On the cusp of his sixth full-length release, Chris Taylor, better known as Destryur, beckons listeners into the shadowy realms of his latest creation, Dimensions, set to emerge under the aegis of the Doom Vision label on March 29. This new chapter marks a pivotal collaboration with the label Doom Vision, a venture by the multifaceted Omar Doom, known for his work under the moniker STRAIGHT RAZOR.
Dimensions is an intricate lattice of sound, drawing from the eerie whispers of horror cinema, the chilling tales of phantoms, and the vibrant world of dark electronic dance music. It’s a collection that defies easy categorization, weaving through mid-tempo beats, the depth of dubstep, the raw energy of punk, and the nostalgic glow of classic synthwave.
The album kicks off with the ominous track Terrify, immediately setting a chilling tone. The slow, heavy beat acts as a foundation for demonic vocal elements and a creeping melody that together create an industrial vibe with a spooky essence. An unexpected breakdown further intensifies the atmosphere.
The album’s vanguard, Under Your Skin (featuring Iyes Keen), showcases Taylor’s fascination with the gothic charm of vampires and the mystique of New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s a track that marries haunting melodies with a bass that resonates deep within, setting the tone for the album’s exploration of shadow and light.
The peculiar Lucifemme evokes the infernal themes of hellfire and brimstone. As you listen, there’s an undeniable sensation of spiraling through Dante’s concentric circles of hell, each note drawing you deeper into a labyrinth of despair and darkness. The use of synth elements and echoing cackles adds an otherworldly layer to the composition, reminiscent of the haunting ambience crafted by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop for classic Doctor Who episodes.
Pit of Doom begins with an eerie spoken word warning, setting the stage for what unfolds as an intensely powerful track. Its growling rhythms and heavy beats create an almost dirgelike atmosphere, pulling the listener into its depth with relentless force. Amidst the sonic turmoil, screams pierce through, culminating in a thunderous proclamation of “DOOM” that reverberates with an ominous echo. This piece is a tempest of sound, commanding attention with its dark energy and formidable presence.
Possession unfolds like a vivid nightmare, marked by pulsing laser sounds and echoing voices that weave an unsettling soundscape. Here, the gritty essence of industrial music meets the neon-infused vibes of synthwave, creating a unique blend of light and dark. This track is a surreal exploration, with eerie melodies and rhythmic pulses crafting a landscape that feels haunting and hypnotic, inviting listeners into a world where the familiar takes on an otherworldly quality.
The next track, MK Altima, carries a curious space alien ambiance, propelled by a lively disco beat and interspersed with curious squiggle sounds. The track, reminiscent of something from late 90s Chemical Brothers, is underpinned by a minor chord backbeat, adding a layer of depth and intrigue. It evokes the imagery of frogs crooning on a warm summer night, blending natural serenity with an otherworldly charm that’s engaging and slightly off-kilter, mirroring the unexpected harmonies of nature and the cosmos.
Remixes of Terrify by Stilz and Pit of Doom by Straight Razor close out the album.
Destryur, with roots in both Tampa, FL, and New York City, traces his musical genesis back to high school, where he first dabbled in hip-hop mixes. Influenced by Daft Punk’s “Homework” and Justice’s “Cross,” Taylor’s passion for EDM took flight, eventually leading him to the realms of trap and dubstep by 2011. It was the discovery of synthwave artists like Mitch Murder and Perturbator that steered his creative compass toward the neon-lit noir of his current sound. Each album is a distinct realm, a mix of gritty urban darkness and cinematic terror, with Taylor channeling his love for Troma films into every beat, primarily through digital synthesis, with occasional forays into hardware like the Moog SubPhatty and Jupiter 8.
A staple in the New Orleans electronic music scene, Destryur curates the New Orleans ‘Splatterday Night’ event, blending synthwave with darker electronic rhythms, with the next gathering scheduled for March 23rd at The Goat.
Looking ahead, Destryur is set to play live on October 19th at the House of Rock in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dimensions is out on March 29th, 2024. Pre-Save Here
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