Review: Das Mörtal impresses with sensational synthwave LP ‘BURY THE SORROW’
Electronic synthwave producer Das Mörtal returns with a new album, BURY THE SORROW, released on the 13th of October via Lisbon Lux Records. Now part of the world’s leading Synthwave producers, the enigmatic artist is forging his own sound and aesthetic. His music has been praised by heavyweight industry webzines CLASH Magazine, KALTBLUT Magazine, METAL Magazine, Run The Trap, Canadian Beats, MetalSucks, Cult MTL, Le Canal Auditif, Ottawa Life Magazine, DIFFUS Magazine, VOLT Magazine, and Brutal Resonance to name a few. All the while, his music earned Most Added New Release on the American college radio chart Top 200 NACC, and received spins on CJSW Radio. With over 20 million streams on Spotify alone, Das Mörtal has also received media and radio support in a dozen countries, as well as on several influential pages on YouTube such as NewRetroWave.
BURY THE SORROW marks a new direction in Das Mörtal’s music making process. Unlike previously released works that were inspired by imaginary narratives, the album deals with themes of mental struggles, pressure and other troubles brought up by the quarantine. It’s personal and relatable, an expression of his emotions and thoughts. The worldwide pandemic not only shaped the overall themes of the album, but can also be heard in the individual tracks themselves that constantly change directions. From techno to trap music with hints of dark trip-hop, you can hear the unstable mindset in which the album was created while still retaining the occult electro & techno aesthetic that Das Mörtal has come to be known for. The focus track, ‘NOSHAME’ is dripping in nostalgia and drive. Washed out 80’s synth stabs punctuate the start of the track, before giving way to a trademark 4×4 synthwave beat and infectious guitar lick that carries the track forward. Abundant in lush chords and soundscapes, Das Mörtal sings about breaking free from one’s own self-image and insecurities. It’s the type of track you play while speeding down a highway late at night, engrossed in thought. “‘NOSHAME’ is about getting free from social pressures and accepting to be yourself in front of other people, even with your faults, because they are what make you unique.” said Das Mörtal.
When speaking on the album, Das Mörtal had this to say: “Making this album had been a mostly difficult time for me, that was filled with unhealthy dark moments, but I wanted to end on a lighter and more hopeful tone. Even though the process of producing all these tracks had broken me a bit, I wouldn’t let it keep me from eventually finding life fun again. I thought that the classic “feel good” Breakbeat Hardcore beats from 90’s UK raves would help bring the idea of ending on a positive note home with its old-school breaks and stabs that made so many people rage on the dancefloors back then.“
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