Three years have passed since her DeletionIt’s the last album, but the day fans have been waiting for since 2018 is finally here.
Starting in 2022 with a meteoric bang, Excision is revealed Onyx, providing 17 tracks featuring instant classics, long-awaited IDs, and high-profile collaboration. Released on his label, Subsidies, Excision’s fifth album is the long-awaited follow-up to 2018’s Apex LP.
Like a ride in a post-apocalyptic Jurassic Park, OnyxThe opener’s, “Decimate,” flings listeners into a mechanical labyrinth of cinematic and intense sounds. His signature, high-powered bass barrage crushes arrangements in a similar way to songs like “Demisaur” (with Kai Wachi), “Clockwork” (with Company), and “Hypnosis” (with Hairitage).
Along with heavy dubstep, Excision’s affinity for metal is also well represented. Onyx. “Our Fire” is a futile marriage of two genres with the help of the crossover superstar Sullivan King, while “Plague Doctor” feels like a testament to his favorite death metal breakdowns.
The album is a treat for those who have attended Excision tours or major bass music festivals, Lost Lands and Bass Canyon, as some of the most anticipated IDs from his sets have already been released by their official capacity. Let’s take it out of the way now — yes, it actually includes “Cough Drop,” a song that fans have been observing over the years. Beyond the huge hype surrounding its release, the wonky track and head-banging that inspires it will keep chiropractors around the world very busy.
As you would expect from an Excision album, Onyx of course filled with bone-chilling, prehistoric-inspired sounds. However, one of the most impressive aspects of the album is how willing he is to accept his emotional side.
One might think it opens the door to a more dial-back or slower sound, but that’s not the case. Aside from any sounds he creates or genres he dives into, the backbone of any Excision production is energy. The through line in each of his releases is a larger-than-life presence, reinforced by large soundscapes and textured sound design.
It can be found in “End of the World“(companion Dion Timmer and Donna Tella). Heart to heart, the song’s biomusic, warm synths, and uplifting melodic bass drops feel like they were designed to soundtrack bonding moments at music festivals. These sentiments are shared by Onyx cut as “Back to Life” (with Sarah de Warren), “Safety” (with Timmer and Alexis Don), and the trembling, atmospheric “Temporary Blue.” Bubbly melodies and vocals, the songs will captivate the hearts of fans looking for an introspective listening experience.
Those familiar with Subsidia know that the label’s compilations are released as chapters under the umbrella of three unique series: dawn, twilight, ug night, representing melodic, experimental, and heavy bass music, respectively, OnyxThe tracks follow the same protocol, establishing Excision not only as an expert curator, but also as a creator and narrator.
A tour de force of his famous career, Onyx feels like Excison’s most cohesive and refined record to date. You can stream the album HERE.
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