Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

I have decided to move away from the EDM scene for the moment and focus on this gem of an album. 

I have gone back to my metal roots with Bring Me The Horizon's new album Sempiternal. Now I know you are probably having a fanny wobble with hearing the term "metal" but let me tell you, this album is simply exceptional.

In the last couple of years I have had this love - hate relationship with the metal genre. With previous releases just not being on par and bands just not trying anything new, I frankly got sick of all the albums that were being released. But 2013 has started off with a real bang, with new releases by heavyweights Killswitch Engage and expected new albums from Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium, Behemoth, Satyricon, Children of Bodom and even Slayer! It is bound to be quite an exciting year in the metal scene. 

Let's get down and dirty with Sempiternal. I only got into the whole BMTH vibe with their album Suicide Season, I was also one of those people that thought the band was utter shit without giving them a chance. I took a leap of faith with Suicide Season and I haven't looked back since. 

BMTH is definitely a band that just gets better and better with every release. It is every evident that as they get older, their sound matures. In juxtaposition with their earlier albums like Count Your Blessings, it sounds like two different bands. The BMTH on Count Your Blessings was all over the place, really focusing on the teen infused Deathcore scene. The BMTH discography should really be seen as the band's evolution as musicians. 

The thing that really impressed me and has always impressed me is the lyrical finesse that the band has. They could be seen as one of the voices for their generation. The ability to write lyrics that are catchy yet poignant is a an art that very few musicians have mastered.

The other element that really attracted me to the new album is the incorporation of more electronic elements. In my honest opinion it fits the band's style perfectly because it provides a well balanced and harmonious contrast to the heavy guitar riffs, technical drum work and the harsh vocal work. Jordan Fish has definitely been the missing link. 

I believe that the electronic aspect works so well for BMTH because their guitar work does not depend on its technicality and guitar solos like many other bands. The fact that there is no such pressure it opens a space for another instrument to create the rounding, background effect. The keyboard doesn't detract from the other instruments but it is also not overpowered by the drums and guitar. BMTH have got it right to create a perfect balance between ambience and metal. 

I really can't fault this album. This was one of the very few albums that I have listened to from start to finish without skipping any songs. BMTH have definitely set the bar for 2013 releases. Metal bands need to take note because this album is definitely in a class of its own.

Best tracks off the album in my opinion - Can you feel my heart, Sleepwalking, Shadow Moses, Crooked Young and The House of Wolves. 

Album is released off RCA Records

Check out the official Bring Me The Horizon website for more information on the band.

James Egbert & Schoolboy - Silver Lining EP

I am a big fan of these lads, both of them are masters of their craft and they are some of the few producers that always tries something new. 

I knew the day that these two would combine their talents it would be a release of intergalactic proportions. And boy was I right.

Silver Lining consists out of 3 tracks; the electro house banger and aptly named intro track All Systems Go, The glitch hop offering Hero Down and the dubstep anthem Stardust featuring talented Taylr Renee. 

There is no other way to describe All Systems Go but as an epic journey infused with orchestral glory. This is the phrase that came to mind when I was listening to it for the first time. That orchestral breakdown just kicks me in the face every time I listen to the track. Combine that with an epic vocal sample and an insane drop - well you got a winner. This is definitely a track that will be a banger in the clubs.

Hero Down serves as a great calm down for the EP. It slows down the pace from All Systems Go and has this great glitchy sound to it with a very catchy melody. What really stood out in this track were the piano breakdowns. It is very well crafted and doesn't detach from the overall feel of the song. 

Stardust ends the EP with a bang. There is nothing better than ending an EP with an anthemic dubstep track. I love the vocals in this track, the lyrics are cleverly written and fits in with the space theme that is a constant on the EP. With the background chorus shadowing the main vocals it just gives it this uplifting feel, like Zedd's Clarity effect. I love the why that the vocals go so well with the drop, this definitely is something that is not easy to do and they used the vocal loop to perfection. 

I really enjoyed this EP and the production quality is amazing. I recommend James Egbert and Schoolboy for really producing an EP that succeeds in its musicality. 

Definitely worth every penny.

This EP was released off Infrared Music

The EP is available on Beatport.

Check them out on Soundcloud / Soundcloud, Twitter / Twitter, Facebook / Facebook

Donkong - JAWZ EP

I am not entirely sure how I came across this group but I clicked on something and then I found myself on their Soundcloud page. I digged their profile picture so I was like what the hell, lets listen to one of their tracks. 

I had no idea that they are a group that deals primarily in Trap. Now let me tell you, I hate Trap. I think it's the worst thing in the EDM scene at the moment. But this German group really surprised me and I have started to question my stance on the whole Trap genre. 

Donkong's JAWZ EP is signed to Reid Speed's record label Play Me Too. Now this in itself impressed me because Play Me have always released quality tracks and always find the most talented producers. 

So I said a silent prayer to the bass gods and decided to get myself the EP. Let me tell you, the bass gods answered my prayer. The two track EP blew my mind. I found myself bouncing along to it and its been on repeat for awhile now. 

The first track is JAWZ. The intro melody is directly linked to the famous movie theme and it serves as an intro and buildup before the drop. When those claps and the vocal snippets enter I just knew this drop is going ravage things. And good God was I right. What I dig about this track is that it infuses dubstep elements with the typical trap bounce. This is quite a lethal combination and works so well. 

I must praise the lads ability to add grimy baselines to the track. It is mint as hell. Another cool thing about this track is that the 2nd drop is different from the 1st and the 3rd is different from the 2nd. Such variation just makes me really happy. There are too many tracks out there that are too monotonous and don't push the boundaries. Props to Donkong for going past that.

The 2nd track is Beamer. It starts off with as a typical trap track, the staccato notes with that infamous drum beat. But what really got me about this track is the dubstep drop that is present. It is quite a heavy drop for a trap track but it works so well and serves as a great balance for the bouncy trap feeling that the rest of the track has. 

I must say, not too shabby eh. This EP is extremely enjoyable and the production quality is sublime. Donkong's brand of 'molly grit' is definitely something that has gotten my attention. I can't wait for future releases from them. 

The EP is available on Beatport.

Follow Donkong on Twitter, Facebook , Soundcloud and YouTube.

Specimen A - Rock Star EP

The first time I heard about Specimen A is when I came across their track Unforgettable on
YouTube. I was very impressed with the brutality and the melodic nature that was present in the
track, so I decided to check them out and lo' and behold, they had an EP that just came out. My
curiosity always gets the better of me when it comes to listening to new music so I decided to go
grab the EP.

Rock Star (Explicit) starts the EP off with a very intricate chromatic distorted guitar arpeggio which
adds to the rock theme of the whole EP. Suffice adds the Cypress Hill-esque rap vibes to the track
which just adds to the brutality of the track. The drop of the track brings in this sort of muscular
power which balances out the melodic lead and the very intense drop.
The vocal parts are not too overpowering and is well synchronised with the rest of the track.
Arpeggios pretty much dominate this track which is already a big plus in my books. The melody is
also one which is quite impressive, infusing metal, with neo-classical and electronic elements is
very intriguing.

All or Nothing opens with an Egyptian sounding intro melody and leads into heavy tribal-esque
drumming which serves as a great build-up for the very melodic drop. What really impressed me
about this track is the melody. To use an Egyptian sounding melody and get it right to not sound too
distant from the rest of the EP takes some doing.
Unforgettable feat Nickita is definitely going to be a hit amongst dubstep DJs. The vocal prowess of
Nickita adds a pop element to the track which is very well balanced by the very brutal drop. What I
like about this track is that it is not as grimy as other dubstep releases, This track reminded me a
lot of the Pegboard Nerds sound and their use of intricate synths. Unforgettable is definitely a track
that I'm going to rinse at my next gig.
Closer feat Miss Trouble is the best drum and bass track on the album and it is definitely one of the
highlights on the EP. The drums are definitely the winning factor in this track. The pendulum-esque
drum work is quite impressive and ties really well with the vocals and the overall melody. This track
will definitely be a firm favourite with DnB DJs for its ferocity and its melodic quality. I love how the
vocals are not very present but they come in at just the right time, this is great because it allows for
more focus on the music.
This EP is extremely in your face and opens and ends with a bang.With the insane melodic drops,
the intricate chord progressions and the well infused vocal parts, it is definitely an EP that
succeeds in its production quality.

Specimen A have succeeded in delivering an EP which is well produced and succeeds in
combining melodic harmony with technical brutality. There is not much variation on the album and
they have not tried anything new but I have to recommend the lads on their awesome production
abilities, it is crisp, flawless and they know what works well together. It is definitely an EP that will
go down well with any listener that enjoys music on the rough side. Definitely a buy that is
worthwhile.

The Rock Star EP is released off Funkatech Records and is available on Beatport.

Check out Specimen A on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.

Oxylice - Pyramid Symphony

Oxylice is another artist that I happen to come across while searching for new talent. And boy I was pleasantly surprised.

I have never actually been a big fan of the electro-trash genre but with Oxylice, he combines elements of dubstep and electro house to his tracks. This I find quite interesting and refreshing. There is not much known about the masked Belgian but the lad can definitely produce music alright. After hearing his track Stratos on YouTube I just had to get his EP Pyramid Symphony.

First off I think it is best to start with minor criticisms. I was a bit disappointed after hearing the track 42. I was so hyped up when I heard Stratos that I thought the other tracks would be just as great. 42 relies heavily on its distorted synths and the problem that I have with it is that there is not much variation. It pretty much carries on without anything changing and it becomes monotonous. Now I am not taking anything away from the production quality of the track, which is of an extremely high quality but that particular track just isn't on par with the rest of the EP in my opinion.
Now lets move on to the good stuff. Next up is Stratos. This is really quite an impressive track. It starts with a very simple melody which pretty much guides the whole direction of the track. Oxylice pretty much shows that you do not need intricate melodies to carry a track, stick to the basics and grow from there. The drop is one that works really well and the vocal sample combines perfectly with the electro - trash drop that follows it. This track is definitely one that is going to be an underground club banger.
Technical Difficulties is probably my favourite track off the EP. Again it starts with with a very simple yet effective melody that is accompanied with a crisp drum beat. Initially the track starts off in a very calm manner but it soon changes when the vocal samples come in and the heavily distorted drop blows up in your face. The drop will be a firm favourite with dubstep crowds and will no doubt have people raging with its distorted lines and wubs.
Overall this isn't a bad EP, in fact it is very enjoyable and it definitely showcases Oxylice's talent and producing prowess. I enjoyed it so much that I wished there were more original tracks on the EP. Now I
am not taking anything away from the remixes but I would have liked to see more of the lad's original tracks, he has an interesting style which I wanted to hear more of. Hopefully there is another EP in the works.

There is definitely a bright future ahead of Oxylice, the lad is talented and he is definitely on the right path. If you like your music more on the distorted side, then check out this EP, it's a banger.

Pyramid Symphony is off Jet Set Trash Records and also boasts with three remixes from Tim Tonik, Hantise and Divine X.

You can buy the EP off Beatport .

For more information on Oxylice, check out his Twitter, Facebook and
Soundcloud

Submotion Orchestra

I am usually not one for anything jazz infused but ever since I have come across Submotion Orchestra, I just can't get enough of it. 

The fact that they combine elements of jazz, dubstep and soul is something that has already got my attention. To combine such different genres into one coherent unit takes some skill. 

Ruby Wood's vocals are simply exceptional, she has this soulful quality to her combined with an enigmatic edge. I would say that her vocal prowess reminds me of Sade and the passion of Nina Simone. 

But it doesn't just stop at the vocals. The production quality and musicianship of this album is of an extremely high quality. This seven piece band is definitely one that knows how to work well together. Their tracks combine the intricate musicianship of jazz music with the visceral bass lines of electronic music. 

Tracks that really caught my attention were Snow, Blind Spot, Sleepwalker, Thinking and Eyeline.

If you are expecting a fierce dubstep drop in any of the tracks then think again, rather a subtle bass line that runs through the track. For Submotion Orchestra the beauty of their tracks lies in the elegant and soulful piano melodies and trumpet solos. The percussion is also used in a very subtle way, too make sure that it doesn't over power the other instruments but rather synch in with them. 

While I was listening to Submotion Orchestra tracks I couldn't help but be reminded of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The soulful and intricate approach to jazz is an element that is really a big factor in their music. What Submotion skilfully adds is the element of electronics. 

Submotion Orchestra is definitely for those that appreciate the more mellow fields of electronic and jazz music. This is definitely a band that deviates from the normal electronic music that is spewed out on a daily basis.

It is so refreshing listening to them because they are one of the very few bands that gets it right to teleport you to another dimension through the simplicity and elegance of their tracks. 

Submotion Orchestra is definitely a band to look out for in the future. 

The band is signed to Exceptional Records.

Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Soundcloud.

Their albums can be found on Beatport. 

Dead Audio - Night of the Living Dead Audio EP

To be honest I had no idea who these chaps were until like a week ago. I randomly stumbled upon them while checking out Beatport.

I decided to check out the preview of the first track Blizzard and I was hooked as soon as the drums started to kick in. So I decided to grab the album and listen to it as an entirety and do some research on them.

Dead Audio consists of Tom Atkinson and Luke Fenn. These chaps have been around the block and have quite a distinguished musical background. The lads have worked with the likes of Miley Cyrus and Yasmin and have also been remixing for heavyweights like Pendulum, Borgore and Modestep. Not too shabby for a group that is not too well known. I was pretty impressed that these lads are signed to Buygore Records and have already released a single last year called Take Me Away. 

Let's just say that, listening to their EP was one of the better decisions I made that day, The EP was on repeat for most of the week and I just can't get enough of it. I love it when I come across an EP that combines melodic progressions with insane production skills and fierce sounding synths. 

The first track Blizzard serves as a good intro for the rest of the EP. At first I was a bit confused with the Alvin and the Chipmunk sounding intro but as soon as the melody and the drums started to kick in, I found myself raving along in the first 30 seconds. It is an electro house track and the vocal sample is hilarious and serves as a great buildup to the drop. 

Now let me tell you, the drop really impressed me. It was melodic, laser infused and didn't irritate me with all that's going on in it. I was pretty impressed that the lads got it right to combine so many elements without it sounding too much. Props to them.  

The second track is called Diamonds feat. Shay. This dubstep track starts off as a real grimy banger, the vocal loop serves as a perfect catch phrase and will get you dancing and head-banging in no time. Then suddenly the tempo increases and the drop causes all mayhem, again laser infused with perfectly added vocal snippets. 

The rap part serves as a great way to bring down the velocity and calm down things a bit but it gives you enough time to build up the energy for the next drop which also hits you like a bang. The only problem that I have with this track that it gets quite repetitive after awhile and I would have liked to see some variation in the second and third drop. 

The third track Goin' In is my personal favourite. The intro reminded me of something that you would hear in a SAVOY track, It has this amazing tempo to it which is just so smooth. With the arpeggio melody and the great synth work, I knew this track is going to be an absolute banger. I wouldn't classify this track as electro house, I would rather say it is a moombahton track infused with electro house elements. The drop is definitely a hybrid moomba drop which incorporates a lot of standard electro house elements but the drums are definitely moomba inspired. 

The track Running Feat. Sam Hardcastle is a dubstep track that ends off this powerhouse EP and what I like about it is that it doesn't waste it any time to get down into the drop. It shows that you don't have to have 2min long intro's before you get to the buildup.

What I love about Dead Audio's style is that they combine grime with melody which is such a lethal and extremely difficult thing to do. It just shows that their producing abilities are on a very high standard and it's refreshing from the generic grimy tracks which are spewed out on a daily basis by other producers. 

This is definitely an EP worth buying, it has all the elements that any EDM lover would love to listen to. 

Buy the EP off Beatport or follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.