Starset Initiate Doomsday On Latest Single 'Degenerate'
There are many things we still don’t understand about the surrounding and far away galaxies; is there other life out there? How was the universe created? So many questions we don’t have the foggiest answer too. However, one day we received a transmission from outer space, ‘the message’. Decrypting codes and frequencies, electrical engineer and previous teaching associate at the International Space University (FRA) Dustin Bates cracked the message, thus the futuristic, technological concept called Starset was born.
Last time we covered the Columbus, OH four piece they teamed up with the world renowned Breaking Benjamin on reimagined single 'Waiting On The Sky To Change', originally from Dustin’s other band Downplay; album Beyond the Machine (2011). The album was removed and later re-uploaded without the earlier version attached. Re-introduced with Violins, Cello’s and updated synths 'Waiting On The Sky To Change' now felt a lot more drastic, cinematic and overall rejuvenated. The vocal pairing of Benjamin & Dustin shared a good amount of time between the pair, a true dual powerhouse vocal performance, stressful grits, strong harmonies, bold screams & cleans, not something to overlook. Additional low-end guitar parts sit nicely throwing a bit of their heavier influences into the mix; it’s like we received an alternate-universe edition of the single and it’s out of this world!
https://youtu.be/baQVB2W1KAQ?si=CP2LAaISsXoSZS40
Interdimensional jumping to mid-2024 Starset paved their next path towards a 'Brave New World', and did such with a more aggressive approach. Implementing choppy chugs, chaotic fear-inducing synths, and stringed instrumentals, 'Brave New Worlds' intro hits hard and hits fast. Their classic atmospheric synth & vocal verses make an appearance in true Starset writing form, but sits more in the background to make room for the dominant unclean vocals and heavier sections to shine. Artistic bridges are a big strong suit for this band and the lead up into the breakdown was quite something, the utter disarray of rolling 0’s and fret mutes hint towards a more metal arc for the group and we’re stoked for it. Fantastic tune, however the screams in the mix do come off quite dry which isn’t something you’ll want if they are your main vocal choice for a song, maybe something to look at in the future.
Just as our clues predicted, we got a heavier Starset tune. Degenerate begins bold with a disruptive sonic wave of synth, beefy kicks, and down tuned guitar setting the tone for a darker story. Building tension with bass filled beats, all breaks loose with intense grooves paired with Dustin's deep, rustic vocal melody that could melt butter it's so smooth. Chorus lyrics are well written and have a surefire headbanging rhythm, finishing off with a great tagline; "have yourself a nice doomsday". Resembling a Pendulum style beat for the bridge (that goes hard), dramatic vocals climb to peak intensity unleashing in low distorted screams far superior to those of the last released track. Aiding the breakdown guitars for a grander sound, brostep/edm style elements burst through like a supernova creating a bigger crater from impact.
With the Starset universe ever expanding, who knows what we’ll get next? We know for certain where they’ll be at least! For those lucky enough to be rotating on northern hemisphere; from the USA all the way across Europe, you’ll be able to see their demonstrations live. Being over 3 years since Horizons was released I’m banking on a new album real soon, so put your sci-fi atmospheric protective astronaut suits on and get ready for the next phase.
Words by Ed Atlas (@YourFavouriteMerchGuy)
Listen to 'Degenerate' here
