Cat Temper - Still Just a Cat in a Rage

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Cat Temper’s Still Just a Cat in a Rage is innovative, playful, and full of prog influences. The way in which the artist combines auditory layering, fascinating and even bizarre synth sounds, and wildly exploratory musical expression comes together into one of his most fascinating and experimental albums yet.

There's a complexity and intelligence to the way in which Cat Temper puts together Still Just a Cat in a Rage’s synthesized soundscape. Cat Temper manages to interweave constantly shifting sonic textures, stacking synth sound on synth sound in order to bring aural interest into his music. The way in which he constantly surprises and delights with his synth combinations pulls me further into the music.

I am also drawn to Still Just a Cat in a Rage by the fascinating array of different sounds Cat Temper uses. There's everything from sparkling delicacy to bending, squelching oddness woven into a compelling tapestry. Once again, I find the playful nature of this artist's music charming. He isn't afraid to suddenly throw in a sound that generates joy or a smile along with the clearly carefully worked-out sound design.

The way in which Cat Temper moves between stylistic and emotional states is another strong aspect of this album. One track can embody gentleness, explosive energy, and intriguing sounds while changing tempo and direction. Cat Temper keeps the music enjoyable and under control. He knows just when to let go and when to pull back in order to create the mood or feeling at which he aims.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The World Is a Vampurr” opens with violently rushing bass that undulates as a snare drum rapidly accelerates, and the low end batters ferociously. Unrelenting anger pours from the charging drums and bass as roaring guitar bursts in raging pulses. Roundly flanging notes wobble into the track as the guitar continues to growl.

Now the drums cascade and rebound as distant, metallic-sounding notes echo and sharply spinning, string-like synth twirls past. The track then floats through a faraway section in which a broadly sweeping synth slowly vibrates and shifts, creating an unsettling auditory atmosphere. I feel compelled by this music's complexity.

The track transitions to a quickly driving, angular drum and bass pulse, while nasal-sounding, dark-edged synth beams through the music with a haunting energy. Chimes echo with ominous import as the towering low end shoves the music forward aggressively. Now digital-sounding, medium-high synth creates a reverberating pattern as the gigantic drums shatter the music.

Razor-edged chimes ring with threatening notes, and now a quickly tumbling, slashing synth falls through the music as the drums smash hard. Elevated, nervous notes fulminate the music with agitated discomfort, and the guitar growls in the background while the drums attack and the bass surges. Hectic notes spin, and the track ends.

Colossal, resounding synth oscillates with a feeling of lurking danger to commence “We Only Meow at Night”. The shadowy bass matches the synth undulations, and a bell-like synth waltzes through the music with rough-edged elegance as the snare drums rattle.

The wide-sounding, digitally glowing synth sways back and forth with a sense of something hidden. Organ-like notes churn through the music in a wandering, discomforting pattern as the broad lead synth melody roams with haunting, minor key emotion that shifts to major with a warm chord. Background notes expand and contract as the wobbling synth, tinged with a Theremin-like sound, continues to add spectral sounds.

Elevated notes briefly scream as the continually active background shifts. Taut, slightly atonal synth stumbles through the music before digital-sounding notes cut in. All of the interlocking synths wander and float with more ghostly emotion before the track ends on rapidly twirling bits of sound.

"Hissed and Gone" opens with a rapidly rushing, flat bass and hissing sounds. Guitar slashes with ferocious energy, and a steadily flashing pulse moves in between the hard-hitting guitar. Heavily punching synth growls with bursting energy, and the guitar cuts in with slashing claws. Full-sounding, digital synth skips and calls out with echoing energy, carrying a wandering pattern.

The drums and bass punch hard, and active bass undulates as the drums accelerate again. Twisting, floating synth carries a dramatic melody with a mysterious quality, which I enjoy. The round-sounding synth notes rise as expansive, medium-high synth with a rough edge dances, and the bass punches in with massive strength.

Wildly wandering sounds shiver for the music, and the drums flourish as the guitar batters into the music again, while metallic synth shimmers with enigmatic light, and the drums and bass continue to shove the track forward. There's darkly propulsive motion in this track as it comes to an end on raging guitar and laser-like sounds zapping into the music as angular notes fade.

"Howligan" kicks off as threatening bass descends and a rising sound cries out. Now the drums and bass create a rapidly driving pulse that leaps forward with galvanizing energy. In between, the massive bass towers, and we move into a swinging section in which the bass bounces and the drums create an easy-flowing beat.

The brass moves in with an almost ska-like feeling, swinging and jumping through the music like the big band era just moved in. I enjoy the eclecticism on display here. Now the track returns to its snarling, roaring self with churning energy as it blasts forward. The fierce energy is split by shining synth that slides with a blast of luminous strength as a haunting choir floats.

The swing section returns again, only slashed by the hard-hitting guitar that tears its way into the music. A glimmering synth dances through an active and slightly nervous melody as the brass synth blasts out. Again, the ferocious bass roars with unbridled energy before flickering notes fade.

"The Celestails" kicks off with bouncy, crushing bass swinging along with hard-hitting drums. Angular, minor key arpeggios leap with blaring light as the drums thunder. The swinging beat punches forward with thick strength and undeniable energy as bell-like synth echoes and dramatic lines undulate.

The minor key notes have a playful, sneaky feeling about them as they creep through the music. Rounded sounds echo, and again the hard-hitting drums and dense bass press the music forward. Shadowy notes climb dramatically before intensely brilliant synth cries out with a propulsive melody.

Gleaming arpeggios rapidly rotate, and the drums and bass move forward with unstoppable energy. Now medium-high, shining synth twists in a minor key dance that I find teasing and a great deal of fun. Towering, bending synth flows through the music with a steadily uplifting sensation as the gigantic low end thunders into silence.

"Furwell and Goodnight" comes into being with fat-sounding, reverberant synth throbbing out. It expands and contracts unctuously before a kick drum smacks into the track hard. Now a digital-sounding, warmly surrounding synth carries a melody full of gentleness and a feeling of tender emotion. Flashing notes with a metallic ring punctuate the steadily moving snare drum and hard-hitting low end.

The enfolding chords rise upwards on a full-sounding synth before growling, lacerating bass snarls and the steady pulse. The drums rebound, and now a crystalline synth sings an uplifting melody that is full of joy and encouragement. The bass is massive and active as the drums continue to shape the music. Twisting, harsh sounds move in contrast to the shining synth creating fascinating interactions that I enjoy.

From this aggressive, howling background, sharper-edged chords emerge with fierce illumination. A choir chants, and slowly rising lines intertwine, while clearer notes call out with positive emotion as the kick drum continues to throb. The snare drum comes in again as the dancing melody moves to a conclusion.

Conclusion

Still Just a Cat in a Rage takes Cat Temper into new sonic territory. I feel that this album exceeds his previous efforts in terms of experimental sounds, fascinating melodic moments and a genuine sense of play.  Still Just a Cat in a Rage is perhaps one of the most interesting albums that Cat Temper has ever created.

ODDER - At The Pace Of Death

Review by Atomic Robo-Kid  |  Album Art by Thierry Parrot

I have been following Odder's work closely, immensely enjoying his single releases and therefore have been long anticipating a multi track release. Well, finally that anticipation is over and my darkened soul is full of blood soaked joy at Odder's very first EP 'At The Pace of Death'. It was well worth the wait and my desire to plunge deeper into the soundscapes of atmospheric darkness, horror fuelled panic and uptempo aggression is well and truly satisfied,  'At The Pace of Death' pulls at your fears and delivers soul crushing intensity with well composed and intelligent use of never before heard glitches and bass lines! This packs one hell of a punch and will launch you into dark realms where dark pleasure awaits! You won't want to leave, so you better press play, hold on tight and enjoy the ride! Odder has such sights to show us!

The sights are of a shadowy, pulsating world where Darksynth and Horrorsynth, glitch sounds and dark orchestra seamlessly intertwine. This EP is masterfully produced, bringing us deep inside atmospheric worlds that evoke a sense of unease whilst simultaneously solidifing a heart pounding darkened euphoria that will captivate yet panic the listener.

The opening track, 'At the Pace of Death', sets the tone with layers of menacing synths that build a sense of impending doom, while glitchy percussive elements add a disorienting edge. Fast paced and meticulous deathly church organ rings out, as if played by death himself as you are plunged into the fast paced melodic synthwork. The track's progression is relentless, dragging you deeper into Odder's nightmarish vision. The host of well-positioned pauses and twisted church organ sounds fuel the adrenaline soaked fear and build a solid track structure.

The introduction to 'I Am Error' is Intense, broken samples are stitched together creating an uncomfortable and uncontrollable sense of fear. An electrical interference summons an overworldly spirit from the electromagnetic alternative realm. Full of glitchy sounds and bass, bass with a ton of real character, depth, movement and face melting harshness. The interplay between melody and this electrifying bass creates a hypnotic effect that you won't be able to stop yourself moving to!

'ecleaning' provides us with an amuse-bouche, cleansing our auditory palette before moving onto the next main course. At 1.05 minutes this short track sequences a diverse range of mechanical sounds, analogue TV feedback and well... distant screams and torment! Odder creates a feeling of malfunctioning machinery amidst an eerie, ambient backdrop. It's equally beautiful and unsettling at the same time! A collection of sounds that you would hear if your VHS head cleaning tape was possessed by a cursed spirit or had been recorded over by a crazed sadist capturing their criminal acts of torture. Either way, I'm not sure I feel cleansed. But, you know actually perhaps I like that feeling of loosing control.

'Pagan Incantation for No Tomorrow' ramps up the intensity with aggressive synth leads and rapid-fire glitch effects. The relentless pace and abrasive textures create a sense of frantic urgency, like a chase scene in a dystopian nightmare. This track is sure to get pulses racing and hearts pounding.Towards the end of the track those high octave accent sounds and the chants of the believers are at the forefront of this rich sonic tapestry creating a clear sense of an approaching cataclysmic climax. The layering of vocal elements, with the illegible chanting, adds a welcome extra. I'm keen to join them and see what malevolent monster we can conjure up together! This is definitely a track that lingers long after it ends.

'The Clock Master' is an incredibly complex track that has taken a lot of skill to pull together and make work. Believe me Odder has done just that in this finely tuned production! All engulfing eerie clock noises create a sense that you are being controlled by a supreme being that can transport you to different realms and different times. Controlling you, making you relive difficult times and preventing any goodness that may lay in your destiny. A difficult entity to say the least! Torturous screams echo through spine breaking, explosive kicks which are ushered down by periods of creepy chanting. 'The Clock Master' is on the cusp of bringing armageddon to all of mankind and we are all his slave! If armageddon sounds this good, I'll confess to cheering on the end of mankind.

'Sinister Ghost Postlude' is the closing track in the EP. A slower tempo, but don't worry it continues to uphold that tension the rest of this EP is so damn good at! The haunting synths, samples and subtle glitches create an atmosphere of eerie desolation. There's plenty to keep you on the edge of your seats, and you don't quite know which direction the track will follow. In fact, that's pretty mainstay for Odder's work, the twists and turns and gripping suspense is just one of many reasons I'm a big fan! It's a fitting end, leaving the listener with a profound sense of terror. It's not for the faint hearted and I enjoy those heart stopping moments before the plummet into the unknown abyss. The glitches here act like digital spectres, haunting the intricate synth lines resulting in a very fine soundtrack to a terrifying horror movie.

Overall Impressions:

Odder has crafted a compelling journey through dark and desolate soundscapes, with heaps of heart stopping action, powerful percussion, glitched sounds and twisted bass lines. Intertwined within each track you'll uncover layers of unpredictability, complexity and an adrenaline fuelled thirst for blood. The perfectly composed orchestral moments and horror movie sounds cause sheer physcological torture that pin point your inner fears with clinical precision. All poised to hammer home a package of traumatic panicked terror to the forefront of the listening experience. This is a collection of tracks that could equally stand as soundtracks for the most chilling cinematic encounters as they could the darkest moments on a Dark Clubbing dance floor.

Each track stands strong on its own, but together they form a cohesive and immersive experience that is as engaging as it is unsettling. For fans of Darksynth, Horrorsynth and the darkest of electronic music, this EP is a must-listen. Odder's innovative approach to music making and terror manifestation ensures that 'At The Pace of Death' will not only satisfy but also haunt its listeners and may even spark a dangerous interest in summoning evil spirits! Prepare to be scared, open the box and succumb to the powerful sounds. Check out the links to listen to 'At The Pace of Death'.

For more Odder, visit oddersound.bandcamp.com

Coleurs - Everything's Temporary

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Coleurs’ Everything's Temporary drifts through dreaming soundscapes, full of longing and ache, but still tinged by hopeful moments. Coleurs captures the deep emotional content of his lyrics with a vocal performance that is full of delicacy and pain. The album’s atmosphere is luminous and fragile, contrasted by the powerful percussion and luscious bass. I am transported on a sonic journey as Everything’s Temporary unfolds.

Coleurs’ vocals are at the heart of Everything's Temporary. His voice is tender and full of heartstring tugging emotion with its ethereal qualities. I find that his manner of expressing his lyrics drives them home with gentle, but intense feeling. his voice can capture heartbreak and desolation in a way that is difficult to ignore. I think Coleurs’ vocals are the perfect compliment to this album's mood.

The songwriting on Everything's Temporary possesses expressive power. The lyrics push right into the heart of pain and wistful longing with clarity. The way in which Coleurs and his guest’s words lay bare raw emotion touches me and affects me strongly. I find that being drawn into the album’s feelings and expression brings me closer to the album’s mood and tenor.

As for Everything's Temporary’s atmosphere, the way in which Coleurs utilizes synth tones, timbres and textures increases the emotional impact created by the vocals and the lyrics. There is fragile beauty within the synth parts, punctuated by powerful bass and guiding percussion. The melodic writing on the album is also beautiful and the synth sounds chosen Coleurs match each song's melodic content.

I also want to acknowledge the guest artists (Joslynn Cortes, Parallels and Observer Drift) who contributed to the album. They each brought their own unique skills and sensibilities to bear while allowing Coleurs’ unique expression to shine. The balance they found is deeply pleasing.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Away” comes into life as luscious bass growls below sparkling notes that shimmer with delicate light. There's a peaceful flow as distant, soft-edged synth floats while the bass moves with tidal weight. Tranquility fills the higher notes as they swirl before beaming synth planes out in sharp-edged lines that expand above the delicately shifting low end.

Flickering notes are joined by a flourishing snare drum but cut in and fade as the bass washes. Now a labment arpeggio quarrels dynamically above the pounding kick drum, and the snare drum flourishes again.

Ragged edged, glistening chords leap out with an energizing force in a way I find thrilling as the exciting kick drum continues to pound. The twirling arpeggio imbues the music with motion as the rising notes add brilliant light, and the drums accelerate before silence falls.

Warmly glimmering synth moves in steady waves as bright notes add further illumination to open "Closer." The bass and kick drum throb as Joslynn Cortes’ voice carries hope and strength while the low end throbs and a ticking percussive sound adds more shape.

The bass rumbles as far away, flashing synth spins. Joslynn Cortes’ voice jumps into the chorus with lively joy and surrounding warmth as the drums and bass kick in. There's a throbbing heartbeat to the low end as the vocals call out with heartfelt emotion. Glowing synth carries a serene melodic pattern as the drums thump.

Now the track drives forward with conviction and motion. I enjoy the depth of feeling within Joslynn Cortes’ performance as the drumbeat trembles and gentle notes twirl. The vocals capture the emotion within the lyrics as a shimmering synth moves with the beat. The song ends on the shuddering drums and emotive vocals.

The storyteller sees the song’s subject from across the room, staring at her, and she says, "Your smile resonates within." They begin moving closer to one another, little by little. There's something she has to confess: "I just want to dance with you, just a little bit closer." She asks the song’s subject to run away with her, "where no one else can see, in a kaleidoscope of colour."

"This Life" starts off with gently drifting synths as soothing bass drops in below, washing over waves. The solidly pounding kick drum is joined by luminous synths that carry a caressing and expressive melody. Coleurs' airy, fragile voice carries the dreamy melody as the drums and bass heartbeat continue.

The chorus is delicate and hopeful, with medium-high synths adding solid support while twinkling notes shimmer. The track glides as the affectionately touching vocals move above the driving low end. I am drawn to the deep feeling within Coleurs' voice as he delivers the lyrics. Now, deep bass pulses and climbs as chimes glimmer, and the drumbeat adds a guiding feeling.

Medium-high, round-toned synths carry a warm-sounding pattern as the lead singer offers his hand to the song's subject. The big drums rebound, and Coleurs enfolds me in his softly emotive voice. The chorus flows out as the chiming notes glitter and the lower synth intertwines before the song comes to an end.

The narrator has found a new path to take by himself, but he says, "I'd rather not go it alone." He tells the song subject that they only have this life and "you got to find your way." He tells the other person to stay close, that he'll keep them safe, and "I'm not going away."

Our storyteller says that now that he's returned to his journey, "my life feels like it is turning; I'm drifting far away." All he can hear the song subject asking him is, "Why won't you just come back to me?" He says it isn't too late and that they can go back. He concludes, "I'll be right here; got a lot to learn."

Calming bass waves ripple as a distant circling synth and pounding drums swell to full strength to open "Lonely Night." Coleurs' ethereal voice hovers above the music with mournful, hopeful emotion as the drums and bass vibrate, and wide-sounding, gleaming synth moves with a throbbing beat above the massive bass.

Gossamer notes extend in long lines as the lead singer's vocals reach out with tremulous gentleness. Coleurs' voice touches my soul with its emotional power. Shining synth fills the music with radiance, softly intertwining as the drums and bass maintain their smooth heartbeat. Full-sounding synth intertwines as chiming notes flicker lightly and the low end motion continues.

Delicate, glistening notes carry a diaphanous, lightly touching melodic line. String-like synth reverberates into openness as the tidal bass glides. Sharper notes move along with angular sounds as the string-like synth twinkles. The drums rebound as the softly entangled, glinting synth mingles with Coleurs' heartfelt expression, illuminating all of the musical elements. The track ends with tenderness and a trembling touch.

The narrator has found his place but asks, "Is it too late?" He wonders if he can change the song subject's mind and says, "I know it's gonna take some time."

Our storyteller falls victim to the song subject. He finds himself on "another lonely night" and wants to make things right. He wonders, "Why can't I get you out of my mind?” Now he says, "It's been too long since we spoke," and he finds himself there all alone.

"Solace" begins with slowly turning, sweeping arpeggios and lush bass that begins to pulsate steadily below the galactically spinning arpeggios. A swelling, surrounding synth expands as ringing notes resonate with delicacy, and the colossal bass adds solidity and weight.

Bell-like notes tremble with tenderness as the arpeggios and bass create motion. Glittering notes flash with gem-like luminosity above the continually revolving arpeggios and bass depths. I pause and breathe, held within the music, as the arpeggios spin alone into silence.

Lustrous, floating synth glides with a gauzy flow before huge bass rumbles in to open "Empty." Gently lambent chimes shift above the massive bass, and the rebounding drums pound as Coleurs' voice flows through the music with soft expression.

The vocal melody radiates pain as the drums throb in an echoing pulse while the scintillating synth traces through the music. The underpinnings add shape to the music, the gigantic bass providing a rich background. Coleurs' vocals reach out with affecting emotion in a way that draws me in.

Now, the hovering notes trickle through the music with a light touch, and the bass fills the low end. The vocals are trembling with loss and longing as the flaring notes add diffuse illumination while the drums and bass throb. Coleurs' vocals are full of regret and yearning as elevated, sweeping notes shine with luscious light before the song ends.

Our storyteller feels empty as he lays on the grass, "watchin’ all the time pass." He says he doesn't want to give up and has to try to keep living. He adds that there isn't much left for him to do because "I played the game; you played it too." He says that they just keep running on empty.

The narrator points out that he watched the world change in front of his eyes. He says, "I feel like a slave to this economy." He adds that he hasn't got a car, so if he tries to leave, he won't get very far; they just keep running on empty. He concludes, "We’ll wash our lives away; we’ll watch our lives fade away."

"Growth" comes into being as bass vibrates underneath swelling, luminous synth notes. Broadly gleaming, slightly gruff synth chords shine as the background grows in power. The ringing notes are joined by quickly spinning piano-like arpeggios as string-like notes intertwine. The drums and bass drive forward with twirling synth, and Observer Drift carries the wistful melody in his expressive voice.

The lead singer mingles his own voice with Observer Drift’s, creating a layered harmony that I find ear-pleasing. The drums and bass press forward as shimmering arpeggios spin, and Observer Drift's vocals deepen the song’s emotional strength.

Gigantic bass swells as sharp-edged, crystalline synth contributes a sheen, while the full-sounding, glittering notes carry a melody that is hope-tinged, despite the empty feeling within the lyrics. Guitar rings out with a majestic and touching melody before the track ends.

The narrator says, "I need closure like I need air," but he can't find it anywhere. He notes, "There's a heavy fog still in my mind," and asks how he can rewind the experience.

Our storyteller asks to have everything he's got taken from him so that "there's nothing left to make this last." He needs his heart to let go of the song subject so that he can "face the pain to see the growth."

Life continues for the narrator, but it's a struggle. He says that he plays "your stories when I close my eyes." As he sits there, he runs back through his memories yet another time. He concludes that he needs his heart to let the other person go.

Brightly glittering chimes intertwine above slowly shifting bass to begin "Everything's Temporary." The chimes ripple as Coleurs' trembling vocals delicately carry a meditative melody, tinged with sadness. The sparkling synth washes over sunlit motes dancing as the bass moves below.

I enjoy the thoughtful, dreamy element of this track, emphasized by Coleurs' vulnerable vocals. The chorus adds an element of brightness and starry light, with the melody becoming more uplifting. Coleurs' voice trails through the music with deeply affecting emotion as string-like notes carry a slightly hurting melody.

The entangling notes ring out with vibrant illumination to support Coleurs' heartstring-tugging vocals above the steadily pulsing drums and bass. The percussion drops away as the guitar and the chimes create flickering light, and Coleurs' voice returns in his expressive tones.

Guitar notes move slowly and with soothing energy as the drums and bass add shape. The guitar cries out in a solo full of mournful emotion as the vocals convey the emotional sense within the lyrics. The track ends on a crying guitar and elevated notes calling out into silence.

Our storyteller says that "time's a tickin' clock" that moves on like a thought. He says as we age, our "hearts grow colder." He can see the end coming and feel "the disconnect." As the days pass by, he tries to make things last, but "everything's temporary."

The narrator only knows that he has to let go of things as "life drifts away." He adds that his material possessions tend to fade. He speaks of days passing that he tries to make last, but he adds that everything is still temporary. He says that he is "here all alone, nowhere to go," and asks what will become of him.

Now our storyteller says that his time has run out and he thought he’d be enough. He concludes that everything he knows is just a memory of which he has to let go.

Conclusion

Everything's Temporary carries listeners on an emotional exploration that is musically entrancing and full of expression. It's an album that I find moving and deeply relatable.

Arkavoid - A New Era

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Arkavoid’s A New Era carries listeners on a journey from death to victory through the eyes of a sophisticated android named Rebecca W-26 as she struggles against the corporation by which she was created. Arkavoid layers together intriguing synth sounds to build imagery and emotion. The way in which seething darkness mixes with growing triumph adds to the narrative aspects of this album. I enjoy the sonic adventure upon which I am taken by *A New Era.

One aspect of A New Era that initially drew me in was the atmospheric nature of Arkavoid’s musical creation. He skillfully weaves together varied synth sounds and textures to paint images that are vivid and engaging. The album is filled with pervasive shadows through which moments of melancholy or triumph shine. The artist has used his musical palette to tell the story he lays out for the album in tone, texture, and timbre.

Another element ofA New Era that I enjoyed was the richly built-up auditory layers. Arkavoid carefully considered all the different musical elements required to tell the tale of Rebecca W-26 and the Arkavoid Corporation. The result is music that has depth, emotional impact, and energy. There are always intriguing auditory moments as the different synth sounds interact, adding richness to the music.

The idea of contrast also attracts me to A New Era. Arkavoid has the ability to create strongly contrasting effects within his music. For instance, he can weave together threatening darkness with mournful emotion in a way that further drives home the album's story. I like the way in which all of these sonic explorations keep me engaged with the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Under the Sleeping Sun" begins as ringing, droning notes join the sound of rain and ravens calling. The steady drone has an ominous touch as brassy synth tumbles through the music with portentous tension, flashing out above the sounds of the carrion birds. I enjoy this track’s powerful atmosphere as it unfolds.

A harsh threat fills the blaring notes that add blinding light as a dynamic pulse moves in. Tightly woven arpeggios distantly twirl as the trumpeting notes ring out with more propulsive liveliness. The music grows stronger as trumpet-like notes fill it, and the distant arpeggio slowly spins. Now, a mad laugh calls out, and silence falls.

Gigantic, echoing bass moves along with nervous, elevated synth that sparkles with soft light to start "Alive". An agitated low-end rush is joined by fragile chimes descending above the pounding kick drum as the maelstrom of notes cascades.

The drums flourish, and the dynamic beat charges forward as triumphant, shadowy notes climb with unstoppable energy above the seething low end that roils below. The tumbling notes move beneath the worried, tension-filled lead synth melody that chimes out above the explosive low end.

I am pulled in by the powerful, mournful guitar that fills the music with melancholy pain, while still bringing energy. Now luminous synth jumps through the music as electric bass snarls and the drums explode forward again.

The lead synth adds motion and pain as it gleams, and the relentless drums and bass shove the track forward. The main melody unfurls with worried radiance as the drums fade away into dark rumbles while the arpeggios agitate.

"Free Hands" commences as massive drums rebound and an angularly tumbling synth wriggles through the music. Majestic, trumpeting notes rise in the distance to create an elegiac feeling as a panpipe-like synth calls out in extended, mournful notes. The drums continue to pulsate as the drifting, fluting synth planes out with pained emotion.

A taut synth pulses evenly as the big drums explode. A digital-sounding, medium-high synth melody adds more tension while the wobbling pan pipes have a deep, unsettling quality to them. I find this track’s drama quite compelling. Haunted, high notes shiver with spectral fear as a dramatically driving series of synth chords tremble, adding nervous energy. The colossal drums continue to move in the distance as the high notes howl out with worry and a sense of impending action.

Threatening notes rumble to open "Night Hunt", creating a driving pattern. The music surges forward as darkly swirling notes coalesce into a tensely twirling melodic pattern. Fear emanates from the twisting sounds as the kick drum punches hard and the snare drums rebound with sharp clarity.

Slowly undulating, shadowy synth swirls with reaching tendrils as string-like notes cry out to create drama. Elevated, nervous notes cascade together and paint superb images of a desperate rush through darkness to escape. The drums are a ferocious force as the rising synth turns the screws, creating an atmosphere that bursts with danger leaping from behind every obstacle.

The track rushes onward with rising terror as the fulminating notes fall over each other while the kick drum hits hard. Sharp-edged, string-like synth vibrates above the worried sounds in the distance as the track comes to an end.

"Memories from Nothing" starts as deeply resonant, rapidly vibrating synth cascades and ragged notes match the pattern with cutting weight. Delicate chimes, ghostly and haunting, drift through the music with a lonely melodic pattern to which I am drawn. The background has a steady pulse as twinkling notes chime out, creating stress.

Rounded notes call out with melancholy depth as a guitar calls out with aching drama. The drums punch as the guitar rumbles in urgent lines while the gentler background floats and the strings cry out with mournful emotion. A sharply grinding sound moves in the distance as the chimes sparkle and then fall quiet.

A threatening, relentless pounding metallic beat starts "Worms March". Rapidly lacerating sounds slice through with deadly intent as the pounding in the distance tramps on. The shadowy notes cry out as the thumping is unstoppable.

Quick bursts of metallic notes effectively add a sense of impending doom as the drums and bass relentlessly slam. The ominous sounds increase in power as they shift, and now raised, shining synth carries a minor key melodic pattern that drives home the energetic yet dangerous feeling of the track.

Quickly swirling, hollow synth notes and a rapidly smashing drumbeat that coalesce into a madly rushing whole as "Red Dead Dance" commences. The snare drum kicks in with fearful energy as the unstoppable drums are joined by darkly twisting synth as bass throbs.

The track is propelled forward with seemingly boundless strength. The melody that floats in creates terrified, spectral sensations that I find engaging. The drums strike hard as laser-like sounds slice.

Deep breaths are taken, and again the track leaps forward with massive motion, charging onward without any sense of obstacles. The raised notes descend with a lost feeling, and the raging storm below continues until the track ends.

Colossal background synth intertwines as a bouncing drum and bass pulse opens "New Era". There's a swinging quality to the low end as the medium-high, unsettled synth spins in a steadily revolving pattern and the bass descends with twilit energy. A steadily twirling synth pattern creates motion as the deadly serious darkness descends in the distance.

Now the percussion drops out as an electric bass wall entwines. A broad-sounding, glimmering synth carries a melody mingling yearning and uplifting emotion in a way that draws me in. Glistening notes add illumination and further lift the music’s mood.

A sense of possibility and triumph emanates as the guitar joins the synths. A feeling of victory permeates the track now, contrasting with the darkness of earlier moments. Trumpeting notes ring out, evoking achievement and progress as the drums batter. The track ends with a sense of nobility.

Conclusion

A New Era is a darkly powerful, ultimately uplifting auditory adventure that transports listeners through bleak landscapes to rebirth and victory as it unfolds.