Leifendeth - Distorted Transmission 3: Deadwaves

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Leifendeth's Distorted Transmission 3: Deadwaves is flooded with dystopian darkness and ferocious, spectral soundscapes. The artist weaves together a shadowed and threatening world, punctuated by disturbing sounds and massive percussion and bass. The spoken-word, chanted lyrics deepen the sense of peril and foreboding. A constant, oppressive weight and sense of desolation permeates the album's layered tracks.

One aspect of Distorted Transmission 3 that I particularly enjoy is the way the artist creates compelling and powerful soundscapes. The weaving together of sonic textures and colors, along with the ever-present sense of menace, paints a broken and fear-struck landscape. As the album unfolds, the artist guides us through this shattered and terrifying world. Metallic sounds ring, jagged-edged bass slashes and melodies burst forth in minor-key darkness, intensifying the atmosphere.

Another standout element of Distorted Transmission 3 is the lyrical content. The artist’s words capture the desolation and despair exuded by the music, speaking of endings and broken things, but also of defiance and radical acceptance. Delivered through chanted vocals rather than sung lyrics, they enhance the discomforting sensations of the tracks.

Atmosphere plays a crucial role in my enjoyment of this album. The music fills me with nervousness, making me glance over my shoulder, as if an imminent threat or looming danger were closing in. A mixed sense of rage and hopelessness emanates from the soundscapes, holding my attention throughout.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Deserter” opens with Stygian bass slowly vibrating with jagged edges as metallic sounds begin to bang steadily. A ringing tone accompanies chanted vocals—a poem cutting into the music with power and shadow. Smoothly intertwining notes weave around the vocals while colossal drums throb with insistent strength.

Darkly sinister tones rise as the two vocalists chant together, and a distant, ascending synth adds tension. Slamming, clanging percussion moves alongside a tightly wound synth as The Disasteress calls out, followed by Leifendeth’s voice. Uncomfortably twisting notes shift in the background, paired with ringing percussion and drums punching above a dark choir.

The Disasteress speaks and Leifendeth answers, their voices intertwined in poetic, powerful dialogue. Hammering sounds intensify the sense of danger as miasmic notes float through the track. Pulsing percussion drives the music forward while seething synth flows on an unstoppable low end.

The narrator declares they worship something eternal saying, “This love won’t die in me.” They compare it to a ghost that refuses to leave, adding that their mind is made up and they never gave up. They believe this love will set them free, calling it both a blessing and a curse.

The story explores themes of faded but persistent life, saying, “I’ve got a blood-stained soul, still seeing red.” The protagonist resolves to face love and hatred alike with a “white-hot spark that never fades,” refusing to leave or be left behind. They warn that “corruption terrifies” noting that the long road has been paved as the world lies “buried alive in a shallow grave.”

Hugely echoing, thick synth tones moving alongside the sound of distant rain to open” Unchanged.” A kick drum hits with muscled force as the echoing synth wanders. Haunted voices call out as gigantic synth walls cut heavily through the soundscape. The track swells with a constant sense of terror while the drums explode into rapid, pulsing motion.

Flowing sounds drift past as the swirling background floats. A glowing, descending synth exudes immense power as it cascades through the music. Elevated notes cry out, undulating and falling as the drums continue to burst and rush. The track carries an energy which feels both treacherous and engaging.

Shadowy, intertwining synth textures burst into another ringing layer, moving in short, bright bursts. A distorted voice roams through the music as the bass drops heavily. The vocals return with falsetto lines, harmonizing with a ghostly choir drifting past.

The narrator reflects on dark forces beyond the point of no return, urging others to "keep the monsters at bay." They suggest embracing vigilance as the time of collapse approaches. Echoing themes of sacrifice and survival, the track ends with crystalline notes trembling into silence as the choir fades.

“Moment of Collapse” opens with unrelenting, pounding drums and bass rushing forward. Fulminating basslines tear into the track with raw aggression as whispered vocals hiss out. The drums hit violently while spectral basslines drift through the background.

The vocals shift between chanted lines and whispered warnings, trading ominous energy between the two vocalists. Slowly intertwining synth notes weave through the music as the snarling, sawtoothed bass intensifies. Each element builds forcefully, creating a portentous sonic landscape.

The narrator warns to "tread lightly on this ice that's thinning every day" urging others to hold their ground and avoid deceitful figures who offer false solutions. They acknowledge impending collapse, urging listeners to stay vigilant and prepare for the consequences.

An uncomfortably trembling, elevated bassline riding through static-filled radio waves start off “Shortwave Shift.” Massive, throbbing beats create a driving low end, while an undulating, tensely wound bassline moves in trembling motion.

Above the hollow, smacking drums, a glimmering bassline carries a surprisingly melancholy melody. The juxtaposition of shining luminosity and seething low-end pulse creates dramatic tension. Chimes gleam with bright light and the melody’s hypnotic quality lulls the listener into a trance-like state.

The music builds steadily as muffled, crushing drums continue to pulse. Open-voiced melodies weave into string-like textures, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The track closes with crystalline tones and chanting vocals fading into silence, leaving a haunting impression.

“Not Again (Silenced Mix)” begins with silken, rippling notes that drift smoothly through the track. Strangely twisting vocals create a disquieting feeling as growling bass descends and a single drum pulsates. Now a powerful but tranquility-enfolding note pattern runs through the music above the void-deep bass. The whispering vocals hiss into the track with a sense of pure danger as the bass continues to descend.

Chanting vocals run through the music with a chilling effect as the background floats and the bass continues to deepen the danger. The drums and bass form a broken pulse as the surging, glowing bass runs out in threat-filled lines. The vocals chant as the background rises with raging strength, and the lost notes trail through the track as the bass rumbles.

The vocals have a shadowed quality as the background miasma intertwines with the luminous bass chords that move through the distance. The dark lyrics add to the sensation within this music as a melodic surge cuts into the music with razor-sharp edges. The lead singer chants out the words while the drums and bass continue to kick and throb. The swirling background is cut by the glimmering notes and the gruff-edged bass before the music ends.

Our storyteller talks about the fact that, in a world that's crumbling, many of us won't be saved. He points out that "society is imploding into itself; the survivors will be the brave." He adds that when chaos reigns, the evil will leach away the things that made us alive. He concludes that we are "morally dead, we’re fucked in the head" and perhaps we don't deserve to survive.

The narrator speaks of "a disaster of epic proportions" created by poor decisions and distortions of truth. Most humans encouraged the disaster when "they cocked the gun, then we put it to our head."

Our storyteller cries out that he doesn't want all the years of pain without cease to happen again. He doesn't want "all the strain inside my mind and body ache" because he doesn't know how much more he can take or if he can endure it again.

The narrator points out that when the world is ruled by "heartless men" atrocities seem never-ending. He isn't sure if he can mend anymore or survive the suffering again.

Our storyteller says that the leaders "wallow in crime and sin" while lying hypocritically. He adds that they are counting on people to let them win, so he encourages others to "take the blinders off your eyes and fight" because they have truth on their side.

A distantly sweeping sound and percussion ticking out into echoing emptiness as “Stealth Killer (In the Face Of Remix)” opens. Darkly intertwining notes move above the heavily rebounding drumbeat, and strange rustlings and uncomfortable shadows shift. The drumbeat is slow but powerful, creating shape as a steadily trembling, glowing synth floats with haunting lightness. I am enamored of the weighty strength within this track.

Computerized noises move in the distance as the heaving low end throbs, and a steady, scraping sound moves in the distance. Disturbing and uneasy sensations emanate as a twisted voice calls out unintelligibly to deepen the tension. A low drone moves along with elevated synth and laser-like sounds that impact the track. Now the drums accelerate to a hectic rush and propel the music ferociously forward as portentous noises echo in the distance.

The track has an unstoppable, raging quality now as it rushes forward with chanted words floating out into space. A medium-high, thready-sounding synth carries a minor-key melody, creating an ancient and terrifying feeling. The slamming percussion is unrelenting as the chanted word "die" repeats and the melody swirls with deadly intent. The track charges onward as a creaking, computerized-sounding noise continues to shift, and the melody drifts as the slamming low end closes the track out.

Discomforting radio static hisses to begin “Strange Dream.” A trembling, uncomfortable sound swirls and wobbles as the foreboding bass rises. Twisted vocals shiver and riffle, spreading more unsettling sensations. Delicate, tragic-sounding bells ring above a low end that strikes with ferocious force.

Bass surges in a hollow tide as the bells ring with a melancholy, nervous feeling. Percussion provides a steady pulse as the bass descends with terrifying strength. Rough-edged sounds rumble and elevated notes flash. Heavy blackness pours from the low end as a string-like synthesizer takes up the steady pattern above, while a haunting choir floats in the background.

The melodic pattern heightens the tension as the fragile choir hovers in the distance. The low end rises with dangerous strength, accelerating the melodic pattern as it gains speed. The bass becomes a physical force and the quickly rushing vocals move above the slowly undulating bass. A steady sense of wrongness pervades the music as the open-sounding bass roams, string-like synthesizers levitate smoothly, and fearful sounds continue to build.

Conclusion

Distorted Transmission 3: Deadwaves seethes with darkness and paints dystopic images of a society falling into despair and decay. I enjoy the way in which Leifendeth explores these twisted and shadowy images through layered soundscapes.

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