KMXVII - Collision Of Two Worlds

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

KMXVII’s Collision of Two Worlds transports me on a musical journey through intense sonic imagery with an interwoven mixture of orchestral sounds and synth textures. This is music that allows me to close my eyes and take a sweeping adventure through time and space as it unfolds.

Cinematic soundscapes and strong synth-driven melodies combine to weave a deeply pleasing musical tapestry on Collision of Two Worlds. The way in which the monumental percussion and soaring orchestral sounds combine with the emotive, nostalgic synth melodies creates expression and engagement for me as I listen.

Painting strong auditory images is something that Collision of Two Worlds does well. The way in which the stirring filmic elements within the music combine with evocative synth sounds allows my imagination to roam freely as the album reveals itself track by track. All of the lush, interconnected musical elements serve to illustrate the album’s story.

I also appreciate the deep and rich musical palette on the album. There’s a luscious abundance of tones, timbres and sonic colours within each track. All of this variety gives KMXVII the scope and flexibility to pick and choose the auditory elements required to create intense emotion and energy.

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“Prologue” commences with massive, rapidly oscillating synth forming a steady pulse as huge bass swells. Tense, sharp-edged synth drifts in an aching melodic line above the thundering drumbeat and flowing bass.

Shimmering, raised synth twirls in starry motion above colliding drums while an ethereal, open-voiced instrument floats and caressing synth sparkles fade. I enjoy the power and musical layers in this track.

Razor-edged, powerful synth moves in gigantic walls to open “Falling Down.” Medium-high, nasal synth flows with forlorn emotion which I find touching. Colossal bass throbs while lonely sounds float and high choral synths call out.

Solid, strong drums move as vocal sounds doubles the raised, nasal-sounding synth carrying an elegiac melody, exuding pained emotion above drums that pound with great weight. Choral synth adds a worshipful, noble element while broad synth carries a flowing melodic pattern.

The lead synth winds out in a tragically majestic melody and metallic percussion rings along with propulsive drums and vast bass. The drums fade but bass rumbles on as vocal synths end in silent space.

“Way Too Far” starts off with the sound of metal clanking and portentous, gargantuan bass. Sharply cutting synth drives along with a rapidly bursting snare drum, creating an effective contrast with crushing bass weight. The hopeful, yearning main melody is carried on a synth radiating distorted light.

Hammering, metallic percussion rings out along with shadowy, undulating bass. Wind sweeps and bending, nasal-sounding synth sings a cosmic melody. Uplift and hurt mingle in the main melody as angular, elevated synth chimes out in dynamic motion. The main melody moves above rushing snare drums, effectively embodying mingled triumph and tragedy.

Towering, deeply glowing synth calls out along with choral sounds to open "The Decision.” Tightly wound, medium-high synth trembles with a touching melody and reverberating drums pulse weightily along with dense bass to create more strength.

A snare drum guides anvil-hammering sounds and crushing drums as the melody dreams and hurts beautifully. Synth voices call out above gritty bass and a steadily shaping snare drum. The bass shifts in muscled lines as medium-high, rounded synth carries the wistful, pained and tragic melody.

The track moves into a segment full of reverential choral notes that add expression. Tranquil, slowly shifting synth adds a more ethereal element and grandiose drums collide as a snare drum adds shape. A hammer strikes an anvil over and over while huge bass fills the low end to conclude the track.

"Until We Rise Again” comes to life as threatening synth blares out and battering percussion strikes hard. Bass oscillates quickly as trumpeting synth carries a melody that I find inspiring and uplifting above growling bass as arpeggios leap.

Ringing percussion calls out as a snare drum adds shape to the twirling arpeggios and bass smoothly flows. Choral voices add more majestic emotion to the main melody as it fills the music with exultation while drums add motion.

Arpeggios ripple energetically as full bass swells while snare drum throbs. The main melody comes in again, lifting my emotions upward, while choral synth contributes to the encouraging feeling and carries the track to an end.

Crystalline chimes shine with soothing light as they drift along with warming lower synth to open “Someday We Will Meet Again.” Worshipful choral voices move along with bass resonance. The chimes echo out and muscled percussion pulses.

Round-toned synth carries a melody that beautifully mingles loss, dreaming and yearning. Solid bass oscillates, accented by trembling, string like synth as chimes flicker gently. Choral voices support the main melody, full of ache and tenuous hope, while powerful drums throb and silence falls.

“The Tempest” starts as tripping synth flits with a light touch. Airy, ethereal sounds glide and heavily propulsive drums charge over swirling bass. Whirling arpeggios are carried on a string-like synth while angular sounds cut in.

Drums and bass leap forward as arpeggios effectively add urgency and energy. Brassy notes accent the music before medium-high, actively moving synth cascade with intense energy and drums push the track on.

Glistening synth arpeggiates, adding dynamism and brassy synth shines. Ancient-sounding drums throb with power as wildly spinning lead synth skips through the music and the track ends.

Undulating, glittering synth creates steadily flowing motion as truly enormous drums pulsate to kick off “The Last Chapter.” Massive bass swells below delicate notes before tremulous, nasal-sounding synth sings a melody dense with melancholy and tender emotion.

Bass clouds float and colossal percussion is shaped by a lighter snare drum. The main melody is pained but still exudes positive emotion in a way that I enjoy.

Metallic, percussive sounds ring and glockenspiel carries a caressing melody. The main melody soars out again above quickly tapping snare drum before heavy bass fades into silence

“Epilogue” begins as cosmically gliding synth and choral voices intertwine to skilfully create a meditative feeling while bass glides below. Cymbals sweep as the thunderous drums throb and brightly shining chimes carry a melody full of need and reverence before the track fades away on choral voices.

Conclusion

Collision Of Two Worlds is a moving, powerfully expressive album combining the grand sweep of filmic storytelling with a plethora of synthesizers to create auditory images that I find transporting and emotive.