Review: As a genre, dubstep is undeniably in a very strong place right now, with numerous label projects putting together what is arguably their best work. This latest For The Heads compilation is another example of that quality spread coming into fruition, delivering thirteen powerhouse originals for the steppers heads to enjoy. Featuring a roster of Blicka, Karnage, Dayzero, Crowley, Retina and many more heavyweights, this project does exactly what it says on the tin by delivering an array of dubstep originals that "The Heads'' won't be able to resist. Our highlights include the delicate intricacies of Centauri's 'Flight Path', the industrial percussive techniques of '4-ho-met' from Dr. Cloud and of course the spooky-sounding structures of Nizth's 'Meton'. Awesome stuff!
Review: It is becoming more and more difficult for us to keep pace with the Encrypted Audio rampage as they continue their pretty spectacular run of top quality dubstep drops with another bombshell, this time welcoming fourteen top quality steppers creators inside for a mega compilation. There have been no expenses spared when it comes to the lineup, with the likes of Dalek One, Kodama, Karnage, Zygos, Mungk and many more established faces supplying us with a string of hard hitting dubstep originals. When we take a look at our specifics favourites however, we have to point out the truly lethal sub-bass & reese-bass combinations on DubApe's 'Quick', alongside the glitchy soundscapes of 'Bricked' from Chendah and the super syncopate rhythmic displays of Reamz on 'Devilish'. Awesome work as per!
Review: Appearing on his second release of the weekend, the ever-ready Karnage unleashes some serious flavour on this brand new collaboration with the Infernal Sounds team, one of the most consistent imprints out there right now. We begin with 'Mordekaiser', a stripped back LFO-driven system stomper, alongside the much more eerie soundscaping and buzzy textures of 'Off Kilter'. Next, the shimmering chord progressions and shuffling drum work of 'Shitamachi Walk' provide us with a much more mellow sounding addition before rounding off with the title track 'Spirit Bomb', a gnarly combination of humming, speaker-busting sub basses and glitchy melodics above, putting the final touches on yet another top quality selection from all involved!
Review: The thing we have come to love about the Sentry Records selections over the past few years is that no matter what direction they decide to take it, we just know they are going to deliver quality with whatever they do. This second edition of their 'Syndicate' series is a perfect example of that as they unleash twelve potent dubstep originals, with the likes of Muttley, CITY1, Youngsta, Substance, CIMM and more all getting involved with some pretty incredible work. The project gives us a fabulous listing of the pure expansive nature of dubstep's sound in today's setting, with a couple of favourites including the constantly evolving, eastern-inspired sounds of Saraphim on 'The Fallen', alongside the reecey rumbles of 'Shotta Kush', which sees the super consistent LSN at it once again.
Review: Insane scenes as Karnage returns to Encrypted with four of his moodiest sluggers to date. "Death Proof" sets the pace with its rifle bass shots, tense atmosphere and harrowed chords, "Kefka's Revenge" takes us deep into the machine with a cascade of data textures and that rains defiantly over some gut-punching swaggered-out beats while "Prog Knife" pays homage to the Genesis with staccato bass shots over a brutal mecha beat. For the finale (fantasy) Karnage gives us a round-the-world trip with a dizzying set of, wavey sci-fi aesthetics and chords that rise to cathedral height. Immense material to the last detail.
Review: Encrypted aren't messing around in 2017 are they? Following key releases from Ghast, Trop, Rygby, DMVU and Argo comes abyss veteran Karnage. Last spotted on FKOK via DayZero's EP, here we find in well-oiled rolling mode as "Zaoichi" cascades further and further into itself with loopy introversion. "Model 29" steps back to refocus on a much starker, classic bass riff, with all the right dub hallmarks and skies of space between the elements, this was designed for one thing only: smashing systems. "Killswitch", meanwhile, is tailored for smashing bodies.... a real menacing mechanical funk is at play as strong themes of techno run throughout. "Mokko" provides essential counterpoint with its wonderfully wobbly sub and big breeze pads that enter mid way. Full spectrum.
Review: Nottingham's Outbound tends to leapfrog from label to label but here he returns to his place of origin, Sub:Conscious. It's his biggest EP for a while too, boasting four tracks bursting with cinematic menace. Highlights include the growling dark alley vibes of the title track (a collaboration with DyAD & Lifesines), the dubbed out reggae haze of "24" and the twitchy, percussive "Ghifasy' - a collaboration with Karnage & Mark IV, which combines breathy synth pads and shimmering piano tinkles.
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