Jessy Mach - Beyond The Chains

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Jessy Mach’s Beyond the Chains tells the tale of a renegade cyborg and the child she's tasked to protect from all the dangers he faces. Jessy Mach weaves together consummately skilled guitar playing, excellent melodic writing and varied synths to strongly evoke mood and atmosphere. The end result is an album that takes listeners on a journey and fully immerses them in the world created within the album's tracks.

As part of this tale’s unfolding, Beyond the Chains highlights Jessy Mach's ability to intermingle a wide variety of synth textures and tones to draw powerful, detailed imagery of the world and the action within that world. Each synth sound is carefully chosen to create a mood or evoke an event. Woven together, they create a richly engaging and vivid world. I enjoy the way in which Jessy Mach pulls me into his storytelling through the use of his synth palette.

Beyond the Chains is also a showcase for Jessy Mach’s high level of guitar mastery. He’s able to rapidly shred or smoothly elicit emotion from his guitar, always with skill and expression. The way in which he incorporates his guitar into the other musical elements allows it to become another tool in his repertoire of musical storytelling techniques. The end result is an album that creates a layered musical journey through the album’s story.

I also have to mention the melodic writing on Beyond the Chains. Jessy Mach’s melodies are intense and beautifully drawn, full of beauty and majesty. There are also moments of extreme power and action that further compel me. As the album unfolds, each melody joins with the others to complete the filmic adventure that moves from track to track and keeps me engaged in what's going on in the story.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Shattered Wires” comes to life as a fiercely glowing, intertwining synth climbs with strength. Crushing bass rumbles with intense power as the glistening notes slowly fade. The bass trembles and throbs with massive energy, while the flashing sounds above glitter. The drums and bass form a dancing, driving rhythm as the swirling notes above carry a slightly mysterious and dynamic melody.

The brushing synth intertwines with lush light as the pulsing low end presses on. Open, levitating notes play out with smooth elegance as the twisting synth sings. A guitar enters with a noble melody, exuding luminosity and positivity, crying out above the steady low end pulse.

Now, computerized notes rapidly tremble and a bending sound howls, roaming outward as the bass rumbles and the drums thud. A coruscating note pattern twirls rapidly over and over as the guitar leaps back in. Jessy Mach’s guitar solo is minutely detailed and executed with breathtaking skill, while the low end continues to guide the music.

Jessy Mach’s guitar skills are unrivalled as he lets loose, carried by his passion. The towering bass roars again as the roaming synth calls out with energizing liveliness. I enjoy the way in which the guitar remains a beautiful and powerful presence, soaring above the continually throbbing low end before the song concludes.

Calming notes float out into a smoothly drifting space as drums lightly tap to open “Leo's Resolve.” A spacious synth climbs upward in trailing lines as the drums drive an active beat along with a quickly tumbling bassline and rapidly flaring synth. The drums and bass are unstoppable pulses as the trumpeting synth flies outward. Jessy Mach's guitar unfolds in an exciting melody that is full of determination and confidence above the pounding low end.

The guitar brims with action as the brassy synth bursts in sharp linesand the muscled bass is full of grit. An expansive sound moves upward and the guitar cries out again in a passionately expressive melody that speaks of strength and courage while the slower drum beat adds weight. The track explodes into motion again as the guitar twists in intricate lines that shred and growl. I find the guitar performance utterly galvanizing and dynamic.

The drums and bass thunder once more as the radiant synth slashes in piercing lines before the guitar returns. The guitar melody captures a sense of battling to survive against the odds as the low end heaves. Upwardly roaming notes glow above the drums, the percussion slows and the guitar growls as reverent noises fade to silence.

“Echoes of Steel” starts as a heavily falling drum pulse joins sharp-edged bass and a vibrating synth swells with harsh brightness. Xylophone-like sounds trickle through the music in spinning motion as the heavily throbbing low end adds shape. beaming notes climb with intense brightness while the low end continues to heave like a heartbeat.

Ringing notes cry out with profound yearning as Jessy Mach transmits emotion through his skillful fingers. Rapidly twinkling arpeggios flow as the guitar captures a nostalgically pained emotion. The drums slowly rebound as the main melody glides with tender luminosity and elevated notes shimmer off in the distance.

The drum beat’s hard-hitting throb resumes as glassily gleaming notes arc through the music. The guitar flies again, mingling sadness with a more positive feeling of progress. The low end continues to heave as scintillating notes shine through the dark bass. There's a metallic sheen to the lead synth that captures the song’s title well in my mind.

The drums slowly throb once more before the guitar cuts loose, with Jessy Mach wringing every scintilla of feeling from the strings while the unrelenting low end pulses on. There's intricacy and complexity in the cascading guitar as it twirls through the music and the track punches through to the end with thrilling notes sparkling high above the soaring guitar.

“Krel's Dominion" begins with a heavily rolling bassline and drums that urgently rush. The ferociously forceful synth surges forward as computerized-sounding, ringing notes leap in the background. The entire track explodes with rocketing energy as breathy, bright synth calls out in a wriggling pattern. This music is unstoppable as a bursting note pulse moves along with a wildly contorting synth. Glimmering notes urge the track onward, driven by the relentlessly slamming low end.

Spacious-sounding synth now drifts into a section in which a wide-sounding arpeggio twirls and gruff sounds shiver as hollow percussion shapes the music. The track forms an intermingled, slicing cohesiveness as razor-sharp, bending notes dance through the music with lacerating energy. Mechanical, robotic sensations infuse the track in a way that I find compelling.

A coruscating synth emanates active luminosity as the low end snarls and tears into the music. Drums continue to rapidly pulsate and rebound as a jagged synth growls. The track ends with raging power and an angular synth that is full of a sense of danger.

A smoothly slipping synth drifts in laid-back waves as the drums and brilliantly dazzling notes start “Chains of Silence.” A luminous synth carries a melody brimming with hopeful emotion and the drums and bass create a steady heartbeat. The main melody bursts with affection as the tender vocals slide out. The singer's touching voice captures the caring and protective nature of the relationship in the song.

Shimmering notes intertwine and carry the embracing melody above the giant bass that surges below. Illuminating notes glide out and the vocals reach toward the listener with richly emotive expression, carrying a nurturing feeling. A gently unfolding, bending synth solo further deepens the sensations of protective love permeating the music. The majestic main melody returns to swirl above the low end before the song finishes.

The narrator, a high-tier cyborg, tells the story of the friendship she has with the young boy she is designated to protect. She starts by talking about the spark in the darkness of shadowy ruins. Although she's duty-bound, "something leaves its mark," and a tenuous connection forms between her and the child she guards—a link that is "hidden and strange” and like a hopeful spark that nothing can alter.

Our storyteller talks about how the paths between "you, child of night, and I, machine of steel" intertwine in opposition to what they should feel. She says that, for the boy she guards, she'll break "the chains of silence" and begin to, bit by bit, exhibit defiance.

“Destiny's Rebirth” opens with massively rebounding drums and gnarly electric bass intermingling. Sparkling synth frolics with fragile lightness as the heavier low end adds contrast. Incandescent synth undulates through the music with lively positivity before the main melody flows into the music on a glittering synth.

The drums and bass interlock as a sax cries out in a sharply staccato, jazz-inflected melodic line, which adds another level of motion and uplift, the solo full and luscious. Brassy synth whirls and skips through the music with a sense of freedom, while the rebounding low end adds form to the music. The sax cries out again with a full-throated, celebratory quality as it weaves through the music and the funky bass wraps around itself.

The drums pulse as the sax solo moves in a freewheeling line. The brilliantly shining synth illuminates the background as the sax solo spins out. The sense of release and freedom is palpable and ear-pleasing to me as the song comes to an end.

Hard-hitting bass and shaping drums open “Ghost in the Circuit” as an expanding synth echoes out into the openness around it. Haunted notes shift in the distance as the entangling, gem-like synth swirls through the music with a floating, unmoored ease while the drums and bass throb. Metallic, sparkling notes hover as the main melody mingles a dreamy quality with warmer sensations and the slap bass adds an additional sonic element.

The main melody grows more noble and victorious as it moves, but the ominous bass keeps the shadows in the background. A smoothly slipping synth with a bright edge sings out with a melody tinged with melancholy and infused with majesty. Hopeful sensations also shift as the huge bass begins to surge and a worshipful sound rings out.

Flickering synth with a diamantine quality trails through the music before the main melody returns, capturing mixed emotions in a way that touches me. As the track moves towards the end, Jessy Mach lets loose with another intensely interwoven and complex guitar solo, driving home the emotional journey upon which the album has taken us before the track concludes.

Conclusion

Beyond the Chains is a thrilling science fiction journey, combining Jesse Mach’s expressive guitar with many sonic layers, atmospheric compositions and melodic strength. The end result is enjoyable and creates an adventurous listening experience.

INTERVIEW: Dread Majesty

Interview and Foreword by Vero Kitsuné

With only two singles under their belt - last November’s “All The Saints Are Dead” and ringing in the new year with “Your Time Has Come” - Colorado-based avant-garde, progressive gothic metal quintet Dread Majesty has been turning heads and making a huge splash in the world of metal and dark music with their supremely ambitious, fantastical monstrous sound that is unparalleled and unmatched. Carrying an Intricately layered, vicious soundscape that shape-shifts between gothic and black metal lifted with theatrical vocal prowess, clever time changes, machine-like athletic performances and vast dynamism, Dread Majesty’s unique, dark regal extravagance sufficiently fills in a huge void in the metal and dark rock spectrum.

ABSYNTH sat down with Dread Majesty’s Rex Vincent, Aharon, See, Desmid and Kyr to talk about the lore behind their music and smashing debut.

Your debut single “All The Saints Are Dead” and the latest drop, “Your Time Has Come” both showcase quite an intricate amalgamation of different styles and treatments. Can you tell us who your influences are and how you all got started as a band?

Dread Majesty: First and foremost, thanks so much for having us and asking us to do our VERY FIRST INTERVIEW! We appreciate you reaching out to us like this.

Hmm. Where to begin...

From the moment we came together, it wasn’t just about starting a band—it was about this shared vision between the five of us to create something storybook theatrical, transformative, and timeless. Each member coming from vastly different backgrounds, all of us carrying our own truths, traumas, and talents.

Our combined influences being as intricate and varied as the sounds we create. We all draw from an immeasurable spectrum of art and music, literature, film, architecture, and religious/spiritual texts— everything from the grandeur of the Baroque to the dizzying intensity of avant-garde metal, from the melancholy of Gothic rock to the extravagant maximalism of Visual Kei. We are what we eat, and we have a voracious and insatiable appetite for art of all forms.

Your sound is so unique and transcends several metal and dark rock genres. It simply cannot be pigeonholed in a specific genre. They are undoubtedly filled with drama, sophisticated nuance, and adventure. How would you describe your style of music?

Dread Majesty: Truth be told, we never focused too intently on exactly what style our music should be or what genre would best suit us, and while that may make it difficult for others to categorize us, we just wanted to create a listening experience that felt cinematic, spiritual, and visceral all at once—a realm where the elegance of the old world collides with the chaos of the future. Just listening to us should make you feel like you've lived a thousand lives.

We aim to exhaust you.

Can you tell us more about the lore behind the band’s enigmatic and mysterious presence and some of the mystical elements that seem to be enshrined in the visuals?

Dread Majesty: Our lore is a tapestry of splintered histories, prophetic visions, and the convergence of ancient faith with a dystopian future. At its core, our story centers on a world where the sacred has been hijacked by corrupt and paralyzing forces, and we—the band—exist as both messengers and rebels. Bound to a digital purgatory, we are phantasmata, summoned into the flesh only for our performances. Our music and visuals are our gospel, a call to awaken those who have been numbed by doubt and despair. Every visual lends morsel to the larger story: the Lazarus Sequence, the struggle against the Paralysis, and the hope for resurrection and transcendence. All will be revealed in due time.

The artwork and visuals are just as stunning. Who creates them and do they hold any specific meaning?

Dread Majesty: The artwork and visuals are integral to our conceptual identity—they’re not just mere aesthetics but extensions of our story. Rex, our lead vocalist, creates all the artwork himself. His vision is deeply intertwined with the band’s lore, so it only made sense for him to bring it to life visually. Each detail and texture is a doorway into world. Each piece is rife with symbolism, reflecting the innate tension between the sacred and the profane, the digital and the divine.

The level of musical bravado and athleticism each member carries in the band is unparalleled and quite extraordinary. It seems that there is a background not just in metal and dark rock, but also in theater. Can you tell us more about your journey as musicians?

Dread Majesty: We've all been living and breathing music for as long as any of us can remember, sometimes in ways we never expected. There's a deep classical and operatic foundation behind what we do, which is probably why everything we create insists upon being so damn dramatic. At some point, each of us has been involved in a little bit of everything from crusty garage bands, to dark pop projects, to rock opera groups, to orchestral ensembles. That being said, we are metalheads at heart. We like aggression. It’s in our DNA. But instead of keeping it confined to just one genre, we took all the tools we've picked up over the years and used them to forge something bigger. Between us, we are fluent in an absurd number of instruments, many of which you'll hear in our songs. You name it. If it makes a sound, we'll learn how to use it.

What is the songwriting and production process like?

Dread Majesty: Everything you see, hear, and experience from Dread Majesty is done entirely by us—start to finish.

Nothing is outsourced, no middlemen, no outside hands shaping the vision. It's all us, for better or worse (and usually with a few sleepless nights and existential crises along the way).

Our songwriting process is probably just like anyone else's. It's our favorite part. Most likely the most effortless layer of our process. Sometimes it’s a vocal melody groggily hummed into a recorder at 3 a.m., sometimes it’s a riff that refuses to leave our heads until we carve it into something tangible. Other times it begins with a concept—an image, a feeling, an experience, or a piece of the larger tale we are trying to tell. We build from there, layering instrumentation, atmosphere, and texture, and making sure each one satisfies and serves the greater whole.

And since we do everything in-house, production is an extension of that same creative flow. We record, mix, and master everything ourselves because we want complete control over how the music takes shape. We experiment a lot—sometimes pushing things to the brink of collapse just to see how far we can take something. And then comes the ritual of obsession—questioning our own sanity, and then finally deciding it's ready...or not. LOL

Is there a full-length album in the works? Any collaborations?

Dread Majesty: Absolutely. A full-length album is on the horizon for 2025. We've been meticulously constructing something that expands our universe—an all-encompassing sonic experience. Expect something that feels like a cathedral collapsing in slow motion while a holographic choir of spectral saints sings its final hymn.

As far as collaborations are concerned, we can’t say too much yet, but trust us—there are conversations happening. Until then, know that the future holds some truly exciting possibilities.

Any tour plans? Any specific cities you guys are intending to perform in?

Dread Majesty: Right now, our focus is fully on creation—building this world, perfecting the music, crafting something truly enrapturing before we take it to the stage. That being said, when the time does come for Dread Majesty to step into the flesh, we will be more than ready. No one will know what hit them. As for where? Wherever the people call us—we’ll be there.

What is next for the band and is there anything else you would like to share to the audience and future fans?

Dread Majesty: Right now we are in the final stages of a double single release due to drop on March 1st, so be sure to stay tuned in for that. We wouldn't want you to miss what's coming. Aside from that we are beyond thrilled to announce that we've joined Bölverk Records as the artist to be signed to their roster. They took a chance on us, and that means the world. They aren't just another label —they're a newly emerging boutique powerhouse that values artistry, vision, and fearless creativity, and that’s exactly the kind of home we wanted. They understand what we are trying to build, and they are giving us the space and means to bring it to life.

Lastly, to our audience and future fans. This journey was never just about us—it is about you. The seekers, the dreamers, the ones that feel too much, who thanklessly carry the weight of the world but refuse to let it break them. You are the reason we came to be, the reason we create, the reason we push forward. Every piece of this world we're building is a gift to you—our way of reaching out through the static and noise and the darkness to let you know that you are NOT alone.

We see you. We hear you. We are with you.

Stay fearless. Stay luminous.

For more Dread Majesty, visit https://www.dreadmajesty.com/

VERNAL ECOSPHERE - Finite Planetary Possibilities

Review by Chris Magdalenski

A Sonic Reconstruction of Time and Space: A Review of "Finite Planetary Possibilities" by Vernal Ecosphere

The music materializes around me. Distinct auditory forms take shape - drifting and humming, pulsing and rumbling across a palette formally blank with silence. 

From the first moments I know that the best way to experience this album is in a quiet darkness, eyes closed, mind wide.

I know it will take me on a journey if I let it, so that's what I do.

It's difficult choosing the words to describe this offering by France's Vernal Ecosphere, but that's what makes it such an engaging listen. As its multifaceted tones drift across my ears I keep being drawn back to the idea that this is the musical equivalent of a journey through multiple iterations of time and space.

Each of the albums ten tracks present a different dimension of the musical reality the artist has so lovingly constructed for us. Each one is a sonic landscape comprised of layers of otherworldly sci-fi synths grounded with more Earthly elements like tribal drums and ambient nature sounds.

With each subsequent listen I've discovered more and more beneath the album's surface, and it's very quickly become my favorite album to drift off to sleep too. 

All in all a very deftly executed effort, and one of my favorite ambient albums I've heard in some time.

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

The Pyramid - The Tannhäuser Gate

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Pyramid’s The Tannhäuser Gate is a sumptuous, detailed, emotionally impactful and image-rich evocation of the incredible scale and unbelievable beauty of stellar space. The artist creates deeply moving music that paints rich imagery and takes hold of my emotions, filling me with a myriad of sensations and feelings. I am drawn into the amazing creation this album represents as it unfolds.

Melody is at the heart of The Tannhäuser Gate. The Pyramid is a masterful composer of melodic lines and this mastery allows him to grip me and fill my heart as each track evolves. These are melodies that are instantly memorable with an immediacy and impact that is hard to overstate. The way in which the artist’s melodic writing transports me to colossal star fields, weaving through melancholy, triumph and aspiration is a testament to his exceptional ability.

Another crucial element of The Tannhäuser Gate is the way that The Pyramid utilizes his array of synthesizer elements. This music is a feast of tonal colors, textural complexity and a plethora of luscious timbres. On top of this, the synthesizer instrument choices enhance the melodic writing’s impact. The interaction of all these sounds carries me away to far-flung worlds and awe-inspiring galactic vistas.

The mood and atmosphere that permeate The Tannhäuser Gate are evocative and undeniably touching. I actually find it difficult to articulate the way this music impacts me, which, as my readers know, is not a common issue for me. There is something profoundly affecting and ardently emotive in the sensations of grandeur and the way that The Pyramid conveys the scale of the universe alongside the fragility of our ephemeral lives.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Overture” starts as a desolate wind blows and softly glistening synth flashes out with increasing strength. The melody it carries is heroic and bursts with motivation as it unfurls above the slowly ticking drums. The drums and bass now guide the music as the glimmering notes dance in noble lines.

A sense of forward progress and life fills the main melody as chimes ring out with fragile luminosity and the bass and drums throb in guiding motion. The main melody is carried on a refulgent synth that sings with gentle majesty above the low end. I am drawn to the way ethereal light pours from the melody, adding inspiration to the track.

The metallic chimes flicker delicately as the smoothly tumbling synth is joined by the desolate wind. Illumination fills the synth as it descends in cascades, doubled by the chimes as they entangle. In the distance, solar brightness swells from the lead synth as the victorious notes cry out, carrying me away on a wave of thrilling, uplifting energy. The track fills with ancient power and fades into quiet.

Reverent, delicately washing notes open “At The Tannhäuser Gate.” Hollow, echoing synth calls out above a solidly pulsating low end. A gleaming, brassy synth sings out in a jubilant and uplifting melody that wafts above cleanly throbbing drums and bass.

There's a wonderful energy and positivity in the melody which draws me in. Choral-sounding notes move below the majestically inspirational melody as twinkling chimes dance above propulsive drums and bass. A robotic voice moves in the distance and the drums pulse along briefly before the throbbing bass returns.

Now the melody is carried on a blissfully singing, scintillating synth. The track moves into a minor key section in which fragile synth gently flits through as drums tap. The main melody soars in again, rich with uplifting sensations and encouragement while the percussion and bass shape the music. Hope fills the music and my heart swells with it as glistening notes add sunlight. A shaping pulsation moves below before the song ends.

“Into the Unknown” commences with a ringing, bell-like sound and a sweeping flow. A tightly wound, slowly moving synth carries a touching and heartbroken melody. The bass descends with rumbling weight as the slowly unfolding melody echoes through the music with a profound sense of loss.

The bass adds an ominous quality, while reverent notes shimmer in the distance and the main melody calls out with paind. A worshipful light in the distance creates a more meditative feeling as the main melody carries with it a melancholy tinge. Warmer chords add roundness and the main melody captures me, carrying me across a vast expanse of twinkling stars—still painful but limned with a sense of possibility.

As the track unfolds, a growing feeling of potential change moves through the music. I find myself drawn to this mingled set of emotions, enjoying how the artist evokes them. A softly gleaming sound in the distance touches the brightly flaring lead synth, carrying the melody that reaches for the stars while still capturing mournful feelings within it.

There’s a positive twist to the sound now as it sings with more encouragement. A shadow falls over the melody as the bass descends further into the depths and a ringing sound trembles before the lead melody flickers briefly. Computerized sounds roam above the truly gigantic bass and the track ends.

Dramatically sweeping synth moves as metallic noises bubble out and chiming notes flash, while wobbling sounds wriggle to kick off “Starlight.” Strangely bending sounds move with galactic echoes, while surrounding, gliding notes cry out above the alien sounds flipping through the background. Chimes sparkle with luscious luminosity and the gliding lead synth carries a gently touching melody, weaving images of stars twinkling far away.

A sense of tranquility permeates my being as the bass rumbles and the oddly wandering sounds writhe. The main melody holds a melancholic sensation, intertwined with something more triumphant. The overall impression left by this music is one of sadness—witnessing worlds fade and lives disappear as the stars continue to glitter, aloof and unconcerned. The floating sounds tremble and the luminous main melody carries me along, dreaming and full of contemplation, transporting me.

The chimes exude cosmic light while worshipful sounds hover in the distance. I am deeply moved by the sensations within the music, filling me with an ineffable sense of loss and longing. The alien sounds continue to roll until silence falls.

“Gravity Waves” begins with a tumbling bass pulse and slipping synth that rises with a steady glow, like a distant star cluster. The bass trembles and ripples outward in easy motion, while the raised notes shimmer like distant light, flowing as the bass continues to undulate and glide like a rushing current. The elevated, glittering synth carries a thoughtful and calming melody.

This music, filled with the vastness and nobility of galactic vistas, draws me inward. Sparkling notes in the distance flicker as the broadly illuminating synth carries the pensive, dreamy melody above the hugely revolving low end. Visions of distant nebulae dance in my mind as I am transported through the universe, guided by the artist’s musical expression.

The main melody is simultaneously yearning and serene, enveloping me in its depth and intensity. The bass continues to rumble as the smoothly sliding melody sings out with deep spiritual feeling, evoking a profound sense of wonder at the unimaginable scale of the universe. An epic quality, in the best sense of the word, fills the track with strength as it unfolds and fades into quiet.

Serenity emanates from the massive notes as a drum heartbeat opens “Cosmic Journey.” The sweeping synth carries a melody that evokes images of starships glinting in the light of unknown galaxies, drifting through starfields as they venture across the universe.

Panpipes breathe out with airy energy, while the melody calls out, bursting with heart-lifting sensations and carrying my mind away to mysterious planets and ancient civilizations. As the panpipes exhale, the drums and bass propel the music forward, the main melody climbing on victorious wings and gliding outward with nobility and pride.

A choral synth adds a compelling feeling, while windy sounds sweep past. The main melody grabs me by the heart and refuses to let go, filling my mind with dreams of exploration across strange worlds and stunning planetary vistas. The entire track explodes with sensations of adventure, journeying and boundless excitement.

There’s also a tremulous gentleness to the music, balancing its feelings of majesty and power. The slightly bending lead synth carries tremendous strength, transporting the listener to the bridge of a massive space cruiser, watching the spiral arms of a timeless galaxy appear on the horizon.

“Intergalactic” begins with a distantly metallic sound that hangs above colossal chords, opening into a vast, empty void. Strange, bending tones move through the mix as a thudding kick drum echoes. A steadily shivering synth weaves its way through the music, medium-high rebounding notes wandering as breathy sounds drift into lambent chords that arise like celestial phenomena.

A solar wind drifts past, accompanied by roaming, tremulous sounds that flit and shimmer. An airily beaming synth carries a delicately twirling arpeggio, while broader notes ascend into a triumphantly majestic melody. The feelings of excitement and victory that rise within me are deeply moving, drawing me into the song’s immersive atmosphere.

A sharp-edged, gleaming synth evokes massive galactic vistas opening before me. The snare drum adds another layer of energy, shaping the music as a widely turning arpeggio shines with cosmic luminosity. The main melody climbs on a synth that sweeps with magisterial strength, its warmth enveloping me.

Drums and bass provide structure as the slightly melancholic but adventurous melody calls out, evoking images of planetary rings and distantly twinkling nebulae. Nobility and a sense of wonder permeate the music, carrying the song to its stirring conclusion.

Tranquility pours from a widely glowing synth as breathy sounds infuse the music to begin “Between Stars.” The main melody is carried on a synth that bursts with brilliance, aching and full of affecting sentiments. Gigantic percussion collides as a slowly ticking drum moves beneath the melody, which reaches out to me with its intensely yearning and aspiring sensations, invoking visions of distant stars twinkling with ancient light.

There’s a melancholic quality, despite the rising strength and nobility of the melody, reflecting the lonely emptiness surrounding the stars. A soaring feeling grows in my chest as the melody unfolds, lifting me up and transporting me across the measureless distances of space. The low-end pulsation adds to the exultant feeling within the music, while exhaling sounds wander as the track unfolds. I am imbued with a sense of joy and tenderness as the music transmits intense emotions to me.

As the melody rises above the propulsive percussion, my heart lifts and my soul flies free. This music is anthemic and carries me away from the brokenness of this world.

“Black Hole” begins as a solar wind flows and a lightly flashing synth carries a tragic melody above a looming bass. The melody is tentative, exuding hurt and wistful imaginings, as whispering sounds trickle in the distance. The bass towers beneath, while lightly trickling notes trip past with gossamer fragility and the main melody calls out with aching sensations. Hollow sounds add a gem-like quality, while the tightly wound synth carries the main melody—desolate and distant—above the immense bass.

Warmth begins to creep into the melody now, adding a more reassuring sensation. The melody captures me with its incredible depth of expression, while the hollow notes hover far off as the bass glides. Trembling sounds slip past and the lead synth melody swells, expressing calming yet mournful feelings as it moves forward.

Like many tracks on this album, this music is deeply full of mingled impressions, weaving between tragedy and triumph. As the song ends, I continue to ride its rich tides.

Rain falls and haunting sounds wander as a massive bass flow begins “Like Tears In Rain.” Tragically drifting notes tremble out into the rain as the bass rumbles slowly. The melody is full of pain and sadness as a string-like sound rises, while the bass continues to plane out beneath the other elements.

Fragile notes sparkle into the vastness around them. Chords in the background add a pained warmth. The strings cry out again and the slowly roaming melody captures loss and tentative hope in a way that moves me deeply as the bass shifts powerfully.

The melody’s tiny motes of light are overwhelmed by the washing bass as it flows like a galactic tide. The synth chords are melancholy and massive, while glittering notes shine through the music as the rain continues to fall. The track concludes as the shimmering notes fade into the distance.

“So Long!” begins as metallic sounds echo and a piano carries a gossamer melody, soothing and mild as it slips above the slowly undulating bass. The piano is full of affection and grace. Soft sounds roll in the distance as the solar wind blows and the piano conveys feelings that make my heart ache and soar simultaneously.

Sharp-edged, glowing synth now joins with the melody, imbued with feelings that bring tears to my eyes. There’s something heartfelt and pure in the music, drawing me inward. In the background, shiny synth rises as the melody unfolds, carrying me along through wistful memory and gentle caring. All of the sonic elements create a caressing environment that cradles me and brings me tranquility.

Like all the most beautiful things in life, there is a mixture of yearning and joy as the string-like sounds shiver and the main melody floats out into the vastness around it, full of that strange thing we call humanity. The track concludes, leaving me deeply touched.

Conclusion

The Tannhäuser Gate, in my opinion, is the apotheosis of The Pyramid’s work, drawing together all the elements I’ve enjoyed over the years and adding an extraordinary dimension of emotional depth and power. Each time I listen to The Tannhauser Gate, I am transported across the unfathomable depths and unimaginably beautiful expanses of this remarkable universe in which we are privileged to exist.