Today in artist spotlight we have a real gem. Celina who already featured here on the blog is back with a brand new and very energetic album. She did not rest on her laurels but worked on her style a lot and also learnt a trick or two. So let’s jump right in:
The first track Corrupted By you starts with some heavy drones and although there are some light plucky sounds in the background the distorted speech and the overdriven bass with the massive drums really packs a punch. You may want to adjust the volume for this album in the beginning, I sure did - not necessarily quieter. The excessive use of echo and nice blending of the leads fits well, but the rest of the instruments are simply just grinding everything down. It sets the mood for the upcoming tracks for sure. I think we also can hear Celina in the background but I may be wrong.
Next is Biowaste starting with a huge kick and a descending glide. Seemingly peaceful if we don’t count the drones cutting everything in half. The radiation counter in the background is a nice touch. The action starts with the same kicks and snares as earlier and the distorted lead is a bit more forgiving and we even get a bridge with some piano and echoed sounds and random warning effects. It resumes the heavy stomping kicks and cutting leads with strong plucky basses. The outro is just a short echoed fadeout but gives an emphasis to the dark atmosphere of the song.
The following one Frontline starts almost like if it was threatening. It doesn’t play around too much, jumps straight into the action. We get the heavy kicks and snares with strong bassline and almost friendly lead but the rest of the instruments make up for it until the surprisingly quiet bridge. Of course it’s just a diversion, the action is back after that stronger than ever. Distorted layered leads, unexpected sound effects of things breaking and of course the massive drums with bass.
The next song has the promising title of Ghost. Starts with unusually light sawtooths and layered pads. Of course a massive kick quickly makes a point then the snare brings in even more energy. We also get a eerie voice saying Ghost from time to time. The echoed lead complements the overall idea well. THe bridge is also creepy and quiet first but then some explosions sets the energy level back. The second part brings in the Full Monty, upping the energy level even higher.
Godlike brings a lot of distant reverbed and echoed pads, the agresssive type. This is not a picnic in the woods which is emphasized by strong kicks and snares after a while. The lead and the plucky strong bass goes on until the bridge that is quiet again but this time its second half is more aggressive. The second part brings in more layered leads and more distorted grinding instruments.
The song Hexalite is almost friendly with its pads, smooth drones until something breaks – into a massive sawtooth lead, the usual powerful drums and some extras which are cutting everyone who goes too close. In case we forgot a deep voice makes it clear that it is indeed Hexalite we’re listening too. Again the quiet bridge is trying to fool us for a short while but it is not trying too hard before brings back the even stronger layered leads with one extra. The outro is new, it quieter than the song itself.
The next one Betrayal starts with some eerie sounds, almost like a horror movie. The massive drone makes it clear that it’s nothing like that and most likely we’re in for something that will rip our heads off. Surprisingly that’s not the case. It is powerful for sure but softer than the earlier songs. Sure the drums are powerful but the rest distorted and plucky leads are softer. The bridge is almost too soft and it even has pads. The second part is energetic but looks like betrayal is sneaky, unlike the earlier tracks.
Human Nature intro explains what human nature is with some plucks. That is a scary distorted voice tells the story. The drums, lead and bass then slowly creep in while the voice doesn’t stop and gives away the meaning: Destruction. This is what we always do. Although it doesn’t sound as in your face like the earlier tracks, this song delivers a very powerful message.
The last track A Hero Born comes through as a nice introduction with echoes and pads. However, this one makes up in power what the earlier tracks may have missed. Very precise and targeted drums, leads and bass with some random treats. Of course the quiet bridge makes an appearance and then disappearance. It finishes the album with a lot of power and energy.
Listening to this album was quite an adventure. This is a real masterpiece and the fans of the subgenre will like it a lot.
It is available on Bandcamp , Spotify and Youtube .
An interesting trivia that the album comes with its own Sci-Fi comic book if you buy it on Bandcamp
. Also some merch: backgrounds, t-shirts!
It is a really good album to enjoy not only for cyberpunk fans, letting out excess energy or even annoy the neighbours or just bring down the wall. It fits all of these purposes.
Highly recommended!