The synthwave scene has been thriving in recent years, with numerous artists and bands delivering exceptional tunes and releases. At times, it seems like the scene is more alive than it was many decades ago when it first emerged. However, due to an overwhelming appearance of so many music outlets, synthwave may seem a bit repetitious, boring, and bland, to the point where the artists has nothing to say anymore. Thankfully, these are the times when OCCULTRA jumps in, with his marvelous music that shines with so many fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting sonic maneuvers worth revisiting every time when you crave a cleverly crafted and flawlessly executed synth music. And this epic sonic voyage is even more mindblowing when you suddenly realize that “Heart Of The Hunter” is his debut full-length material. Seriously, this amount of profressionalism, dedication, and quality is rarely heard or seen on a contemporary scene nowadays, but OCCULTRA’s music resonates with sounds and beats like he crafted these tracks with such ease. Sonically, perhaps “Heart Of The Hunter” shines dominantly with synths, mainly because the artist included all the fundamental elements of synthwave and synth pop, but do not be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from various genres of electronic music, industrial, glitch, modern metal, melodic metal, and other similar styles. OCCULTRA uses all these additional sonic ingredients as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that unquestionably uplift this material on an entirely new level while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, all these experimentations with different but complementary styles, approaches, techniques, and directions resulted in a comprehensive collection of catchy, memorable, engaging, addictive, energetic songs that will not only appeal to synth, electronic, and metal fans but also anyone who appreciates marvelous music created with such precision and finesse.
This epic sonic journey commences with a title track, a perfect opening composition that blends the finest elements of synth, industrial, and metal music. OCCULTRA incorporated many catchy, hypnotic, addictive synth leads, themes, melodies, and harmonies, perfectly paired with occasional glitchy sonic maneuvers and generous servings of distortion. In the meantime, the equally impressive basslines and energetic drumming keep everything organized while dictating groove and tempo. The exceptional female vocal performance adds more melody over the top with all those soulful, passionate, emotive, and powerful notes commanding attention, guiding listeners, and elevating everything to new heights. OCCULTRA is a master of push and pull, tension and release, and a variety of dynamics help out in crafting that sweet balance between the mentioned qualities. “Code Of The Dead” exemplifies those dynamics perfectly. Perhaps this track floats in rhythmically calmer waters, but its slow pace is what makes this song so groovy, heavy, and powerful. Those rhythmic sequences are perfectly paired with warm-sounding basslines for an extra impact. Together, they also serve as an adequate counterbalance to the song’s melodic properties. “Bite My Heart Out” brings back fast tempo, palm-muted guitar riffs, and lush synths, which, in this case, generate a perfectly locked groove and danceable atmosphere. Also, you’ll notice how a technically demanding structure emphasizes particular instrumentations while the vocals decorate all those segments, bringing more than necessary emotional depth and more complexity over an already intricate structure. The anthemic choruses bring those recognizable metal moments where the vocals turn into relentless screams. These are the moments where even the pickiest synth and metal fans will headbang to the fast rhythm of this epic song. And then comes “Gates Of Doom,” another standout track that hypnotize you with its sequenced, arpeggiated synths, luxuriant pads, majestic themes, leads, and melodies, and other similar sonic acrobatics. These instrumentations perfectly pair with the vocals, which, in this case, sound like they’re part of those synth works. Everything is crafted so perfectly to the point when the listening apparatus soaks up all those lush notes. “The Faster We Go” arrives with many cinematic properties, presented through complex synth pads, interplays between heavily distorted guitar riffs and beautiful synth leads, and an entire barrage of expertly programmed beats. Once again, the choruses carry that hymnic vibes which make this track so memorable.
OCCULTRA is a master in painting vivid, dark, obscure sonic landscapes, and tracks like “Neon Blade” exemplifies his ability. He perfectly stacks layer upon layer, building a colossal wall of harmonious sound that wraps around the listening apparatus, grabs you by the collar, and refuses to let go long after this song ends. It’s nearly mindblowing how all those layers articulate without overwhelming each other, making “Neon Blade” worth repeating over and over again. He gradually builds a story by gradually introducing even more synth leads and themes, guitar riffs, basslines, and rhythmic sequences. With “Masquerade Of The Flesh,” OCCULTRA continues in the same style and sound, introducing almost darkwave and goth rock elements with an already established synth metal sound. The way those calm verses transform into powerful anthemic choruses goes beyond comprehension, and the fast-paced bridge is such a neat addition that makes this song even more aggressive and ear-appealing. OCCULTRA calms things down a little bit with “Shadows In The Rain,” a song that slowly indicates this epic sonic journey comes to an end. It’s an excellent number where all those qualities of electro, synth, industrial, and alternative metal blend together, delivering a memorable listening experience worth repeating over and over again. “The Signal Below” promises another barrage of arpeggiated synth sequences, themes, melodies, harmonies, leads, and other sonic maneuvers, distorted, packaged, and delivered with such precision and finesse. The vocals sound even more emotive, passionate, soulful, and honest, bringing sincere melody and emotion to the table. The rhythmic patterns are so heavy, with all those beats, breaks, fills, and accentuations offering more groove, power, aggression, and detail. Every instrument has its place and purpose here, delivering a tremendous listening experience. With “Heart Of The Hunter,” not only did it supply the scene with one of the finest synthwave and metal works you could hear on the contemporary music scene, but it also pushed all those boundaries and broke all the rules of several music genres at once. His dedication to the craft, experience, knowledge, skills, talent, ideas, and musicianship resulted in a comprehensive collection of catchy, memorable, engaging, hypnotic, addictive songs that will appeal to even the pickiest synth, industrial, and metal fans. “Heart Of The Hunter” is a synthwave masterpiece, crafted by a musical genius whose vision goes beyond comprehension. Therefore, head to your favorite streaming platforms and listen to it loud.
Thoughts Words Action 