Exorcisor - Divine Justice

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Divine Justice is a potent evocation of demonic forces locked in battle with one who seeks to destroy them. The album roars and tears, smashing with unrelenting ferocity and hellish panic. Exorcisor weaves an intoxicatingly dark atmosphere and tells his tale of battles against the forces of evil with musical imagery. The addition of his formidable guitar playing and the blood-spattered rage of the album only add to the shadowy strength pouring from it.

Atmosphere is key to Divine Justice and Exorcisor does an excellent job of creating it. The entire album is a wedge of screaming, howling and seething energy that tears at me in a way I find enjoyable for its uncompromising sound. The way in which Exorcisor explores his ragged, viciously attacking material fills me with feelings of foreboding and outright danger as the music unfolds.

I'd also like to mention Exorcisor’s guitar skills, which are showcased on Divine Justice. He makes the instrument shred and rip, a wall of unstoppable anger and righteousness. I can picture the conflict between the demon within and the exorcist without, through the guitar. The battling impression of Exorcisor's guitar playing here only adds to the horror exuded by the music.

The album is full of incandescent ferocity and a sense of dark threat that doesn't diminish. I appreciate Exorcisor’s skill in conveying massive energy and continual spiritual conflict throughout the tracks without becoming repetitive. Feelings of bitter darkness permeate every pore of the music and pull me inward into a twisted world.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Call of Duty" comes into being as monastic chanting floats ethereally and bells ring with an ominous clang. Dark piano surges in a tumbling rush, shadows rise against sharp-edged synth that calls out in the background. The piano carries a classically inspired melody as strange whispers move around it.

Haunting noises shift as the piano thunders and a phone rings. The background begins to agitate as a phone conversation unfolds, razor-sharp edges slashing and drums pounding. The piano carries an unearthly melody as Exorcisor's guitar cries out, swirling with wraith-like tendrils, while the low end batters. The piano slips past in a silky flow as the synth pulse creates a counterpoint.

The guitar entangles with urgent energy as someone begs for help and horrifying feelings fill the music. Now, the drums and bass move with the flitting piano notes as they intermingle with a slashing synth. A sense of growing tension fills the music as Exorcisor's guitar fades into the shadowy piano. Tensely wound synth trembles and rapidly moving lines as the drums continue to pulsate and the piano dances in a surprisingly mournful melody, which I find touching before the song ends.

Intensely cascading, nervous notes vibrate rapidly as murky sounds move in the distance to open “Another Nightmare.” A solid drum begins to punch as the rapid notes twirl and the track surges forward with foreboding arpeggios whirling as a guitar twists in the distance. Exorcisor's guitar’s cadaverous quality makes it loom over the track, full of portentous feeling.

Open-voiced, trembling synth howls with unsettled sound as tense noises spin. A high-pitched note cries out and trickling sounds rush as the drums explode. A vocal synth adds a ghostly, trailing sound as the kick drum keeps throbbing hard. As the guitar slashes into the music with wild madness, I feel danger approaching through the shadows, jagged claws reaching for me.

The drums continue to rocket forward as the minor-key solo writhes with evil hunger. A nasal-sounding, bending synth adds a misty feeling to the music as the pounding kick drum continues to drive. The spinning arpeggios only add to the nervousness of the music as the drums burst again. Exorcisor's guitar slices with precise, angry power as the drums collide. I enjoy the way in which the whole track exudes menace and impending doom while the tautly wound arpeggios spin past and the track drives to an end with the elevated notes crying out above the fiercely slamming low end.

“Contact With Beyond” begins with rumbling bass and descending, terrified notes. Glimmering synth intertwines above a roiling low end as the drums begin to charge forward. The guitar is full of jagged edges while the chimes add a spectral quality as the bass pulses. The elevated synth melody is elegant, but now the track rages with diabolical intent, a twisted voice crying out in the distance as the drums attack.

Brightly shining notes flash as the drums batter and now a smoothly gliding, rather caressing melody slips out on an open-sounding synth. An uncomfortable buzzing sound moves in the distance as the lightly swirling synth creates an ethereally surrounding sensation. A choir calls out in the distance as the drums rush and batter.

Now, a distorted vocal sound carries the melody, unsettling and otherworldly, as the growling vocals move below. A sense of impending doom fills me as this haunted track unfolds, charging and jumping onward. Exorcisor's guitar has a blade-like quality as it carries a minor-key melodic pattern, full of lurking shadows. The drums are a hard force as chimes flicker and move with silky motion. The raging voice below haunts me as it growls.

The drums pound again and an oscillating, lacerating bassline moves with the gently floating melody, imbued with a sense of sadness, while the guitar has a razor-edged aggression. Elevated, nervous sounds ring out and the track pounds to an end.

Roughly pulsating, huge bass moves with terrifying, elevated sounds to kick off “The Invader.” Horrible voices drift distantly as the drums collide and mysterious swirling synth floats above glittering chimes that shine with eldritch light, forming an actively jumping melody.

Choral voices cry out above the unrelenting drum beat while the flickering notes dance with will-o’-the-wisp light. Warmly progressing chords contrast with the heavy weight beneath as the delicate chimes shine above while the low end thuds. The choir cries out with dark import as the shimmering chimes add a surprisingly fragile luminosity to the music.

Ghastly vocal sounds move far away as the chimes continue to exude flashing brightness. The undulating low end and pounding drums are cut by quickly rippling notes as the choir cries out again as the drums continue to pound. Darkness pours out in inky black waves, flowing all around me and adding to the sense of danger that echoes out.

The choir is powerful and creates an ancient-sounding impression as the chimes pour out light. The track ends with the brightly cutting synth fading out above the undulating low end.

"Sent by the Vatican" commences as a deeply descending sound moves with melancholy piano and a growl that trembles in the distance. The drums form a steady heartbeat as the fragile piano shivers and tortured sounds twist. A demonic voice calls out and now the shadowy, wriggling synth twists through the music in a tortured motion as the drums slam. In the distance, terrified chords add dangerous import as the descending notes flow past.

Tightly wound sounds move in a cavernous rush, like air from a tomb flowing out. The thundering low end rumbles as a steady sweeping noise lifts. Jagged notes move along with a screaming synth that increases the pressure as steady sounds snarl. The bassline undulates as the massively explosive drums are joined by a chiming synth carrying minor-key notes that add creeping worry. I enjoy the smashing weight of the track and its oppressive darkness.

Exorcisor's guitar screams in agony, writhing and twitching as the drums continue to slam hard. The guitar has an otherworldly quality as whispered, terrifying voices move past. Looming chords add to the feeling of an imminent attack while the explosive low end pushes forward. Delicate chimes sparkle with ghostly echoes as the endlessly pressing low end moves. The drums rush and the flaring synth slices with swift, sharp edges before the track closes.

A fear-filled synth cries out as rapidly flashing notes tremble past, adding terror to start "Interview with the Dead." The drums erupt into an unrelenting pulse as elevated notes sparkle with eldritch light. The bass is a fulminating wall as broadly howling notes float past. The drums are unstoppable as a string-like synth is joined by elevated synth’s fell sound.

The bass wanders as the raised synth shines with the light of a mysterious orb. Warmer notes add a tragic tinge as the broadly echoing synth intermingles while the low-end maelstrom continues. Elevated sounds add tension while the low end seems unstoppable. The string-like notes create an aching feeling while the warmer synth carries out, leavening the nightmarish sensations with tenderness. The arpeggios spin in manic waves and the drums collide. I enjoy the way this track creates a mixture of gentle emotion and tension as it evolves.

“Novus Macula” starts with a guitar storm along with a surging drum beat that leaps in. The drums have a churning power as Exorcisor's guitar cries out with sinister muscle above them. The drum pulse punches forward as the guitar roars and intertwines.

A melancholy synth calls out, contrasting sadness with the dreadful power that batters below it, carrying a melody that might even be considered wistful as it floats past. The drums have a pounding weight as the guitar tears with razor-sharp claws and the broadly trumpeting synth adds a majestic element.

I enjoy the way in which the track mingles nobility and darkness, driven by the unrelenting low-end attack. The main melody is full of pain but remains noble as the drums strike with metallic force and the bass rumbles. The sadness-filled main melody calls out with a touching quality before the guitar howls like the souls of the damned and the low end batters before silence falls.

Feverishly bright bells ring with intense motion to open “The Exorcist.” A void-deep rush of air moves along with rapidly slicing guitar. Exorcisor's vocals scream with fiendish ferocity as Exorcisor's guitar storms and the chimes flicker while the drums slam hard. Rage and danger pour from the music as a distorted voice contorts and the churning guitar rips through the music.

The vocals are serrated and snarling while the rebounding drums punch and the bass charges. The chimes are full of worry as the guitar lacerates the music and the elevated synth chords keen in the distance. The music’s sheer violence undeniably pulls me in. The slamming low end continues to batter as the vocals tear roughly and the low end attacks. The scream of a tormented synth is joined by the shredding lyrics and the storming guitar to bring the track to an end.

“Transgressor” commences with dungeon sounds and a chanting voice calls out in Latin. Power radiates from the words as a howling sound is joined by broadly explosive drums and a rapidly tumbling synth moves with strings that cry out in horror before the screaming vocals are cut by harpsichord-like notes.

The low end is gigantic and churning as minor-key, bright notes scream and Exorcisor's vocals rip through the music above the threatening low end as a hellish choir wails. A glistening synth flashes rapidly as the drums burst into half-time, massive beneath the wildly chanting lyrics as vibrating notes shriek in a tortured line.

A Theremin-like synth twists with a spectral tone as agitated sounds move underneath, while the drums continue to chatter. The darkness is palpable and draws me in while the gruff edges of Exorcisor’s voice sound raw and harsh. Strings wind up with fearful intensity and the track slams to an end.

Laser-like sounds flash through shadowy chanting and now the drums and guitar charge forward with unrelenting speed to kick off “Divine Justice.” Intensely intertwining, horrified notes move along with the rampaging vocals and the ferociously assaulting drums and bass. Exorcisor's guitar shreds as the drums batter rapidly and the strings intertwine dramatically.

Exorcisor's guttural vocals lacerate the music and the guitar has a terrible force, ripping through it. The main melody exudes absolute fright. I enjoy the music’s wicked atmosphere as the chanting vocals are cut into by a jabbing synth and the guitar’s sharp edges.

The track speeds forward at breakneck pace as Exorcisor's blood-spattered vocals reach a fever pitch while the drums stutter. Twisting notes wander as the hammering percussion assaults my ears before the song ends.

Conclusion

Divine Justice is an atmospheric evocation of evil, darkness and the eternal struggle to defeat those forces. Shadows fill every corner and ferociously surging energy erupts through the music as the album unfolds. I enjoy the way in which Exorcisor has created a terror-filled atmosphere and carried me through it.

Hollywood Brown - Reverberator

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hollywood Brown’s Reverberator is a classic slice of authentic '80s synth rock brought to exciting life. His dedication to ensuring that as many elements as possible are created with original equipment from that era gives the music authenticity, but it is his enthusiasm and ability that truly animates the album. Between his galvanizing vocal abilities, guitar talent and unstoppable energy, he weaves an intoxicating, nostalgic musical journey.

One of the elements I enjoy about Reverberator is the way Hollywood Brown uncompromisingly recreates the sound of the 1980s. His desire to produce music using original, period equipment gives it an unmistakable sound and deepens the feeling of immersion in that era. It is always compelling when an artist works so hard to evoke a particular sound—and succeeds.

Another factor that draws me to Reverberator is the combination of songwriting and vocal ability displayed by Hollywood Brown. He writes songs that tell tales of love, loss and desire under the summer sun, capturing the emotions and dynamism of those experiences with his unmistakable and thrilling voice. The result is music that reaches out, grabs me by the scruff of the neck and pulls me in, immersing me completely in his world.

Hollywood Brown’s guitar playing is another strong draw for me. His skills are undeniable and he imbues his guitar work with the same level of energetic freedom that fills his voice. The guitar solos are intricate and well-considered, while the overall sound of the instrument brings rocking power and a joyous wildness to the music.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Heartbreaker” starts with sharp drums moving along with bell-like synth ringing out. The drums help guide the bright bells as Hollywood Brown dynamically delivers the lyrics. The drums and bass form a steady retort beneath the glowing synth as Hollywood Brown’s voice calls out.

His guitar twists with vigorous life as the vocals jump with lively motion. A fragile synth contrasts with the dancing guitar as Hollywood Brown captures the lyrics' emotion. A metallic synth adds illumination as the low end pushes the music forward.

I enjoy Hollywood Brown’s emotive performance here. His guitar slices through with flying energy and a glassy synth floats in the distance as the drums add a clean edge. Now a guitar solo slices out with a bluesy sound. The chorus comes in with addictive energy as the song ends on a flaring synth.

As the sun comes up, the narrator lies awake and when he closes his eyes, all he can see is the song subject’s face. He says that she is "the habit that I'm trying to break" because she turns him on and drives him insane. He has to get up for work but still has "your makeup and your smell on my shirt." Even though he doesn't have the other person saved in his phone, he still ends up taking her home.

Our storyteller says that "this is the last night" because they both know it doesn't feel right. He adds that he doesn't want her to be his but "I am outta time." He calls her a heartbreaker and doesn't know why he's falling for her. He adds that she is "the mistake that I can't undo."

At 4 AM, the narrator is up walking the streets. He adds that "the bars are empty and the city's asleep." He asks if anyone can hear him when he calls for help but ends up saying that "I'll just try saving myself."

Our storyteller is awake and "my head is a mess." He says he's got a burning ache in his chest. He adds that she tries to take everything from him because "someday you know I'm gonna be free."

Electrifying drums burst, a synth rings and Hollywood Brown’s guitar whips in a rocking riff as “Miami Beach” begins. The drums are steady and the glittering synth flies past with an energizing melody. The vocals are carried by Hollywood Brown’s uplifting, powerful voice with a propulsive melody. The drums cascade and the guitar forms an angular pulsation as the synth shimmers.

An electric guitar carries the melody with exciting, dynamic life as the low end continues to throb. Bell-like notes shine and the drums and bass launch the music forward. The vocals are strong and capture a 1980s synth-rock sound. The guitar slices again, roaming with compelling power that grabs my ears.

The bass continues to dance with unstoppable power and Hollywood Brown’s guitar rings out in a clean solo that rocks hard, flying through the music. The vocals leap out again as the drums continue to pulse and the track comes to an end on the guitar.

The narrator tells the song's subject that he's going to take her back with "one less road to choose." He says it doesn't matter what the odds are because they haven't got anything left to lose. He wishes that he "could take you far away from here," and as they run away together, he would also take away her fear.

Our storyteller asks the other person to take him down to Miami Beach, "towards the place where lovers meet." He tells the song's subject that he'll always love her and says that under the sun she can "come feel the heat."

Now the narrator tells the song's subject that it's just them against the world, adding that he'll be a shoulder for her to cry on. He reminds her that their love is all they need, like a "beacon in the sky." He asks her to drive into the sunset with him, pointing out that "we'll make it if we try."

Our storyteller concludes that they'll dance every day and every night "until the feeling’s right." They'll dance until the morning light as he can't take any more lonely nights.

“Heaven Help Me” kicks off as twanging electric guitar tumbles in a funky pulse above the bursting drums. Groovy guitar entangles as sparkling, xylophone-like notes ring out along with brassy sounds. Hollywood Brown's voice carries the tumbling, bouncing melody above the hard-hitting low end.

Guitar leaps out with dynamic flair as the incredibly catchy chorus dances . Shiny synth floats out with a flickering light as the song drives on. I enjoy the slap bass’ undeniable propulsion as the drums fly out along with solid bass. Hollywood Brown’s vocals have a charming, ‘80’s quality that suits the music well.

The ear-catching chorus jumps out as the drums and bass explode with motion. Glistening, chiming synth adds more sparkle. Now Hollywood Brown’s guitar unwinds in a bluesy, energetic solo. The song ends on the chorus and rebounding drums and bass, along with gleaming synth and Hollywood Brown's wildly flickering guitar.

The narrator wonders whether the other person's attraction came from nowhere or from deep inside them. He asks, "Did you have those feelings that you just can't hide?" He questions if he was desperate and if he allowed the other person to lie. On the other hand, he asks, "Did I break the system? Did I let it die?"

Our storyteller says that the song's subject broke his heart and tore him apart. He continues by saying that “I can't be stronger any longer. My heaven help me." He is left wondering if the other person ever loved him or if they were just pretending

The narrator questions whether or not he's got the strength to stand up again. He concludes by saying he knows that the song’s subject is thinking they might just be friends. He disabuses them of that notion by saying “I have to leave you, this is where it ends. "

An echoing, disembodied guitar rings out and ethereal notes float in the distance as "Made 4 Me" commences. The guitar has a haunting, bluesy feeling as it calls out above the smoothly pulsing drums. Glittering synth infuses the music with brightness as Hollywood Brown’s fervent voice calls out, backed by the shiny synth and the drums explode.

Hollywood Brown sings with intensity and emotive expression, carrying the drifting melody. The guitar has a metallic quality as it winds above the hard-hitting low end. The guitar cries out with ardent feelings, shimmering and dancing, as the vocals add yearning weight. The drums snap like a gunshot and Hollywood Brown captures the desire in the lyrics. I enjoy the fiery need in the vocal performance.

The guitar solo is engaging as it adds a fervent feeling. The guitar entangles as the drums press on and the vocals call out with longing before the song comes to an end.

The narrator met the song’s subject when he least expected his life to keep going the way it was. He points out that the other person found him and "gave me a reason to keep on moving." He says that now he's got her by his side and looking into her eyes he sees "dreams I can't describe."

Our storyteller has given the song's subject his heart and he'll make her see that "this is a sign, I guess you're made for me." He tells the other person not to worry about what came before them because "these old memories, ain’t nothin’ but stardust."

Now, the narrator tells the song’s subject that if they "stumble or get lost in the rain," they'll be guided by their love’s flame. He adds, "You have my heart and you make it glow." He concludes, "Take my hand and our love will flow, what do you know?"

"Dance Til We Die" starts as a xylophone trickles percussively and the guitar snarls. A charging drumbeat moves with the aggressively slashing guitar and the chiming synth sparkles with exciting liveliness.

Hollywood Brown's voice erupts with heat and desire, the drums pulsing in a rushing line as the bass descends. The xylophone continues to ripple in the distance as the vocals fly with intensity while the drums burst. The guitar unfurls with irrepressible speed and the vocals are full of unbridled energy.

The shining synth bursts out with dynamic liveliness as the xylophone moves with the explosive drums. The song's energy is something I find most enjoyable. The active drum beat creates a bopping feeling. There's need within Hollywood Brown's voice as the guitar flies out again, driven by the low end.

The chorus is encouraging and full of intense emotion. Hollywood Brown’s guitar solo exudes unstoppable strength, carrying a sense of dancing. The main melody returns to move the music forward as the vocals echo one more time and the song ends.

Our storyteller tells the song’s subject that he likes her dress and "the way it glitters on the dance floor." He’s impressed even though he doesn't know what he's letting himself in for. He says that he likes "your moves, the way you're busting to the beat," as he asks the song's subject to show him more because he can't wait any longer or "take the heat."

The narrator tells the song's subject that they can make it if they try and says, "So get up on the floor and we will dance till we die." He asks the song's subject what she's drinking because "a girl like you should only have champagne." He asks if it's his round because "you’d know if I had my way in this game."

Our storyteller tells the song’s subject that he likes her eyes and asks what he can get her from the bar. As the song concludes, he asks if the car outside is hers and says, "Go on and take the wheel, we won't get very far."

Drums erupt into a muscled beat as a delicately shining synth moves along with quick, hard edged surges as “Hold On” opens. The drums are gigantic and propulsive as the synth shifts darkly. Hollywood Brown's voice flies with wild abandon as the drums and entangling guitar skip through the music.

Hollywood Brown's vocals have an irrepressible power that I find compelling while his guitar charges with bright liveliness. The chorus is full of encouragement and strength as the bursting guitar cries out. The vocals seize hold of the lyrics and propel them with conviction.

The drums continue to punch hard as the guitar unfolds in electrifying motion. Hollywood Brown fills the song with impassioned strength while the guitar adds a brilliant shine. The drums erupt again and the vocals fly out with characteristic expression before the song comes to an end.

The narrator says, "There's a snake in the grass round every door," but notes that the song's subject is still there, "begging for more." He wishes that they could find a better way but believes, "We'll get there no matter what they say. There's a universe for us to explore," along with so many opportunities they can't neglect.

Our storyteller knows that it's easy to be scared because "your doubts will drive you insane," so he plays his guitar and tries to create a better life. He adds, "Someday I'll be a star, I know I'll get it right," and asks the song's subject to hold on.

Now the narrator says, "You gotta work it if you're going to make it, you got the rhythm so you better shake it." He adds that if they stick together, they'll make it and when he sees the record, he's going to break it. He continues, "We gave our lives to rock 'n' roll."

Life is compared to a stage on which they're going to put on a show and the storyteller says, "Ignore the needles that they insert," pointing out that you can't go as far as you need to without getting hurt. He goes on to say, "We're making plans and we're making dough."

“Lost My Heart on the Dancefloor” begins as an intensely uplifting guitar riff slashes in along with bursting drums. Chimes sparkle and Hollywood Brown's voice explodes with desire as the drums launch forward again. A trumpeting synth flashes out with dynamism as Hollywood Brown's vocals capture all of the need bursting from the lyrics.

The drums and bass have a steady heartbeat while the guitar slices in, its sharp edges driving with undeniable strength as the vocals catch the emotional intensity radiating from the lyrics. Chimes flicker as the drums continue to pulsate, moving with raging energy.

I find Hollywood Brown’s voice engaging and thrilling as he delivers all of the emotional impact of the lyrics. Now, shiny notes ring out above an energetically driving beat while radiance continues to fill the music. The bass riff is catchy and the track keeps moving unrelentingly forward before ending.

The narrator concludes, "If you get down, you better get down low," stating that one needs to "quit lying face down in the dirt" so they can face the crowd and get working. The narrator talks about keeping his eyes wide open, adding that he couldn't resist even if he wanted to.

He continues, "You could make black holes collide, the way you move makes me lose my mind." He wishes the song's subject would quit "messing with my head" because she shakes him up like a heart attack while he tries to stay on track.

Our storyteller has tried to turn the song's subject away, but she keeps coming back and he "gave it all, but you wanted more." He hopes that she's gotten what she wanted as she forced her way through the door he left open while "I lost my heart on the dance floor."

Now the narrator says that when she asked him if he wanted to dance, he didn't want to leave anything to chance. He "did not refuse when you took my hands, I was drawn to your strange romance." He kept waiting for a sign but asks, "Was I just stupid, or was it the wine?" concluding that he was a "hot mess under a moonlit sky."

Hollow percussion and a kick drum movie into space as a tenderly levitating synth descends along with a glimmering chime to open “Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right.” The percussion continues to throb as a twisting synth moves before Hollywood Brown’s vocals caress my ears, aching with loss and betrayal.

Drums continue to guide the music as Hollywood Brown captures the mixed hurt and anger in the vocals. Ethereally chiming notes shimmer as the drum beat continues to pulse and the guitar wriggles. The vocal performance is full of depth and emotion while a jazz organ is touched by the softly floating guitar. Hollywood Brown’s voice carries a mysterious melody as the bright notes glitter while the pulsing drum beat continues to move.

The guitar has a haunting feeling as it slips in—easygoing but enigmatic. As the chorus calls out, breathy synth gleams delicately, moving along with the steady drums. Hollywood Brown’s guitar solo is yearning and wistful, roaming out with a blues-inflected feeling. The drums continue to shape the music as the guitar howls before the track ends.

Our storyteller speaks to the song’s subject, saying that they "saw the shadows through a rainstorm, followed the light that showed you the way." He trusted the other person when they opened the door, knowing that "things would never be the same."

The other person sometimes asked what they were doing it for and "wrote down the things that you couldn't say" as they promised themselves they couldn't take it anymore and "kept on singing every single day."

The narrator points out that two wrongs don't make a right, but "the world seems brighter in the morning light." He repeats that two wrongs don't make a right, "turning tricks in the dead of night." He tells the other person that he'll let them know when he finds them, asking, "Do broken stars find their other half?"

Now our storyteller says that "every waking moment is the time to make other plans, find a second chance." He asks if the other person will be true or "left speaking in tongues?" as he wonders if they can just let things pass them by. He concludes, "Will you be ready when the time comes to look yourself in the eye?"

Conclusion

Reverberator is a truly enjoyable journey through the world of '80s synth rock. The album avoids becoming clichéd while still diving deep into the signature sound of the era. I believe this is largely due to the sheer musical skill and enthusiasm of Hollywood Brown, along with his ability to belt out a tune. The end result is a compulsively listenable album.

SINA MATIX - Cursed

Review by Chris Magdalenski

I just got the news

You’re in the place I feared

Pushing the words away

That I don’t want to hear

Emotions, Raw and Red.

It’s those foreboding words, accompanied by bouncing synth stabs and adrenaline fueled drum and bass lines that open Sina Matix’s latest release Cursed. Titled “Where Did It Go Wrong”, the first track serves as a signpost, a warning that we are about to embark on a very personal dark electro journey.

Themes of loss, loneliness and despair are on full display throughout the work. Each track offers a richly dramatic soundscape drenched in an unsettled dread. While some tracks utilize forlorn vocals, executed with a soulful listlessness, others forgo those, relying instead on menacing samples of lines from film and television. 

It’s a highly effective technique, further giving the album a darkly unique feel, one that alternates between seething rage and spiraling depression at the drop of a hat. I could feel the raw emotions Sina Matix poured into every track. A true work of an artist grappling with the demons of choices both made and not made. Like all good art, I saw bits of my own existence in Cursed, and I highly recommend giving it a listen yourself.

For more SINA MATIX, visit https://sinamatix.bandcamp.com

Galaxy Racer - The Searching

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Galaxy Racer’s The Searching has cosmic power and beauty along with intricately interwoven guitar performances, memorable melodies that are emotionally engaging and a feeling of ethereal delicacy that balances out the massive low-end power. The end result is an album that carries me on a journey through sparkling stars and deep emotion.

One of the first factors that draws me to The Searching is the way in which Galaxy Racer’s use of synths and guitar paints strongly evocative, galactic imagery. There are sparkling lights and undeniably powerful moments of darkness as the album evolves. I enjoy the way in which all of the different colors, tones and textures become one intertwining, image-rich voyage.

Another intensely engaging element of The Searching is the way in which the melodies move through the music. Many of them are elegiac and moving, full of wistful emotion and a sense of melancholy. There are also moments of uplifting energy and dark drama to be found here. Each of these melodies helps tell the story of the broader album.

I also want to mention the superb guitar performances by Galaxy Racer and some of his guests on The Searching. Each melody and solo is skillfully played, full of emotive expression and strength. The guitar further intensifies the imagery and beauty of the music, helping carry me along as the sonic tapestry unfolds.

All of the guest artists on The Searching bring their own unique musical styles, each contributing to its richness. Their performances only serve to increase the meaning and power of the music. I especially enjoy Eric Krolak’s vocal performances on the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Embrace The Galaxy” comes into being as slowly throbbing drums move with a lusciously entangling synth that swells outward. Rippling notes dance broadly through the music as the drums burst and the background is full of misty light. The smoothly flickering synth shimmers like distant moonlight flashing on a spaceship’s hull, flowing out with easy motion.

Full, glistening chords are joined by a guitar that sings with dramatic power and the low end pulses with surging dynamism. The guitar twists through the music, glowing with cosmic luminosity as it cries out. The piano adds a rich underpinning as chimes shimmer in the distance and the guitar leaps forward, driven by the powerful drum and bass heartbeat.

The drums rebound and the track launches, pushing forward as the guitar unfolds with an arcing, adventurous melody that reaches for the stars. There’s precision and poise in the way this music moves, drawing me into it. The chiming notes tremble with a delicate touch above the colossal low-end pulse. The drums flare and the synth flies again, soloing in twisting lines and creating thrilling motion.

A choral synth moves with orchestral strings, generating a sense of majesty above the continually throbbing low end. The strings add an elegant touch to the music, which I enjoy. As the synth intertwines, dark chords add shadow and the guitar shines again, extending through the music with the brightness of a supernova. The drums tumble and the track throbs on to a conclusion.

A propulsive and deeply muscled drum and bass flow moves with glittering, interlocking synth to kick off "Far Beyond Illusion". Oscillating, slicing notes flare out as the cascading drums pound hard, launching the track with massive strength. The bright synth adds a refulgent counterpoint, while a rounded synth carries a melody full of dynamic excitement as the gigantic bass pounds.

Rapidly entangling synth cascades as brighter notes add a lustrous gleam. The relentless vigor is joined by a guitar as it erupts into an enigmatic melody that twines through the music with wild complexity. SIXMIXSIX’s solo is full of a sense of free flight in space, wheeling and spinning as the guitar rises.

The drums punch hard as the guitar howls with passion, while the bass surges below. The track ends on a melody that speaks of soaring far beyond the edges of the galaxy. Piano notes add a warmer quality as the track comes to an end.

"Fly Away [Eternity Version]" starts with a galactically swirling, lambent synth above a steadily undulating bassline. Sweeping sounds flow with laid-back smoothness as the gigantic bass continues to pulse. An elevated synth cries out as Eric Krolak’s synth vocals fill the track with delicate emotion.

A broadly twirling, glimmering synth spills out light as Eric Krolak captures the fragility and need in the lyrics. The drums pound and the bass accelerates. The drums explode as the chorus’ radiance fills the background, while the lead singer wrings out deep emotion. The low end presses forward as the caressing melody flows outward.

A synth rings with a gem-like quality, slowly undulating as the guitar punches forward along with Eric Krolak’s strong, affecting voice. Warmth washes through the music as the vocals carry the softly brushing melody. The guitar rises as the impassioned chorus leaps and the drums throb.

Soothing sounds pour from the pulsing low end as Eric Krolak emotes with deep feeling. The drums continue to punch onward, the vocals carrying on above the cascading drums as a guitar carries the yearning melody before the song fades into silence.

Our narrator asks, "What's my life and what's my name?" He wants to "fly higher through this pain" because the time is right for him to see that he'll "want for endless dreams," although he knows that journey can never happen.

The storyteller says that he'll "fade away under the starlit sky" to fall in love in space and time. He talks about being "safe away, right on the endless line." He adds that the time is right for him to see "what I saw every night in all my dreams" as he rises to the stars to fly away.

Now, the narrator reaches out for something he'll never have, adding that "time has changed our lives day by day." He asks to be taken to places he's never seen, "somewhere out in the galaxy." He wants to "fly to a world so far away, to the right I see every day."

He concludes by pointing out that another day is drifting by and adds, "I cried a million tears time after time, our bodies left behind."

Powerful, emotive piano and smoothly rippling, widely sweeping arpeggios open "In This Place [Radio Edit]." Eric Krolak's ethereal voice carries the surrounding melody, tender and full of softness.

The huge drums rebound as the synth moves in slowly slicing lines and the vocals reach out with heartfelt feeling, carrying the dreaming and aching melody. I find Eric Krolak's performance intensely engaging as he fills the song with emotion.

The drums continue to pulsate as the synth undulates with rippling smoothness while the vocals soar. The synth moves in quickly twirling motion as the song fills me with deep melancholy. A shining synth suffuses the music with sharp-edged luminosity before the electric guitar climbs, full of yearning, as the drums pulsate.

Mournful need and intensely complex sounds fill the guitar solo. The chorus floats out on Eric Krolak's deeply sensitive voice while the huge percussion continues to throb. As the song comes to an end, emotion is joined by flickering light and the guitar's gripping voice before the music fades.

The storyteller says that there's a world that nobody's seen before "under the starlight, far beyond the stars." He talks about how "millions of pieces stay close to me," but as he travels, he feels "lost and out of time." He adds that somewhere along the way, time and space have changed his life.

Our narrator says he's a million miles from home, seeking something out there. He says that "on my way into the unknown, a voice is calling me." He asks if this is a place he's been before and wonders, "what's left for me to see" in a place full of bright lights.

Now the storyteller says that as he is "fading away so far, time is gone but something's left behind." He concludes that he's going nowhere in this place he's in and "staying the night, I feel lost and lonely."

"The Searching" begins as a kick drum pounds and a dramatically tumbling synth shines with cosmic light. The drums begin to tick more quickly as the synth cascades with a minor-key glow, feeling intensely powerful.

Sharp chimes glitter with cold light as the drums heave and the shadowed notes below interweave. A guitar cries out in rapidly rippling motion, twirling out in a tension-filled melodic line. The drums launch as the darkly ominous, brassy synth calls out and a heavy percussion pulse moves in half-time. I enjoy the music’s mysterious sensation as the spinning synth ramps up a nervous feeling.

The drums continue to slam hard as the brightly flickering synth continues to swirl with live-wire energy, while smoother notes in the distance interlock and drift. The drums are truly colossal as the piano dances with elegant motion and strings move in the distance. The electric guitar calls again, bending with emotional force as it leaps upwards and gleams.

The drums rush, rebounding with weight as the guitar flies. The melody has a ghostly, wildly shredding feeling as a choral synth echoes in the distance. The guitar is a primal force here as the drums continue to throb. The bursting percussion is joined by a string-like synth that adds dark shadings, while the sparkling chimes flicker before the track comes to an end.

A slowly revolving arpeggio spins as the drums throb heavily to kick off "Supernova." The track begins to grow in momentum as the arpeggio swirls and a powerful depth fills the distance. The guitar churns with raging power as the drums batter in even pulses and a true brassy synth carries a victorious and ominous melody. The powerful percussion shapes the music as the spacey synth flows outward in graceful motion.

The rounded synth notes spread with warmth as the glittering arpeggio spins and the low end throbs. I enjoy the dreamy quality of the floating synth and the contrast with the track's massive strength. The guitar slashes with inspirational and uplifting life, the low end leaping forward as the arpeggio continues to dance.

A feeling of vastness permeates the music and the beat drives it onward. The guitar tangles in bright lines above the steadily chugging low end, adding a peaceful quality as the synth continues to swirl in the distance. The track ends with the floating synth dropping away and the guitar flashing.

“Terminal Earth” opens as a softly shifting acoustic guitar carries a gently caressing melody, while the electric guitar moves above it in a melody that is tender and tinged with pain. The drums and bass are heavy and powerful as a majestically gliding synth moves above them. The feeling of a vast star field opening in front of me is beautiful and moving as the synth slips past.

The drums burst and cascade as orchestral strings move behind the singing guitar. The melody, carried on the beautifully toned guitar, is full of hope and a sense of contemplation, while chimes sparkle and the drums rebound. The continuing entanglement of acoustic guitar is full of soothing feelings as a shaker percussion sound moves.

The electric guitar adds radiance as the melody drifts with mournful grace above the steady drumbeat. The track sings out with uplifting emotion as the strings in the distance add lusciousness and the drums pulse to an end along with chiming notes.

Conclusion

The Searching is a deeply affecting and enjoyable journey across space and time. Each of the different elements come together into one whole that draws me in and keeps me listening over and over again.