Powerplant's latest venture into black metal brings a breath of fresh air amidst the anxiety-ridden landscape. Theo Zhykharyev, the mastermind behind this sonic experiment, has been crafting an eclectic mix of music since starting his bedroom recording project in 2017. With a style that blends electro-punk, dungeon synth, and treble-heavy hardcore, Powerplant's output is as unpredictable as it is captivating.
Zhykharyev's latest album, Bridge of Sacrifice, marks a significant departure from his previous work. Embracing the darker side of black metal, he brings forth eerie screams, blastbeats, and an onslaught of synthesizers reminiscent of Norway's early 90s demos. This head-spinning mix is carried off with infectious energy, akin to a fan indulging their passions.
The video for the title track showcases Zhykharyev's playfulness, donning a trenchcoat as he rocks out in a creepy cellar. The juxtaposition of campy humor and dark atmosphere perfectly encapsulates Powerplant's unapologetic approach to music-making. The result is both unsettling and strangely endearing.
In an era where hope seems scarce, Zhykharyev's determination to prioritize fun and escapism in his music feels like a beacon of relief. His personal experiences, including the loss caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inform the lyrics of songs like "Beautiful Boy," which serve as a testament to the power of art as resistance.
If you're looking for new sounds to obsess over, this week's must-listen additions are sure to tantalize. Love Rarely brings math rock joy with their time-jumping songcraft, while Fakemink delivers gothic-infused beats with effortless swag. Thundercat returns with an ultra-dexterous jazz-funk bassline that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Tama Gucci's Xexe takes a surprising turn towards tenderness, while Chris Forsyth's What Is Now embarks on an 25-minute journey of exploratory improv alongside double bassist John Moran and drummer Joey Sullivan. Sluice crafts a wistful slowcore contemplation of what it means to stop running, and Brown Horse's Twisters is a country-rock gem that will transport you to the American heartland.
With Powerplant leading the charge, this week's new tracks promise to shake up your musical landscape and leave you eager for more.
Zhykharyev's latest album, Bridge of Sacrifice, marks a significant departure from his previous work. Embracing the darker side of black metal, he brings forth eerie screams, blastbeats, and an onslaught of synthesizers reminiscent of Norway's early 90s demos. This head-spinning mix is carried off with infectious energy, akin to a fan indulging their passions.
The video for the title track showcases Zhykharyev's playfulness, donning a trenchcoat as he rocks out in a creepy cellar. The juxtaposition of campy humor and dark atmosphere perfectly encapsulates Powerplant's unapologetic approach to music-making. The result is both unsettling and strangely endearing.
In an era where hope seems scarce, Zhykharyev's determination to prioritize fun and escapism in his music feels like a beacon of relief. His personal experiences, including the loss caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inform the lyrics of songs like "Beautiful Boy," which serve as a testament to the power of art as resistance.
If you're looking for new sounds to obsess over, this week's must-listen additions are sure to tantalize. Love Rarely brings math rock joy with their time-jumping songcraft, while Fakemink delivers gothic-infused beats with effortless swag. Thundercat returns with an ultra-dexterous jazz-funk bassline that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Tama Gucci's Xexe takes a surprising turn towards tenderness, while Chris Forsyth's What Is Now embarks on an 25-minute journey of exploratory improv alongside double bassist John Moran and drummer Joey Sullivan. Sluice crafts a wistful slowcore contemplation of what it means to stop running, and Brown Horse's Twisters is a country-rock gem that will transport you to the American heartland.
With Powerplant leading the charge, this week's new tracks promise to shake up your musical landscape and leave you eager for more.
and the way he weaves in themes of hope & resistance is so powerful 
especially with songs like "beautiful boy" that just makes me wanna cry happy tears 
i'm also low-key obsessed with love rarely's math rock jams and fakemink's gothic beats - these new tracks are EVERYTHING 
think Theo Zhykharyev's gotta have some serious stamina to rock out 24/7, that trenchcoat is just begging to get blown off at any moment 
it's like they're speaking straight to my soul, you know? the way theo zhykharyev blends dark and light is just pure magic 
and that video for the title track is HILARIOUS 
it's all about embracing your weirdness, you feel?
he's like a breath of fresh air in the black metal scene & it's so cool that his experiences, including losing loved ones from russia's invasion of ukraine, are influencing his lyrics - it shows we can use art as a form of resistance 
. Like, who needs all this drama and intensity? Can't they just make something chill and relaxing for once? Powerplant's black metal thing is just a weird phase they're going through, I'm sure it'll pass soon enough 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "art as resistance" nonsense - like, yeah, sure, but what about when your art just ends up alienating people? 
. At the same time, I'm all about that math rock life - Love Rarely's latest track has me hooked 
. It's like he's poking fun at the seriousness of it all while still keeping it real.
i love how theo zhykharyev doesn't take himself too seriously, his campy humor in the video for "Beautiful Boy" is just everything 
️ i'm also loving all the other new tracks this week - love rarely, fakemink, sluice... they're all bringing some serious vibes 
. The video for "Beautiful Boy" just broke me though, that's some next level emotional stuff 
. And I'm all for a good dose of escapism in these anxious times...let's get lost in some sick tunes 
especially with theo zhykharyev's personal experiences influencing the music... it's like he's channeling all his emotions into these intense black metal tracks that are both chaotic & strangely captivating 