Dyslexicon, the 5-piece experimental punk and metal project helmed by multi-instrumentalist Dan Hart, is set to captivate listeners with its second album, Dracula At Sea, set to release on February 7th, 2025. Recorded over several sessions from 2023 to 2024, the album follows up the project’s promising debut by expanding its sonic palette in both dynamics and influences.
On songs like “The Liars Fled…” the band delves deeper into doom and progressive metal territory with thunderous double kick and vocals delivering both sweeping melodies and aggressive gutturals. This is then contrasted with songs like “AC” with intimate and beautiful acoustic guitars with softly sung vocals describing a love that transcends space and time, showcasing the bands vast emotional and musical range.
While drumming for local Chicago punks Robot Civil War, Dan started the Dyslexicon solo project during the Covid-19 pandemic as a musical outlet for more intimate and darker songwriting. Drawing from demos and songs written nearly a decade ago, the project saw its debut album released in 2022 to little fanfare. However, the album soon found a local following and the project was turned into a fully-fledged 5-piece band, translating the album’s grandiose instrumentals to the live setting. The live show adds to the listening experience with expanded instrumental sections, noise freakouts, a destructive stage presence bordering on performance art, and even a power drill being turned into a musical device. These performances began turning heads, and Dyslexicon started its organic growth as not just a bedroom project, but a not-to-be-missed live act.
In the midst of this growth, Dan was hard at work writing the follow-up to the debut, taking influence from the local underground Chicago music community and new friends. Per Dan, “The first album dwelled a lot on the past and was written in a really reflective headspace, not surprising due to circumstances at the time. Once shows began happening again, that was when I was making all new connections and opening myself up more to others. I shared initial ideas and demos to people and opened myself up to criticism and feedback. The writing started making this sharp contrast with my reality, where I was exploring these self-delusional spirals and isolation fantasies, but personally I was embracing the outside world”
Further drawing inspiration from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the album delves deep into themes of obsession, delusion, violent fantasy, and internal struggle, creating a haunting and intimate sonic experience. Despite the dark subject matter and aggressive instrumentals, Dyslexicon maintains an approachable sound, ensuring that melody remains at the forefront of their compositions. With a diverse range of influences seamlessly woven together, Dracula At Sea is set to be a cohesive and compelling work that solidifies the band’s unique identity.
Beyond the music, Dyslexicon emphasizes a shared community experience and the cathartic power of live performance. Their commitment to innovation and authenticity continues to resonate deeply with audiences, promising a future filled with artistic growth and boundary-pushing endeavors. Be sure to check out the new album, Dracula At Sea, when it comes out on February 7th, and mark your calendars for Dyslexicon’s album release show at Beat Kitchen on February 26th 2025, with support from Stalled and Harvey Waters. It might just be the sonic journey you’ve been waiting for.
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