DRAVEN - Massacre Blood Club

Review by Atomic Robo-Kid

That's right! Athens, Greece-based Dark Synth Artist Draven has a new album out: 'Massacre Blood Club'. Which is very welcome news as it's been almost two years since his previous, 'Abyssal Arcana'! Thankfully we have had an array of blistering singles to see us through and sustain our addiction to dark, deep beats, face melting bass and horror movie homages! With each single we have borne witness to an already highly skilled artist further developing his craft, an evolution of sound design and direction whilst cleverly maintaining his roots of dwelling in the darkest abyss! The host of collaborative tracks on 'Massacre Blood Club' have undoubtedly provided Draven with opportunities to explore EDM, EBSM, D&B and other genres whose titles consist entirely of acronyms! All that, and Dark Techno and Dubstep which I don't think have their own acronyms yet! 

I begin to prepare myself for a night on the town, a night to revel in the infamous, the notorious, yet secretive 'Massacre Blood Club'. I’m eager to feast on the flesh of mortals and further quench my thirst for that red liqour which I now crave. I know tonight is going to be like no other! Tonight will see the sacrifice of the blasphemers, the morbid additions to the torso sculpture in the pit and a night of the darkest, Skull crushing music! Let's begin...

I'm greeted into the club by deep atmospheric Trance stabs, police sirens pierce the wall of sound briefly. This is a troubled neighbourhood. 'Seductive Meat Grinder' (feat. Sebastian Komor) is an incredible kick-start to the album! An EBM style dance floor filler fuelled by thumping beats, rhythmic breaks and deep soul swallowing melodies. This club is full of pain with fresh blood on tap. This is my kinda place! 

An eerie high pitched soundscape backed by an almost muffled and reverberated, very cool, underground breakbeat sequence serves as introduction to 'Encryption' (feat. Tim N). This track, for me, showcases how Darksynth song writing can be incorporated into a Drum & Bass song structure. It has those skull crushing kicks and dark atmospheric moments associated with Darksynth juxtaposed with the rolling drums and percussion associated with Drum & Bass. This track is packaged up nicely, serving up plenty of intrigue and I'd say there's even some links with 90's underground club culture. For me, at least, bringing back some very fond memories. 

'Stained On The Mainframe' has a beautifully dark, eerie, cinematic feel to it. Filled with suspenseful moments that are fuelled by neoclassical sounds and melodies played out on a mechanical music box. The suspense is torn apart with earth shattering kicks and Dubstep style baselines. There's plenty of pent up aggression in the twisting and evolving bass that infects the orchestral parts somehow increasing the angst to the max. A suitable soundtrack whilst watching John Kramer or Patrick Bateman at work, perhaps! 

Blood is why I'm here, as I drink back more from the human prey restrained by chains lining the walls of The Massacre Blood Club. 'In The Taste Of Blood' (feat. CONNÖR) is heighted ecstasy, quenching my thirst for blood and lust for dark beats. Acid leads create a delicious, rave auditory aesthetic. Which, I feel is pretty unique given that it sits at the forefront of emotion deeply darkend by sounds of terror! 

'Not Your Kind' (feat. The Static Architect) really took me by surprise! I wasn't expecting a vocal track, but I'm very happy to hear one as I've often wondered what new dynamics vocals would bring to Draven's work! The results are an Industrial, Darkwave style track, slightly lower BPM than the others on this album. The vocal talents of The Static Architect needs to be commended as we experience an awesome array of vocal skills. I love it! 

'X-Stacy' (feat. Teknovore), is a gloriously dark progressive, minimal deep Trance affair with touches of Techno. The coupling of dark up tempo beats and Techno style melodies works in perfect harmony, I challenge you not to want to move to this!

‘Redrum 8’ starts, as a gently elevating intertwined melody that progresses with deeper undertones. A solid kick and rising drum succession launches us into a higher state of consciousness. The track encorporates an elaborate acid bass line. Which, evolves and sweeps through to deep and dirty. Powerful kicks smash through the acid bass and when coupled with the more gritty rhythmic bass makes parts of this track particularly heavy. 

We peel away the outer tissue and peer inside the inner workings of the human brain with 'Through The Cerebral Cortex' (feat. We Are Magonia). Our fears are immediately tapped into with sounds of torturous equipment, that provide interesting percussive elements. The dirty Dubstep bass in conjunction with horror ridden synthesised industrial tones create a magnificent tension. A very well constructed soundscape! 

'D3ATH' is aptly named, our soul is ready for collection as distorted church bells ring and faint sounds of ritualistic chanting plague our senses. We are plunged into a sonic abyss where musical boundaries blur and we are thrust into an intense onslaught of thunderous bass, precisely laid drops and distorted synth that paint sounds of a macabre aesthetic. 

Don't be fooled by the introduction to 'Blasphemy' (feat. We Are Magonia), the almost cheerful melody is quickly wiped out of existence by brutal bass and sinister sampled sounds of horror. Syncopated percussion and violent outbursts of bass are at the forefront of this cleanly produced track. Truly powerful moments that weave dark atmospheres and aggressive beats into the Hell filled chasm. 

Just when you thought that insane and macabre night at the 'Massacre Blood Club' was over the DJ has one last, BONUS track, to get you on that dance floor. So, get ready knock back the '777' and prepare to for this Dark Techno, Mid Tempo stomper of a track! Eerily atmospheric yet euphoric in equal measure! There's plenty of groove, glitches and heart pounding kicks that you won't be able to resist moving to!

Overall, Draven's 'Massacre Blood Club' is a ruthless sonic ride! It's overloaded with pounding beats that bleed dirty bass whilst seamlessly blending haunting melodies with fierce beat sequencing. The album immerses listeners into a dark, atmospheric world, where each track feels like a descent into the subconscious depths of the darkest regions of your mind! It's equally compelling as it is terrifying! An immersive experience where listeners are confronted with a gripping fusion of a range of Dark Electronic Music genres resulting in visceral sonic exploration. This album combines elements deeply associated with Darksynth and Horrorsynth genres and injects dangerous doses of adrenaline that mutate it into a hybrid monster out for blood! A series of muderous tracks that must be heard loud in a dark clubbing experience! 

The collaborations and subsequent fine tunings of Draven's repoirture are testament to Draven's mastery of Dark music production. He delivers an unapologetically intense and alluring array of emotions capable of sweeping you away to alternate realms. 'Massacre Blood Club' will resonate with enthusiasts of the darkest depths of electronic music. Enter the lair of Darkness, of beats and movement, of lustful euphoria!

You're welcome inside the "MASSACRE BLOOD CLUB", become one of us.

For More Draven, visit draven1980s.bandcamp.com

Caspro - Coastal Edge

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Caspro’s Coastal Edge evokes all of the moods and beauty of the ocean through rich synth sounds. There are moments of aquamarine calm, shadings of tidal power and sunlit shallows in which to bask. Caspro and his guests weave a layered, intricate sonic tapestry that invites listeners to lay on the beach or float in the ocean as Coastal Edge unfolds.

Caspro’s masterful ability to create auditory imagery shines through on Coastal Edge. His synth choices, compositions and skillful ability to interweave different sonic layers enables him to paint strong imagery in the listener's mind. Each track transports me through varied seascapes from sun-drenched beaches to deep blue water while releasing all of my tension and allowing my mind to roam.

I enjoy Caspro and his guests’ well chosen synth combinations as they allow the music to gain depth and complexity as each track evolves. They managed to generate interactions that create microtonal moments, lush textures and ear catching sonic combinations. There's intense creativity to the way in which the synth layers work together on this album to add interest and dynamism.

Beautiful melodies abound on Coastal Edge. Caspro writes melodies that are gorgeous, emotional and transporting. I enjoy the nuance of his writing and the way in which he can capture the listener and carry them away. I am drawn to the variety and engaging qualities within each melody as they add to the atmosphere of the album.

Another aspect that attracts me to Coastal Edge are the guest performers working with Caspro. Each of them brings their own unique musical vision while still fitting into the album’s overall audio canvas. They add more depth and interest to the music with their contributions.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Beach Gaze” comes to life as gently touching chords swell through a slight haze and the music creates the impression of waves brushing against sand. The chords are warm and slowly flashing synth pulses in the distance. Bass undulates in deep waves as the chords shift.

Elevated, softly radiant synth flickers out in synchronized motion while bass rumbles. Trumpeting synth carries the main melody, mingling soothing feelings with a slight uncertainty. Raised, brassy notes echo in a choppy pattern as vibrating synth trembles while luminosity fills the background.

The volume swells as a broad series of bright notes flare out. Drums and bass add form to the music while gleaming notes ring out. Brassy synth leaps in shaking lines as the low end drives on. I enjoy the tremulous quality combined with the sense of tranquility. The main melody wanders a little above the massive low end as the song comes to an end.

Echoing, glistening notes ring out and form a steady heartbeat as base drops in and gentle sound floats past to open “Drift.” Massive bass surges while being doubled by a steadily shifting, illuminating throb.

Elevated, enfolding notes form a peaceful and pained melody that drifts above the huge low end. The drums burst while the melody wraps around me with serene melancholy. Chimes float through with a crystalline ring as the low end’s tidal surge goes on.

The chimes add light and an echoing, breathy sound forms its own pulsation. The main melody draws me in with its combination of aching emotion and tenderness. Elevated, glimmering synth flows past easily and silence falls.

“Coastal Edge” opens as rippling, tumbling synth spins out above huge bass and smoothly pulsing drums that create an evenly flowing feeling. There's an oceanic power in the music which evokes surging, gigantic currents in a way that pulls me in.

Revolving, sharp-edged synth creates motion as vibrating notes move with intense light. Metallic, medium-high synth carries a melody with a hint of nobility. Full-sounding, slightly nasal sounding notes tumble down again while the bass throbs.

The track returns to the twirling, repeating synth’s tidal flow as luminosity flows from the blaring synth while softer tremulousness moves and glowing notes echo with a sense of strength filling them before the track ends.

Calming, rounded synth delicately descends and climbs with gentle lustre to start “Sea Within.” Deep peace permeates the softly shining synth as it undulates like a kelp forest moving in a sun dappled ocean. A tinge of darkness touches the music before brightness flashes out as bass well drifts past.

Tension leaves me as the music washes over me like cool, oceanic water and carries me past all of the cares of the day. Images of aquamarine water come to me and the tender melody flutes out with soothing sensations filling it. This music gives space for contemplation and relaxation as the track draws to an end.

“Plume” commences as solid bass pulses while gentle, swirling sounds drift in the background and the drums come in to guide the music. An airy, woodwind-like instrument carries a mysterious melody out over the rebounding low end. Laid back, soothing sensations fill the music and now the deep bass throbs along with the drums. Descending, intertwining synth spins out with a flaring motion.

Full-sounding, soft-edged notes dance together while the drums pulse and the bass undulates. A trembling synth carries a melody that wanders and drifts, like a dandelion seed on the water as it flows smoothly. Twirling notes intertwine to form a steadily revolving pattern while the drums touch lightly. Flashing notes move in the distance and the drums and bass grow in strength.

Now open-voiced, slightly twisting synth carries the pained and haunting melody, touching so gently. Drums and bass rebound together while the arpeggios move through to add texture. A worshipful sound swells in the background and electric bass contributes another sonic dimension. The main melody beautifully mingles loss, tenderness and an indefinable sadness as the song ends.

Bright notes vibrate in steady motion and bass descends slowly to open “Turning Tides.” The bass oscillates with deep power as drums add shape to the music. in the distance, delicate sounds flow and a luminous, tremulous synth carries a tentative melodic pattern.

The filigreed melody shifts above lightly touching drums. Vibrating notes ring out with fragile glow as the base oscillates far below. The percussion’s guiding heartbeat moves and shimmering synth echoes out into space. The drums and bass keep moving on while the flaring melody calls out.

I get the sense of great motion beneath the surface as the melody wanders out. Mystery and uncertain emotion is carried by a glistening synth before the track comes to an end.

“Viewing Place” begins as a richly expanding synth moves over slowly pulsing, breathy notes. Colossal drums punch in along with muscled bass as synth waves wash through. Sharp light cuts in while the low end pulsates strongly.

The medium-high, lambent lead synth carries an uneven melody above the powerful low end. The melody compels me with its dynamic illumination, touched by more aching sensations. Now an expansively bubbling synth grows and strengthens as the bass rises underneath.

The crisp drums guide the music while softly radiant synth carries a shadowed melody. Glimmering synths tumble together to become a steadily surging pulsation. The main melody sails in with its slightly broken motion and trumpeting qualities to end the track.

Gigantic bass hits hard while brilliant synth forms a steady motion and drums add shape to open “Horizon Infinite.” A sense of forward progress fills the music as light glitters through. I enjoy the trance inducing quality of the insistently pulsating synth as it fills the track.

Washing sounds flow through and shivering, glaring synth drifts out and a diaphanous melody slides above it. Lightly touching drums keep the pulse going as cascading synth wanders in rapid motion.

Metallic sounding, smooth synth carries a melodic pattern, increasing the music’s hypnotic motion. The gossamer melody slips past with a feeling of loss permeating it. Steady, flashing synth repeats before the track draws to a close.

Conclusion

Coastal Edge evokes the complexity of human emotion as it relates to the ocean. It captures beauty, uncertainty and liminality as it unfolds. Caspro and his musical collaborators have created an album full of layers, textures and atmosphere. I enjoy being transported by the music here.

JESSY MACH - Legacy of Ages EP

Review by Karl Magi

JESSY MACH’s Legacy of ages combines the artist’s distinctive sound with strong melodies, beautiful auditory textures and a sense of gentle remembrance. This EP carries listeners on an engaging auditory adventure.

“Legacy of ages” commences as peaceful, gently illuminated synth glides while a bass pulse throbs beneath. Now broadly bursting drums create a steady pulse while tranquil, elevated synth sweeps past. The drums and bass have a definable heartbeat while leaping chords scintillate.

Rising strength fills the music as the triumphant, encouraging melody sings out on effulgent synth. In the background, a trickling digital sound runs past while the melody reaches out with affectionate warmth. The low end creates drive as the main melody slips out above it.

Peace fills me and a flickering digital pattern flits past. The melody shines now, evoking feelings of progress and victory, while the drum beat pulses on. The track slides into a delicate segment in which sunny, distorted notes flow past. The melody grows gentler in the music while the string-like synth intertwines.

An ominous rushing sound opens “Electric dreams” as muscled percussion surges in. Intense, sunny glare fills the lead synth as it calls out with bursting energy and the hard-hitting kick drum complements the powerful bass.

A snare drum pushes the music forward as sparkling, rapidly trembling synth explodes with luminosity. Bass thunders while tightly twirling notes create drama. An inspiring, invigorating melody leaps into the music, carried on a shiny synth.

Guitar slices in now, crying out with passion. Revolving arpeggios spin smoothly and the percussion punches weightily. The guitar sings again, climbing up with explosive light erupting from it, while the low end drives on.

I enjoy the guitar melody’s vaulting nature. Flashing, glistening synth climbs up above to add even more shine. The guitar solo is intricately interwoven and drips soaring energy as it spins out with wildlife before the track ends.

“Sundrenched drive” starts with a steadily pulsing drum beat and glimmering notes growing in strength as the hard-hitting bass mixes with the powerful drums to generate forward motion. The melody moves in on sharp-edged, refulgent synth which creates a placid, easy going feeling.

Xylophone drifts through with brittle illumination and an arpeggio contributes flashing sunlight. The low end creates gentle propulsion as expansive arpeggios twirl while the drums burst. Now the settling melody slips past, carried on a softly luminescent synth. The xylophone adds a unique texture to the music while lustrous chords dance out.

A bending, wide sounding synth echoes, carrying an exuberant melody as it leaps out. The drums and bass keep pulsating underneath and warm chords evoke pleasing feelings of cruising down winding roads in sunset light before the track comes to an end.

Soothing, smoothly flowing synth with rounded edges drifts out to begin “College memories.” The synth notes form a steady undulation before drums come in to shape them as they slip through the music. The bass throbs underneath to guide the music forward as twanging guitars cut in.

There's steady forward motion while wandering notes with a broad sound flit through. The main melody has a dreamy quality, carried on a wide sounding synth that sails out above the pulsing low end. I enjoy the main melody’s restful, nostalgic mood. Bouncing notes sing out in a warm flow as the drums rebound in half time.

As the drums return with their full pulse, the synth melody calls out, doubled by a guitar with a rather majestic feeling as it slips through the music. Now the guitar moves softly through a gliding section before the low end drives forward again. The lead melody enfolds the listener, carrying us away on a tide of meditative thought.

Again the drums slow to half time as the melody shimmers out more gently before the guitar cuts in again. The guitar adds more power as it cascades, carrying a solo with passion and intricacy as the drums pulse and the synth soars. The track draws to an end on a tide of uplifting yet slightly melancholy melody before it ends.

“Pacific pulse” starts off as rising, glistening synth chords are joined by a bouncing percussive pulsation. Scintillating luminosity flows out from the lead synth that carries a soothing, energizing melody. The drums and bass create an even heartbeat as they add motion.

Now solar glow radiates from the lead synth as it frolics through the music, carrying encouraging feelings. Chimes carry a positive melody, filling me with excited anticipation. Drums flourish as trumpeting notes contribute light.

Wildly twisting synth cries out in wandering lines that explode with life. Chiming notes flare out again, filling me with uplifting emotion. Gentle arpeggios drift and flashing synth unwinds in revolving motion while drums and bass carry the music to an end.

Swelling bass, lightly touching drums and tranquil chords open “She was right here (Cruiser mix).” Glimmering, broad sounding synth carries a melody that mixes tenderness and summery warmth. Choppy vocals add a unique quality while the soft-edged chords interlock.

Xylophone-like sounds create a trickling, textured pulse as they ripple and widely shining synth carries a melody evoking feelings of passion and energy. Now the chopped up vocals move above the undulating bass and guiding drums.

Caressing chords drift out and elevated, serene synth carries an enfolding melody. Sparkling notes flare together and a brassy synth calls out with flashing light. Majestic chords pour luminance into the track and the melody lifts me up and carries me away on its gleaming sounds.

NINA + RADIO WOLF - My Dark + Bluesbreaker

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

2023 was quite the year of re-emergence and re-imagination for Berlin-based Synthwave Queen, NINA. We saw a darker and sultrier side with her collaborative EP entitled “Lust” with Los Angeles and Athens, Greece artist Kid Moxie, distributed by cult label Italians Do It Better. Then she returns to solidify her throne as the one and true Queen of Synthwave with the explosive full-length, “Scala Hearts” - the collaborative LP with legendary British producer and songwriter, Ricky Wilde. This time, Nina doubles down with her frequent collaborator, partner-in-crime and ultimate stage companion, Berlin-based Canadian producer and songwriter, Radio Wolf with back-to-back singles entitled “My Dark” and “Bluesbreaker” - arguably, the best offering to date from their project together. Both tracks burn with playful and tantalizing dark romance, yet each one carries its own distinctive and infectious vibe.

“My Dark” is the more experimental of the two. The track starts off with a groovy electronic bass arpeggio dripping in cool, bringing Pulp Fiction vibes to mind with Nina singing her verses in this coy yet icy tense delivery, sprinkled with sultry breathy effects in between. Then the song drops into a vivid and super lush dark neon noir chorus - a particular stylistic vibe expected from Radio Wolf. One of the most interesting sections is the bridge with haunting, unsettlingly beautiful, glistening arps that seem to transport listeners into the Twilight Zone, followed by Radio Wolf’s tastefully tempered yet efficient guitar atmosphere work. Part retro-futuristic analogue with a very slight touch of darkwave, “My Dark” is danceable throughout and ends in a wistful resolve with a brief semi-acapella from Nina.

Then things get raunchy with “Bluesbreaker.” Upbeat and lo-fi, the track sends vintage bluesy rock vibes packed with some grit with the heavy bass and guitar hooks and full, rocked out drums. Radio Wolf showcases his guitar lead bravado, combined with special effects that emulate synths and electronic sounds at times, with Nina’s jeweled and seductive vocals providing a cooling effect in the heated atmosphere. “Bluesbreaker” is a fantastic new brand of electronica-infused rock and roll that is much-needed.

Both “My Dark” and “Bluesbreaker” are quite a surprise turn in both artist-producers’ repertoires, both presenting familiarity while exploring new territories in a stunning new direction that’s fresh and breaks away from genre formulas. Both releases bring something mighty and new to the table.

“My Dark” is out now. “Bluesbreaker” comes out on March 15th.

Enjoy both on iloveninamusic.bandcamp.com

For more info visit:

www.iloveninamusic.com 

www.radiowolfmusic.com