Powerplant - Bridge Of Sacrifice LP
Darkest clouds have sealed the sky, Powerplant is back and has brewed its strongest release yet. "Bridge of Sacrifice" emerges from the cauldron, a fun, black metal infused journey through all that is heavy and gothic. Powerplant, the solitary project of Ukraine-born, London-based Theo Zhykharyev, is distinguished by its giddy bass, sizzling synth lines and melancholic vocal hooks.
On "Bridge of Sacrifice", Powerplant’s second full-length album, Zhykharyev once again rebrands and reinvents Powerplant as a gothic beast. Zhykharyev’s voice takes centre stage with resolute and dramatic singing, dialled in after years of touring.The familiar Gary Numan-esque synth of early Powerplant works is elaborated with orchestral strings, grand piano and heavenly choirs. Heavy and full drum sound replaces the vintage digital drum machine samples.
The musical palette is further expanded with moving cello performances by Hani Hooper, adding a grotesque cherry on top of this musical cake. Although the new release is styled in an eerie, extreme metal fashion, Bridge of Sacrifice is Powerplant to its core.The tracks on which it runs are founded on approachable pop songwriting and melodic vocal hooks.
The album’s quest for avid genre exploration keeps the musical journey fresh, as it carries you through the depths and extremities of metal-punk, blackgaze, industrial and acoustic campfire folk. New-found malevolence is neutralised by the familiar playfulness and humour of Powerplant, which, mixed like paint, absorbs the first-time listener in an intriguing dichotomy of confronting elements.
White vinyl.
Arcane Dynamics Records