DREAD MAJESTY - All The Saints Are Dead

Review by Vero Kitsuné

I’m excited about the new social media phenomenon that is BlueSky. The nearly non-existent algorithm has allowed my starved soul to finally discover and connect with fresh new talents that I doubt I would have discovered on the other apps. As Fate intended, the gothic avant-garde progressive metal quintet newcomers from Colorado, Dread Majesty, were one of the first to bless my Bluesky feed with their debut single “All the Saints Are Dead”. I have not stopped listening to this mind-blowing work of art since my first listen.

The song starts off with a dramatic, haunting piano intro along with quite the stirring, painfully beautiful and lush tenor vocals by Rex Vincent in harmonizing duet with basso profundo Aharon, establishing the magnanimous, dark, theatrical mayhem to follow. Thunderous drums and heraldic guitars enter and Rex Vincent’s vocals are now countered with feral growls before the track abruptly drops into tantric speeds that seem to conjure a legion of demons in the interplay between voices and controlled instrumental pandemonium. The track switches between various treatments and time signatures from mellow jigs, to dark and heavy ritualistic gothic chants, sped up symphonic infernal chaos, and ethereal operatic bravado - each section rich in its own character and tall tale, enveloping listeners in an action-packed, cathartic dark adventure that hits all the right spots hard, leaving them breathless… and hungry for more.

Bands like Dread Majesty are quite the rare jewel. Their captivating vision and unparalleled creativity are matched by their athletic endurance, a refined precision in their extremely meticulous production, and a vast range in emotional delivery all capped with a touch of class and style. Their brand of gothic, regal, theatrical and fantastical progressive metal is quite the chimeric mythological creature that has been missing for so long - taking the best parts from some of the legendary metal and prog rock acts like Opeth, Mastodon, Mike Patton, System of a Down, Slayer, and Iron Maiden combined with the majestic extravagance of dark opera. “All The Saints Are Dead” is just the beginning for this group, and already an impeccable start to an artistic journey filled with promise!

Visit https://www.dreadmajesty.com/ for more.

20 Albums That Shaped Me - Part 2

by Karl Magi

Splash '96 – Summers in Anniston

When the tranquil sounds of Summers in Anniston first spilled out around me, I was instantly at home with it. Splash ‘96 has a very individual approach to making synth-based music and the way in which nostalgia and relaxation mix on this album pulls me into it.

Splash '96 creates a chilled-out, nostalgic journey through jazzy, synth-laden landscapes. The album evokes a dreamy summer vibe with its hazy melodies, funky basslines and smooth jazz influences, immersing listeners in a sunlit, poolside daydream.

The synths flow effortlessly, painting vivid auditory images of shimmering light and turquoise waters. Splash '96 draws from retrowave, jazz fusion, and electro-funk to craft an easygoing yet emotionally resonant sound that exudes cool, summery charm.

LAU – Circumstance (Take Two)

LAU immediately reached out and took hold of me with Circumstance (Take Two). The way in which it combines her spine tingling vocal abilities, intensely passionate songwriting and a charming retrowave sensibility results in music that I find hard to resist. I could listen to this album every day with no problem.

Circumstance (Take Two) explores the emotional challenges of long-distance love through heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals and varied synth textures. LAU collaborates with talented guests to add depth and diversity to the songs.

The album’s emotionally charged performances create a deeply moving and memorable experience. The interplay of dynamic synth arrangements and vibrant percussion creates a deeply immersive soundscape. The music explores a wide tonal range, from bright airiness to deep resonance.

L’Avenue – Riviera

Before I’d even started writing reviews, I'd interviewed L’Avenue and liked his attitude as a creator. Once I heard his music, especially once Riviera came along, I was hooked. This album took hold of me with its absolutely blissed out feeling and retro vibes. I've continued to enjoy the musical journeys upon which this artist takes me.

Riviera is a tranquil and evocative escape, conjuring imagery of serene beaches and sunlit waters. The album’s pastel-hued synth tones create a soothing, dreamlike atmosphere that invites relaxation.

Eliza Devane and George Holliday’s expressive vocals, combined with a resonant saxophone, add depth and emotion to the music. Riviera offers a peaceful journey through its azure soundscapes, delivering a soothing respite from life’s stresses.

Sunesis – Orbital

The deep emotion and tragic atmosphere of this album attracted me the first time I heard it. Sunesis has a knack for capturing the empty loneliness of space and imbuing it with humanity and beautifully crafted melodies. I can't resist the way in which the artist explores the nuances and feelings which she lays out as Orbital unfolds.

Orbital tells the melancholic story of a lonely space traveler through ethereal vocals, evocative songwriting, and atmospheric synths. Sunesis crafts a floating, cosmic soundscape, combining wistful melodies with mournful emotion and darker undertones.

The album’s story-driven structure and immersive quality keep me returning for more. Synth layers create a diaphanous quality that enhances the narrative of a solitary space journey. Pulsing drums and dark undertones ground the ethereal melodies in emotional weight while propelling the music forward.

Peter Gagliardi – Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black

I was immediately seized by the cinematic scale and galactic majesty of Peter Gagliardi's music on this album. I close my eyes as I listen and it always transports me to new realms. I hope that I'll get a chance to hear some of his music again soon because it's always compelling to me.

Peter Gagliardi weaves a cosmic tale of fear, pain and hope through intricate synthscapes and expressive melodies. Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black’s orchestral approach blends tonal colours and textures into a cohesive and immersive sonic journey.

Peter Gagliardi’s melodies resonate deeply, driving the storytelling with heartfelt expression. The album’s cinematic quality transports listeners across galaxies, making it a compelling exploration of emotions and imagery.

The Lightning Kids – All Of Those Nights

It was Emma Ballantine’s voice which first pulled me into this All Of Those Nights. Her ability to express herself and carry the meaning within the lyrics has always been enjoyable for me. When combined with the thoughtfully written lyrics, her vocals deliver a deeply touching emotional punch. I find it easy to listen to this album over and over again.

All Of Those Nights is a nostalgic synthpop album blending emotion, storytelling, and layered instrumentation. Emma Ballantine’s passionate vocals and Darren McHardie’s guitar work enrich the music. The synth arrangements add texture and nuance, making the album a heartfelt and multi-faceted listening experience.

Synth layers blend crystalline arpeggios with warm pads, creating a soundscape that balances hope, passion and melancholy. The rhythm section anchors the introspective melodies in vibrant, dynamic arrangements.

Elevate The Sky – Dreaming in Color

This album always galvanizes me because I think it captures Elevate The Sky’s mixture of strong vocal performance, earnest emotion and a positive attitude. I find his music lifts me and encourages me each time I hear it. The way in which he captures emotion is engaging and I'm constantly listening out for his optimism.

Dreaming in Color is a vibrant blend of emotive vocals, captivating melodies, and lush synth arrangements. Elevate The Sky’s vocal power and heartfelt performances infuse the album with depth, supported by well-crafted lyrics and electrifying guitar work.

The album features a diverse palette of synth textures and standout contributions, including Ilia Skibinsky’s seductive saxophone and Michael Oakley’s guest vocals. Dreaming in Color is a spellbinding fusion of retrosynth elements and raw emotional expression.

Taeha – City Lights

I'm a sucker for classic Japanese citypop music so Taeha immediately drew my attention. I enjoy the way in which she fuses a K-pop sensibility with the smooth and ultra cool sounds of citypop. Her voice has a breathy beauty to it and there's a sense of earnestness and heartfelt emotion in her performances which I find charming.

City Lights combines Taeha’s citypop style with engaging remixes by notable synth music artists. Taeha’s gentle, sincere vocal performances shine alongside fresh interpretations from remixers who infuse their original sounds into her songs.

The result is a lively and innovative blend of synthpop and creative reimaginings. Taeha’s delicate voice remains the emotional center even as the remixes highlight innovative synth tones and intricate rhythm. The result is refreshing, filled with texture and lively energy.

At 1980 - Forget To Remember

Forget To Remember first attracted me because it skilfully captures the essence of 1980s music while avoiding clichés. I also love its blend of heartfelt emotion, strong musicianship and superb vocal performances. Contributions from artists like Shadowrunner, Dana Jean Phoenix, Syst3m Glitch, and Camille Glémet further enhance the album.

Forget To Remember brims over with emotional depth, combining melancholy and warmth to create a touching listening experience. Each song is infused with genuine feeling and a commitment to exploring intense emotional states. The diverse vocal performances add layers of mood and meaning, with each singer bringing a unique perspective to the tracks.

The melodies are another standout feature, effectively conveying the album’s emotional core. The music’s ability to resonate deeply with listeners makes Forget To Remember a powerful and memorable album.

Infra Violet - Dream Tether

I first became intrigued by Dream Tether because of the way in which Toby Campen’s musical backing and Bethany Munroe’s triple threat of vocal ability, guitar chops and songwriting skill combine to create a touching and powerful end result.

Dream Tether is a deeply emotive album that blends introspective lyrics, powerful vocals and a complex musical texture. It balances energetic tracks with reflective explorations of human struggles and relationships. Toby Campen’s synth work complements the lyrical themes with evocative tones, while Bethany Munroe’s guitar adds intricacy.

Bethany Munroe’s distinctive voice is a standout feature, delivering both soaring and intimate performances that enhance the emotional depth of the lyrics. The thoughtfully crafted lyrics delve into the complexities of self-discovery, relationships and the human condition, painting vivid imagery that captivates the listener.

NO HORIZON - The Hellfire Elegies

Nine Incantations: A Review of The Hellfire Elegies by No Horizon

By Chris Magdalenski 

Unexplainable, yet familiar. Those are the first words that come to mind when the music begins. The sonic elements are all there, darkly dressed, and drenched in oil black tones. I've heard these ideas before, but never expressed quite like this. 

This feels new. Unique.

The album's first track opens with all the mystery of a ritual lost to the mists of some forgotten age. A voice greets me, drawing me into the proceedings with lamented drone. The singer refers to themselves Nyx Enigma. A more than fitting name for the creator behind this music.

But to call it just music, just songs on an album wouldn't be completely accurate - each track is an incantation, a spell carefully crafted on foundations of shimmering drum and bass lines laced with synthesizers that are pushed, pulled and twisted in eccentric directions. 

Nyx completes invocation with their vocals. Confident and determined they cut a path through each offering. They're our guide on this journey. Nine tracks - each one like walking down the dark featureless hallway of an off-putting dream. 

Nine hallways. Nine incantations. Nine glimpses across the veil that separates our world from one rendered from the shadows of our darkest dreams and most hidden desires. 

It difficult to pick a favorite, but tracks like “Desdemona” and “Midnight Labyrinth” have remained with me since first listen. Nyx has a with lyrics that I am envious of, each track a short story brought to life with the help of her accomplished musicianship. 

I for one am very much looking forward to hearing more from Nyx’s No Horizon.

For more, visit: https://n0h0riz0n.bandcamp.com

20 Albums That Shaped Me - Part 1

by Karl Magi

Introduction

It's hard to believe it's been five years since I started reviewing music from the #synthfam. I've loved every minute of it and have had the pleasure of being introduced to such a wide range of emotive, fascinating, entertaining and diverse music. I decided it was time to look back over the last five years and write about some of the albums that shaped my love for and understanding of synth based music.

My choices for albums to showcase are those that, for a variety of reasons, have made a strong impact on me. As usual, this sort of article is a challenge for me because I've loved so much of the music that I reviewed that trying to make a definitive selection is difficult.

In the end, I've just gone with the music that has really hit me in the gut. This is by no means a comprehensive list but I hope it gives you all some insight into what has shaped my musical tastes in the synth realm.

Damokles – Tales From A Future Past

When I first heard Tales From A Future Past, it was a game changer for me because it was the first time I'd heard an artist who'd been working in the '80s continuing to make classic synth based music. It has a depth and interest for me that still makes a strong impression.

Tales From A Future Past is a nostalgic yet innovative journey that highlights his compositional skills and keytar mastery. The album’s foundation lies in its use of analog synthesizers, each bringing distinctive tones that evoke an earlier era while maintaining a fresh appeal.

The complexity of the tracks, with their layered arrangements and interwoven elements, creates a rich sonic tapestry. Damokles’ strong sense of melody shines through in catchy yet expressive compositions, demonstrating how electronic music can be both intricate and intensely melodic.

His distinctive voice adds depth and character to the album, offering a personal and genuine touch that enhances the music’s emotional resonance.

SkyYamaha – Rituals

The first time I heard Rituals, it fascinated me and whenever I listen to it again, it continues to fascinate me. I find the hypnotic and deep nature of SkyYamaha's music on this album hard to resist. Her explorations of the ethereal and spiritual bring me back time and again. This is music that touches the depths of my heart and soul.

Rituals creates an intricate blend of contemplative soundscapes with unique instrumentation. SkyYamaha uses wooden flutes, global percussion, strings, and oboe to craft a richly layered auditory experience. The instrumentation combines to create a timeless atmosphere.

It’s a mystical sonic journey that blends meditative soundscapes with rich, hypnotic textures. Rituals balances soothing calmness with engaging melodies, evoking images of ancient forests and ritualistic magic. It’s a contemplative exploration of nature and interconnectedness.

Color Theory - Underneath These Dying Stars

Underneath These Dying Stars is a deeply emotional and introspective album that explores the complexities of human existence. Brian Hazard’s evocative vocals and poetic songwriting, paired with richly textured synth backdrops, create a moving and immersive listening experience.

Brian Hazard’s vocal performance is central to the album’s impact, blending sensitivity, range, and a touch of New Wave melancholy. His voice conveys the intertwined pain and joy of life, increasing the emotional resonance of the lyrics.

The songwriting is another highlight of Underneath These Dying Stars telling poignant stories of love, loss, darkness and joy. His precise word choices and vivid imagery give the songs emotional depth, drawing listeners into the heart of the music.

The synth-driven musical arrangements add further dimension, layering textures and tonal colours that enhance the emotional themes. Melodic beauty runs through the album in a luscious tide.

Chelsea Owen (as Oceanside’85) – Neon Dreams

When I first reviewed Neon Dreams, I was immediately struck by Chelsea Owens' gripping vocal performances and soulful delivery, along with her chameleon-like ability to adapt to different styles and sonic profiles within a broader synth-based music envelope. Her music on this album showcases what a talented vocalist and writer can bring to each project they undertake.

Neon Dreams showcases Chelsea Owen’s expressive voice as it rides atop shimmering synth layers, pulsing basslines and textured percussion. Collaborations with artists like Cody Carpenter and Color Theory deepen the album’s creative scope. Owen’s vocal strength and the album’s genre versatility make it a fascinating and memorable musical experience.

Neon Dreams blends synthwave, groovy house beats and ambient electronics seamlessly. Each track feels fresh with complex synth tones supporting Owen’s ability to deliver intense emotion.

Aeronexus – Aeon Intergrade

Even though Aeronexus was young when he made Aeon Intergrade, I already felt drawn to his complex soundscapes and musical expression. The way he carried me on a journey compelled me with this album. I still continue to enjoy the music he's putting out after five years, listening to him grow as an artist.

Aeon Intergrade is full of intricate sonic layers, emotive melodies and interstellar themes, creating an exhilarating musical voyage. The album balances pulse-pounding energy with emotional depth, exploring feelings from pain to vitality through evolving melodies.

Guest artists elevate the album as Dimi Kaye’s intricate guitar work, Draven’s dark, classical touches and Tim Capello’s fiery sax add richness. Aeronexus’ unique synth sounds, including majestic choral tones and intriguing textures, create a captivating and adventurous listening experience.

Indigo – INDIGO

Indigo is one of those artists with whom I felt an instant rapport. She has a natural way of expressing herself vocally and her songwriting skills made me take notice. I especially enjoy the immediacy of her expression and the way in which she takes a look at the emotional complexity of human relationships and connections.

INDIGO blends synthpop with heartfelt lyrics and expressive vocals. Indigo’s voice adds depth and emotion to her storytelling. The album’s songwriting is vivid and direct, supported by intricate synth arrangements that range from light and breezy to dark and intense.

The album is an intimate and impactful exploration of emotion and mood. Indigo’s breathy yet commanding vocals glide over layers of synth textures ranging from crystalline brightness to shadowy depth. The music creates a vivid sonic landscape

Cat Temper – Feralyzed

The first time I heard Feralyzed I really wasn't sure what to think. After starting out by reviewing pretty classic synthwave, what was coming out of my headphones was totally quirky and completely original. Cat Temper continues to create some of the most fascinating synthesizer based music out there.

Cat Temper delivers a dynamic and entertaining fusion of unique beats, playful cat-themed humor, and diverse synth tones. The album’s mix of metallic, gruff and warm synth sounds creates a fresh, engaging experience.

Feralyzed incorporates growling electric guitar to add power and character, while chiptune-inspired digital sounds bring a technological edge. The polished production ensures clarity and sharpness, weaving all elements into a cohesive tapestry. Feralyzed exemplifies Cat Temper’s innovative approach to synth music.

Bunny X – Love Minus 80

Early on in my music writing, I interviewed Bunny X and was quickly enamoured of their approach to music making and songwriting. When Love Minus 80 came along, the way in which Bunny X captured the essence of the stories with their skillful vocal performances and unique approach to songwriting truly drew me in. This is an album that I continue to enjoy hearing.

Love Minus 80 is a sci-fi-inspired synthpop album that combines emotive vocals with strong songwriting. Collaborations with guest artists add depth and richness to the music. The album’s lush production captures ’80s vibes while maintaining clarity blending layered synths with dynamic bass and drums.

Bunny X skillfully weaves original tales while honouring their inspirations. The combination of sci-fi themes, warm harmonies, and dynamic rhythms results in an engaging and imaginative musical experience.

Peacecraft – Songs For When The World Ends

I hadn't listened to much lo-fi music but I was already familiar with Peacecraft’s more synthwave style offerings, but I was deeply affected by the emotional strength and aching tenderness within Songs For When The World Ends. It remains music that I listen to when I'm feeling melancholy or in need of peace.

Peacecraft’s Songs For When The World Ends is a deeply emotional album filled with vulnerability and poignant beauty. Through fragile piano performances and resonant strings, the music explores themes of uncertainty, loss and tenuous hope. The album’s delicacy and sensitivity continues to engage me.

The thoughtful production by jacket enhances the compositions, allowing the music to breathe and resonate. This introspective album captures aching emotion and delicate artistry, leaving a lasting impression on its listeners.

Yota – Room 412

Yota takes an approach to synthpop on Room 412 that I find strongly attractive. between her broad vocal range, classic 1980s sonic sensibility and emotionally connected songwriting. The way in which the album approaches a more retro sound is fresh and I continue to find it entertaining as a listening experience. Room 412 is another one of those albums that takes me on an ear pleasing journey.

Room 412 is a deeply emotional synthpop album featuring Yota’s captivating vocals and poignant lyrics. Her ability to convey love and loss through retro-influenced yet modern synth soundscapes creates a powerful listening experience.

The balance between expressive vocals and textured synth backdrops ensures the album remains engaging and emotionally resonant. The atmospheric production heightens the interplay between vocal and instrumental elements, creating an intimate and compelling listening experience. I enjoy the lushly interwoven synth arrangements.