DREAD MAJESTY + C Z A R I N A - Gemini

Written by Chris Magdalenski

A Union Forged In Ethereal Flames. Sealed In Sacred Blood: A Review of the song Gemini by Dread Majesty and C Z A R I N A.

Somewhere across the multiverse there exists a world cast in the likeness of Dread Majesty’s music. Add one part Gothic Steampunk, one part Spanish Inquisition and mix vigorously with the Warhammer 40k aesthetic you begin to get an idea of the darkly brutalist sonic structures that are this Colorado-based band’s stock-in-trade.

Simply put, I consider Dread Majesty to be purveyors of some of the most creative metal I’ve heard in quite a while. When I heard they were doing a collaboration with one of my favorite artists of all time, CZARINA, I was beyond excited to hear what they were going to bring us.

I’m not sure what I was expecting exactly, but Gemini delivers it. Dread stays true to form, delivering a coal-hearted liturgy baptized in the souls of one hundred dead gods. The full fury of their amazing musicianship is on display, only this time the obsidian thick slabs of metal are shifted with the presence of CZARINA’s Warrior Queen vocals. Her powerful, yet soaring delivery gives the music a space that wasn’t there before. A sense of white hot divine fury penetrating every blackened corner and shadowy spire with lyrics that speak to control, betrayal, and chaotic co-existence…

Your hand raised in light

Mine, the night

The mirror cracked when they named me divine

One half left holy, the other maligned

Together now we are both crucified

Two nails, one name:

The Gemini


The intriguing lyrics give the song an even greater depth, especially when delivered with the fierce convictions that power both CZARINA and Dread vocalist Rex Vincent. I found myself reading through them a number of times, trying to put visuals to the epic story that unfolds across the song’s 7:24 runtime. 

Eventually however, I gave up, content to let the music speak for itself, while quietly hoping this duo will grace us with another collaboration sometime soon.

— ABOUT GEMINI —

From opposing altars of shadow and starlight, Gemini emerges—a divine convergence of the sacred and the elemental. Avant-garde gothic metal architects Dread Majesty join forces with cosmic darkwave priestess CZARINA to summon a tempest of fire and grace. This haunting duet of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine channels celestial rage and rapturous devotion, painting a mythic portrait of fractured holiness and sacred duality. Two voices, one soul—nailed to the same fate, baptized in ash, and crowned in stars. Gemini is not merely a song—it is a ritual invocation.

With thunderous grandeur and crystalline fury, Dread Majesty’s iron-clad soundscape entwines with CZARINA’s fierce etherealism, birthing a sonic revelation where saint and storm dance as one. Beneath veils of gothic futurism, the Twins reclaim what was stolen, casting off their cages to sing the world awake. This is the gospel of sacred rage. This is Gemini.

For more Dread Majesty, visit https://dreadmajesty.bandcamp.com

For more C Z A R I N A, visit https://czarinaofficial.com

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Six Months Of Superb Synth - Albums

by Karl Magi

The time has come again for me to round up my favourite albums, EPs and singles in a series of articles to explore what I've heard in the last half a year. All of these choices are difficult for me to make because I review so much excellent music, but this is the music that grabbed me and drew me in. I'll divide the articles into segments by album, EP and singles and singles. I hope you all enjoy reading through my summary of the last 6 months of incredible synth-based music from the inimitable #synthfam. We’re starting here with my favourite albums

Hill Valley Hero - Aura 

Hill Valley Hero’s Aura is a rich, retro fantasy soundtrack to an imagined '80s epic, weaving cinematic synth melodies with skilled instrumental performances to create a vivid sonic world. With gripping themes, a plethora of synth textures and a strong narrative arc, the album transports listeners into a magical realm of wonder, danger and triumph. 

Hill Valley Hero’s synth work and melodic writing evoke sweeping vistas and emotional depth, while collaborations with Manuel Trabucco on sax and Juani on guitar add soulful intensity and dynamic flair. Aura is not just a nostalgic journey it's a captivating work of musical storytelling, brought to life with vision and artistry.

GammaFlow - Twin Palms

GammaFlow’s Twin Palms is a dreamy, sun-drenched escape into a luxurious 1980s fantasy, where flickering synths, smooth guitars and laid-back grooves conjure images of pastel suits, palm-lined boulevards and glistening swimming pools. 

With a strong sense of atmosphere and a deep love for retro aesthetics, the album blends chill-out ease with the indulgence of an imagined high life. The presence of talented guest artists adds depth and variety, enriching the album’s rich textures and enhancing its tranquil charm. Twin Palms is a glowing tribute to vintage glamour, delivered with style, warmth and effortless cool.

Midsummer Ex - Fake It Till You Make It

Midsummer Ex’s Fake It Till You Make It is a vibrant, emotionally charged synth-pop album that blends '80s-inspired textures, infectious energy and poignant songwriting. The artist moves effortlessly between upbeat, danceable tracks and introspective, lyrically rich explorations of obsession, nostalgia, healing and heartbreak. 

Each song showcases complex synth layering, memorable melodies and eloquent storytelling whether in the darkly cinematic “Hollywood Star,” the hopeful ache of “Missing You,” or the nostalgia of “Always 1985.” With a keen ear for sonic detail and a deeply felt emotional core, Midsummer Ex crafts a journey that’s both cathartic and endlessly listenable.

L’Avenue – Tokyo Nights

L’Avenue’s Tokyo Nights is an absorbing journey into a dreamlike, neon-drenched vision of Japan. Intricately intermingled synths and serene, emotive melodies create an elegant, calming soundscape that washes over me like moonlight on water. The use of traditional Japanese sounds alongside effulgent synth textures adds calming depth and sonic richness.

Each track unfolds like a sonic painting, carefully crafted and full of reflective calm. Guest vocalists Josh Paulino and Elise Devane add expressiveness that deepens the emotional resonance. Tokyo Nights is soothing, beautifully produced and filled with moments of introspection and wonder.

Jessie Frye – Otherworld

Otherworld by Jessie Frye is a hauntingly beautiful album that unfolds in a dreamscape woven from heartfelt emotion, lyrical grace and luxuriant musical textures. Jessie Frye’s voice, airy yet powerful, carries a rich emotional weight that breathes life into each song, capturing both vulnerability and strength.

Collaborating with Matt Aslanian, Jessie Frye showcases some of my favourite songwriting of the year, filled with intimate sorrow, glimmers of joy and fresh honesty. The instrumental landscape matches the lyrical depth and vocal performances with subtle guitar work and a flowing rhythm section that creates a seamless sonic experience. As a whole, Otherworld is a deeply affecting album.

The Secret Chord – Generation X

Generation X by The Secret Chord is a layered and emotionally complex album that draws on nostalgia and Cold War anxieties while maintaining a hopeful future view. Through rich synth arrangements and grounded lyrical themes, the album crafts a brooding atmosphere.

First rate vocal performances from NINA’s stark spoken-word delivery to Ollie Wride’s aching soulfulness imbue each track with a distinct personality and emotional depth. The lyrics speak about historical and contemporary struggles, exploring freedom, loss and resilience. Musically, the album merges retro 1980s influences with modern clarity, creating an evocative soundscape.

Various Artists – A Portrait: The Music & Art of Shae Green

A Portrait: The Music & Art of Shae Green is a soul-stirring tribute to a gifted artist who made a profound impact on those who got to know him. The album is a loving homage filled with sincere performances, showcasing Shae Green’s lyrical talent and emotional clarity. Each guest artist interprets his songs with care and authenticity, preserving the emotional core that made his work so compelling.

In addition to Shae Green’s own words, the album includes moving original lyrics written in tribute by those affected by his life and loss, adding layers of shared grief and admiration. The production is crisp, allowing Shae Green’s musical ideas to shine and the final track interwoven with personal memories serves as a deeply emotional farewell that underscores the depth of his impact.

Bad Guys Get Dead – Stellar Cartography

Bad Guys Get Dead’s Stellar Cartography is a cosmic journey through sound, evoking the vastness, mystery and beauty of space with a textured and emotionally engaging sonic palette. The album’s expansive atmosphere captures the listener from the first note, using varied synths and quality production to build a sense of interstellar wonder.

Each track feels like a voyage through stars and shadow, with sweeping melodies that oscillate between melancholy and exaltation. The interplay between electronic and organic elements creates a multidimensional listening experience. Stellar Cartography is an odyssey that balances galactic scale with human emotion.

Alpha Chrome Yayo – Dream Chaser

Dream Chaser overflows with joy, hope and boundless energy. Alpha Chrome Yayo blends funky synth textures, bright jazz elements and explosive melodies to create music that celebrates life with every beat. There’s a strong sense of encouragement throughout the album, lifting my spirits and pushing me to keep chasing my dreams.

Melodies sparkle with exuberance and a touch of nostalgia, bolstered by rich harmonies and Eurobeat energy that conjures memories of rhythm games and carefree times. Yet, behind all the fun, the album reveals serious musical chops, complex, playful and packed with personality. Alpha Chrome Yayo delivers both heart and artistry.

Out Runner – Stellar Drifter

Stellar Drifter is a bold, emotional voyage through space, where Out Runner fuses powerful guitar work with soaring synths to chart a course across vast starfields and shadowed nebulae. His guitar playing is expressive and dynamic, infusing each track with unbridled feeling and a sense of cosmic grandeur.

Synth textures enhance this vision, building a synthscape that evokes massive celestial structures and interstellar travel. The melodies are cinematic, adding emotional punch to the atmospheric sweep. Stellar Drifter grips me with its beauty, scope and the touching emotion at its core.

Cat Temper – From a Whisker to a Scream

Cat Temper’s From a Whisker to a Scream is a thrilling auditory odyssey, skilfully weaving together tranquility and cosmic power. The artist uses vivid synth textures and striking melodic writing to conjure interstellar landscapes and emotions that rise and fall like solar flares.

There’s a beautiful interplay of sound and structure, as scintillating tones, interwoven synths and visceral drama unfold across each track. The melodies shine with emotional intensity, conveying wonder, danger and awe in equal measure. It’s an album that grips me with its celestial imagination and the sheer impact of its musical storytelling.

The Pyramid – The Tannhäuser Gate

The Tannhäuser Gate is a breathtaking, emotionally resonant journey through the cosmic vastness, composed with a profound sense of scale and beauty. The Pyramid’s melodic writing is at the album’s heart, delivering memorable themes that deeply touch me and pull me into star-swept dreamscapes.

Synthesizers bloom in lush, radiant tones, creating a textural and tonal complexity that supports the album’s journey and transports me to alien galaxies and breathtaking celestial panoramas. The mood is deeply evocative, equal parts majestic and intimate, as The Pyramid balances the grandeur of space with a touching reminder of life’s fragile beauty.

Neon Shards – ELKTRO

ELKTRO is a detailed sonic adventure through a glowing retro-future metropolis. Neon Shards mingles fascinating synth tones and expressive guitar playing to create a vibrant, cinematic soundscape full of emotional intensity and visual storytelling. The textures are dense and engrossing evoking bustling neon streets and lonely, windblown rooftops.

Neon Shards’ guitar playing is intricate, clean and bursting with expression, lifting the melodies to new emotional heights. Each synth sound is carefully chosen to support the music’s narrative and mood, while Anthony Hawkins’ vocal and lyrical contributions on “A Shot For Dreams” add emotional clarity and resonance to this compelling album.

Earmake - Cosmic Hero 4

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Earmake’s Cosmic Hero 4 continues the saga of the cosmic hero in his adventures across the universe. Earmake skillfully and creatively combines a broad range of synth tones and textures with inspirational melodies and thrilling dynamism. His music creates intensely detailed and compelling imagery along with a sense of excitement and exploration. The addition of guest producers adds another layer of depth and richness to the sonic tapestry as it unfolds.

One of the standout features of Cosmic Hero 4 is the atmospheric nature of its music. Earmake has a knack for mingling fascinating sonic detail with melodic writing that is gripping and ear-pleasing. Along with the memorable nature of his melodies, all of the different soundscapes which he weaves from synths that sparkle and growl, dance and drive, are mixed with well-written melodies that are full of emotion and compelling depth.

Another reason for my enjoyment of Cosmic Hero 4 is the way in which the story unfolds across it. Each track is like a cinematic shot, composed and designed to draw one further into the storytelling. As the arc of the tale goes from dramatic battles to lonely flights in space, each track acts as a plot point to carry the adventure forward and engage the listener in that adventure with the sonic depth on offer.

Each of the guest producers featured on Cosmic Hero 4 contributes to the musical quality and auditory intrigue. They all bring their unique sensibilities to the overall project and imbue it with fresh sounds and approaches. At the same time, they respect the integrity of what Earmake is doing and combine their vision with his to create an ear-pleasing end result.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Magnum Opus” comes into being with distantly rumbling bass that swells into life along with lacerating echoes and a pounding kick drum. A synth drifts with a melody mingling eerie sounds and a sense of exploration as the low end surges forward. The vocal-sounding, reverberant synth drifts with the melody again, transporting me into a new sonic world.

Dominating brass carries the melody as it shifts with dark splendour above the driving low end. The main melodic line floats past as incandescent notes exude exultant strength. String-like notes flash past, unfurling with scintillating brilliance as the low end punches unstoppably. An impression of great strength fills the music as we move into a segment in which shadowed bass throbs below slowly pulsating drums.

Sparkling notes oscillate in a dynamic pattern as the drums rebound and the track takes on a driving quality. The bass snarls as the elevated notes pour out galactic light. The drums and bass fade for a moment and then press on as the rising notes gleam with intense brilliance, creating an impression of a journey across a vast star field. The brass section sings again as the drums and bass jump, an angular synth cutting into the music, before the track presses on to an end.

Hollow mechanical noises vibrate ominously as “Morior Invictus” begins. These sounds start to form an industrial pulse above a threatening bass that grows in power. The drums and bass erupt with massive strength as a low synth slashes in crunchy lines and dominating notes begin to shine above the crushing rhythm section.

Brassy notes leap with blazing light as the drums flourish. The lead synth is darkly insistent, erupting with dense brilliance while the track pounds on. The bass creaks dangerously as the music seethes. Breathy sounds inhale and exhale, echoing into open space and the epic-sounding, trumpeting synth is full of restrained anger and triumph as the low end continues to pulsate weightily.

The drums accelerate and a raging synth tears into the track with strikingtic strength and the feeling of inevitable success. The track explodes and flies forward with the lead synth pouring out fierce light—before silence falls on the undulating bass.

“Whispering Eons” opens with softly running water and gentle piano notes that glitter as broadly gliding sounds move with them. Crystal chimes shine with luscious luminosity while the water flows in the distance. The drums rebound as the main melody calls out with mournful grace, floating through my heart.

As the melody evolves, it takes on an ethereal feeling and a sense of distant stars. The low end is slowly throbbing as the raised chimes spill out radiance with tenderness. The piano notes sparkle and dance as they glide through the sweeping sounds.

A cleanly cutting synth moves with heavy bass in a hypnotic pulse while the drums flare and burst. As the echoing space moves, a sense of tension grows within the song. Now the bass pulses alone with ominous power before the yearning melody calls out again—reaching with hope and loneliness—while the bass pulsates and the drums shift and shape.

Loss permeates the melody along with heartache while the drums and bass continue to undulate. As the song ends, peace washes through me while the waves splash the shore.

Vast, slowly revolving synth moves into open space along with solidly throbbing bass to start “Auriga Anomaly.” In the distance, dazzling chords float above the steadily oscillating low end, exuding softness. The snare drum comes in now to launch the music, with radiant flashes spilling out into the track with concentrated brilliance.

The clean snare drums continue to pulse as the warmly intertwining notes interact with graceful and emotive sensation. A polished synth slowly calls out as the melody evolves with aching warmth and the drums and bass press on. The melody takes on a noble and wistfully dreamy quality as it calls out.

The kick drum pulses as glittering notes float with easy shine over the soundscape. Open sounds flicker as the kick drum continues to throb and the track feels cosmic in scope. The lambent notes spill out starlight as the drums drive on and the bass rumbles below.

A sense of progress permeates the music as the track glides into a smoother, calmer segment. The drums launch again as the glowing synth carries the melody, which reflects exploration and hope above the low end.

"Escape from Gamma Ray" commences with distantly glimmering notes swirling in a repetitive pattern as wind sweeps and towering drums and bass launch into an exciting pattern. Tightly wound synth flashes as gossamer notes hang like stars in a dark sky. The low end is heavily driving as a brass section climbs out with victorious nobility above the intensity below it. Sensations of a powerful flight to freedom permeate the music and draw me along with it.

After a sweep of sound, the low end explodes into heavily trembling motion as chimes exude radiance and the wheeling notes above arpeggiate smoothly. Tightly gleaming sounds flow through the music as the low end thunders now. Pure energy leaps forth with shining speed as the drums cruise below and the bass throbs. Every element of the music is full of urgency and rushing thrill as a twisting, nasal-sounding synth cries out with a haunting melodic pattern.

The drums are truly epic and unstoppable as the main melody cries out with cosmic mystery. The bass rumbles and high notes shiver before the main melody trumpets out again, the brass section full of pride and defiance as the low end hits. The track ends with the melody rising out and evoking imagery of a starship rescuing trapped crew and succeeding in their mission.

Threatening, rising notes cry out with dramatic force to open "Subterrania." lustre spills from trickling notes that twinkle as the drums accelerate into a smoothly shaping beat and satiny synth drifts with smooth relaxation as sparkling notes skip past in laid-back flow. Now a string section calls out with classical expression, warm and full of positivity as it radiates into the music. I feel my heart uplifted by the singing strings as the percussion drops away and quickly flashing notes leap brightly.

As the notes cascade, brightness erupts with flaring strength as the dark notes below swirl. The drums continue to pound hard as the track pours out radiance. As the music drives on, bass growls while the tiny synth lights glimmer and the track drives to the end with piano shimmering until it fades.

“Outer World” begins with a jagged synth slicing into the track along with blazing notes that spill out above the portentous low end. Strings intertwine with a melody that is majestic and full of elegiac emotion, filling me with its intensity. Crystalline notes shine proudly as they move above the steadily pulsating drums, filling the music with brilliancy.

Drums continue to rebound as the shining notes float and the sense of triumph becomes more palpable. Lustrous notes ring out as melancholy strings carry the melody above the unstoppable drumbeat. Peaceful feelings permeate the higher notes. A sense of drama rises from the smoothly slipping sounds, touching and powerful, while a polished arpeggio twirls above the heavy bass before the track ends.

A wind rages and dark notes climb with threatening feelings to start “Storm.” The bass is thick as elevated, burnished notes shine while the stormy sounds continue to intermingle. The heavy-hitting drums add shape to the music as a synth moves with delicately intertwining sounds.

The drums drive and trip while tapping sounds shift and diaphanous notes pour out. The drums burst into a smoothly moving pulsation as serenity fills every note. The rhythm cruises along while tapping sounds move and notes exude gentle luminosity. Synth ripples while the huge bass shifts.

The drums erupt as spinning notes tumble above a gently flowing background. The storm still rages as more peaceful notes glide. The main melody adds refulgent shine as the drums throb in a steadily evolving beat. Stormy sounds echo while the twirling notes dance along. The track ends with brightness and fades.

Conclusion

Cosmic Hero 4 travels across the galaxy with thrilling energy and exciting storytelling. Earmake paints vivid imagery and engages my heart and soul with the melodic and harmonic depth that he creates. The addition of guest producers only intensifies the quality and sound of the album.

Diamond Ace - Sunset Highway

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Diamond Ace’s Sunset Highway moves through an exploration of love, loss and human emotion set against the backdrop of swirling synth textures and beautiful melodies. Diamond Ace adds his own skillful guitar work, along with his compositional abilities and is joined by a variety of different guests who each bring their own musical talent to bear on this touching and dreamy journey.

One of the strong factors for my enjoyment of Sunset Highway is the way in which Diamond Ace creates tranquil and achingly beautiful sonic imagery. There's a tenderness and a lush complexity to the musical backdrops that pulls me inward. Luminosity and smoothness fill the music and a sense of peaceful, sometimes pained emotion permeates the album.

Sunset Highway also draws me in thanks to Diamond Ace’s melody writing abilities. His melodies are enchanting and expressive, transmitting all of the emotional depth within the tracks. The songs with vocals are full of the feeling embodied by the lyrics and the artist captures the essence of the different guest performances with his melodic approach.

Of course, no Diamond Ace album would be complete without his superb guitar playing. He weaves together emotion and intricate skill to convey the full range of human experience. Not only does he write lyrics that are engaging, but he accompanies them with guitar playing that punches home their message and adds compelling sensations to the end product.

I also want to mention all of the musical guests on Sunset Highway. Each of them brings their own vocal ability or production skills to bear on the music and in so doing, intensify and add to the expressive power and engagement on the album as a whole.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Intro” starts as faraway, glassy arpeggios whirl and diamond chimes flicker. The musical elements shine with tranquility and blue light while the heavy bass forms a luscious flow beneath their glittering luminance. Arpeggios swirl faster and faster, accelerating into a rush as the looming bass rumbles. The shining sounds all mingle into a wildly spinning whole, galactic arms whirling at an impossible speed. I enjoy the way in which the musical flow forms a glow while the chimes twinkle and a distantly floating sound fades to silence.

Trumpeting synth swirls out in bold lines to kick off “The Unknown.” The incandescent synth moves with brightly lit background notes that sparkle brilliantly. The bass undulates heavily as the kick drum begins to thump, while lush light pours from the lead synth, motion and strength growing above the surging low end.

Now the crisp snare drum joins the other percussive elements on the creaking bass to propel the music with active power. Hovering sounds rise in the distance with a diaphanous gleam, while the bass oscillates and the drums flourish. Ethereal chimes float past, carrying a melody full of mystery and gentleness.

The jumping low end and pulsing drums move with the steadily whirling notes. Now Diamond Ace’s guitar leaps into action with a melody that is free and wild, adventurous and exploratory as it wheels above the smoothly guiding drums and bass. The guitar solo then drifts away into a much more silky, soothing guitar melody before the track ends.

Gigantic drums and a quickly oscillating synth that emanates luminescence to begin “Night Drive”. The low end pulses heavily, while smooth sounds shine out and glide like streetlights on asphalt. A powerful sense of rolling down a road at night fills me with adventurous sensations, while tenuous chimes exude silky light.

The low end continues to throb deeply as the synth pulsates. Worshipful sound sweeps from a softly lit synth as the chimes sparkle with delicacy. The artist's guitar flies now, feeling like a powerful motor driving into the night. I enjoy the bluesy sensation of the solo as it flows smoothly from the artist’s talented fingers.

Underneath, the drums and bass drive like a car through the night. Chimes glimmer while the guitar snarls like a powerful V8 and twists in intricate motion. As the guitar cries out, the low end continues to pulse and fades into silence.

“Thing About Love” opens with gossamer, gliding synth slipping in with luscious bass as worshipful notes shine. A steadily pulsing drum beat creates a hollow, guiding feeling as Mayah Camara’s lush and expressive vocals cry out, carrying a melody full of passion and love.

As the drums and heavy bass shape the music, Mayah Camara’s soulful voice transmits the feeling within the lyrics powerfully. I am always drawn to the strength of her performances as she captures my emotions with her beautiful voice.

As the gliding music slips and entangles, peaceful desire moves through the song. The vocals are smooth and full of sensation as they drive the entire piece. The drums burst in tumbling motion as Diamond Ace’s guitar adds fragile incandescence in the distance. The low end continues to turn over with Mayah Camara’s voice reaching out and touching my soul. As the track slips by in an easy-going flow, tranquility and affection permeate before silence falls.

Our storyteller feels her heart beating and butterflies fluttering when the song's subject calls her name. She points out that “in your hands, I melt like butter.” She goes on to say that they're more than lovers “when we're alone, under covers” because in the “heat of flames, it'll never be the same again.”

The narrator adds that the funny thing about love is that she wants to give everything to the other person. She adds, “I’d tear down the stars in the sky for you, I’d give you it all.” One touch from the song's subject and she fell apart because “I'm addicted to all of the things you do, so addicted I can't get enough of you.”

When she and the song’s subject have a “rendezvous, a sweet encounter,” she finds herself getting lost because the other person makes her “flounder,” as she points out that they are “really something else.” The way the situation makes her feel is “so transcending,” and she's become dependent on the other person as she concludes, “I need your touch. I shouldn’t need it all this much.”

Slowly twinkling synth moves in the distance to commence “Never Lose.” Bass rumbles massively as Lisa Marie Perkins' voiceover expresses individuality and resilience. The bass continues to throb and heavy drums drive as the Diamond Ace's guitar carries a caressing and hurting melody above panpipes which levitate in silken motion.

Lisa Marie Perkins' voice is floating and full of emotional depth, carrying the melody which hurts and dreams. The drums flourish as the echoing vocals add an aching feeling while the background trembles with fragile luminosity. The guitar flows again, capturing thoughtful rumination, deepening the sensation of loss with affecting beauty.

The guitar tangles with graceful tranquility and Lisa Marie Perkins' performance is touching and draws me in while the drums continue to pulsate. The panpipes glide past with breathy relaxation as the guitar floats out into silence.

The narrator “woke up today feeling hopeless inside,” adding that she doesn't know. The other person's “words come through, it’s like a vortex reaching for the signs.” She’s going crazy “against all odds when the battle is at hand” and wants to start again. Now she says every chance taken is always worth it, adding a reminder that she should never lose herself or her mind - against all odds.

“Our Sunrise” starts off as limpid notes drift off into open space. Deep peace fills the music as the fragile notes are supported by hugely rumbling bass, moving below with supporting strength. As the track grows in power, the drums and bass begin to pulsate richly, swelling to full energy.

The track becomes smoothly propulsive as the serene notes flow past in a gliding river of sound. Soft affection fills the music with a wonderful sense of caring and love. I am touched by the emotion on display here, an artist's homage to one he truly loves. The drums continue to punch hard while intermingled notes shimmer with solar brightness.

A scintillating synth spills warm light across the throbbing low end, capturing undying commitment. The drums continue to hit hard while the gleaming synth glides. The drums drop and the bass undulates with muscled support as azure feelings fill me. Tightly wound notes continue to vibrate as the bass moves below.

Silence falls briefly before wind sweeps in and a piercing synth moves with resonating bass as smooth arpeggios wriggle. All of the clarity of a summer’s day fills the synth as it pours through the music and the low end continues to add shape.

Smoothly gliding notes gain strength while feeling contemplative to open "Sunset Highway." Arpeggios intertwine as they fill the background with a filigreed glint. Bass moves in hollow lines with great weight as the tremulous arpeggios all swirl into a powerful whole. Laser-like sounds move through the dense blanket of intermingled sound before the powerful kick drum and sharp snare form a steady heartbeat.

The surging notes all tumble together in an urgent, complex pattern as the drums continue to hit hard above the thick bass. The feeling of irrepressible energy is joined by serene chimes which levitate in laid-back motion, cruising along with a soothing insouciance which I enjoy. The massive size of the music behind the mellow melody is an interesting contrast. The low end ripples in silk and motion as the bass continues to rumble and ghostly sounds float past.

Once again, peace permeates the music as the drums return with the quickly spinning arpeggios all woven into a tapestry of sound. The thumping drum moves with a heartbeat as the drums flourish and again the elevated notes slip out in the tranquil melody which drifts in elegant tendrils above the sonic richness around it. The drums drive on to guide the music to an end above the powerful intertwining synth sound bath.

"I Wish You the Best" starts as deeply powerful drums pound and erupt as a phone rings. Tom hits add their distinctive sound above the crisp snare drum and swelling notes flare delicately. The floating sounds move with every grace as the unctuous bass moves below. Diamond Ace’s guitar smoothly unwinds in a hypnotic pattern that is soothing and tenderly warming.

In the distance, the synths grow into dense, glistening clouds as the heavy drums bounce. The guitar hovers with soft, touching sensations as the vocals move again, full of loss and caring. Radiant synth cries out above the tumbling low end with piercing light as the low end continues to pulsate. Flooding light moves through every part of the music as the guitar leaps again, slightly rough-edged and passionate, carrying me above it with ardent emotion.

The drums continue to throb as the scintillating synth shines fiercely behind the emotive guitar. The low end cruises on as the tom hits reverberate again and the track slips into silence.

Conclusion

Sunset Highway is an exquisite sonic journey permeated by emotional strength and touching tenderness. When one adds the depth of musical talent which Diamond Ace has included along with his own guitar playing and songwriting skills, the end result is an album which gives me a great deal of listening pleasure.