fades one can hear him add that he wishes he never turned the device on.

Piano chords with deep power move along with a steadily flowing, smooth synth flow float “Path of the Knife.” The guitar climbs up above, full of emotive power as the piano cuts in and calls out. The drums brush and then Full Eclipse’s resonant voice carries the shadowed melody.

The piano continues to flash with clean, clear notes. The drum beat guides the music as the piano carries a melody with a hint of warmth and yearning. It also has light flowering from it as bells slip past and the drums throb. Panpipes contribute a breathy component and the low end pulsates.

Full Eclipse's voice fills the music with deep feeling as a huge drums trip past. The guitar adds more weight to the music and the piano intertwines with it, almost triumphant. The song comes to an end with soaring guitar.

The storyteller begins by saying that in the twilight “we saw ice crystal things suddenly appear." He talks about saying that they looked up into the early night sky at the moon and “felt the slow hush in the frozenair. "

Our narrator asks why we should ever look down because "we can watch the sky revolve while we stand still." He adds that we become “frozen in the path of the knife that has time to kill. "

Now the storyteller stands like a still life “in the path of a knife.” He says that in their town, in the darkness, the knife will tear them apart. Again they're frozen in time, looking up at the sky. Meanwhile the knife is moving “travels its arc and finds its mark "

“Welcome Home” begins with solid drums and worshipful synth flowing out as piano entangles and Full Eclipse’s voice shivers with desolate emotion. Soothing piano notes float while tremulous synth moves. Full Eclipse imbues his voice with complex emotion as piano notes flutter through.

Now the drums pulse alone into open space. The vocals capture the full range of the lyrics and their deep feeling. There's something meditative in the music as the piano slides through with warmth and heartache. Deep yearning suffuses the piano melody and the low end shapes the music. I am touched by the performance that Full Eclipse gives here.

The saxophone climbs in with a heartbreaking feeling pouring out from it. The music’s emotional tenor is reflected in this solo with its jazzy wanderings. Piano rings out the background and Full Eclipse tugs at the heartstrings with his singing. The saxophone carries the song out above the gliding background with intense feeling filling it.

The storyteller says that he's never seen a night look like this ever before and “the lightning that strikes leaves a lasting brushstroke on the front door.” He goes on to say that they'll step inside the familiar glow of a place with which they're well acquainted. They’ll greet each other there while the memories flow.

Our narrator contrasts the warmth of the previous lines by talking about how it's a house of “quiet unrest” that feels tense and expectant. It's quiet and lonely but still feels “ right at home” in spite of the inevitable presence of death. As he stares off into the darkness, he says he hopes to hear the front door open wide.

The storyteller goes on to say that “with a shiver and a sigh, I'll look deep in your eye and I'll say welcome home, step inside.” He talks about how downstairs there is both a lie and a light before concluding “don't say a thing, I don't care, tonight I'll let you in.”

Conclusion

In Place Of Power unfolds in a long tide of deep feeling, skillful songwriting and one of a kind vocal performances from full eclipse. When one adds in the well thought out musical backing, one ends up with one of the most emotionally engaging synth-based albums out there right now.