Theo Zhykharyev is a creative genius known for his genre-bending project Powerplant, which he started in 2017 as a bedroom recording venture. Since moving to London from Ukraine, Zhykharyev has released numerous records that blend electro-punk, dungeon synth, and hardcore elements with visually striking DIY merch through his Arcane Dynamics label.
However, his upcoming album Bridge of Sacrifice marks a significant departure into black metal territory, showcasing a darker side of Zhykharyev's sonic palette. The album features eerie screams, drum-machine blastbeats, and slashing garage-rock guitars, evoking the early 90s Norwegian black metal scene. What sets this record apart is its infectious energy, reflecting Zhykharyev's passion for creating music that transports listeners to a world of escapism.
As an artist who has experienced loss and trauma – as seen in his previous song Beautiful Boy from the Grass EP – Bridge of Sacrifice can be viewed as a means of coping with adversity. With its unique blend of styles, Zhykharyev's album promises to be an adrenaline-fueled journey through sonic landscapes both fantastical and unsettling.
This month's best new tracks offer fans an eclectic mix of genres, from math rock to country-rock. Love Rarely's joyful yet mathematically-driven sound takes center stage in Will, while Fakemink's smooth flow is showcased in Young Millionaire. Tama Gucci brings a surprisingly tender touch with Xexe, their industrial-infused fantasy track.
Chris Forsyth's improvisational work on Both/And brings the sonic possibilities of guitar to new heights alongside double bassist John Moran and drummer Joey Sullivan. Sluice offers a haunting slowcore contemplation in Beadie, while Thundercat makes an electrifying return with his ultra-dexterous jazz-funk bassline in I Did This to Myself (ft Lil Yachty).
Lastly, Brown Horse presents Twisters – an enchanting piece of country-rock reminiscent of Neil Young or Kurt Vile.
However, his upcoming album Bridge of Sacrifice marks a significant departure into black metal territory, showcasing a darker side of Zhykharyev's sonic palette. The album features eerie screams, drum-machine blastbeats, and slashing garage-rock guitars, evoking the early 90s Norwegian black metal scene. What sets this record apart is its infectious energy, reflecting Zhykharyev's passion for creating music that transports listeners to a world of escapism.
As an artist who has experienced loss and trauma – as seen in his previous song Beautiful Boy from the Grass EP – Bridge of Sacrifice can be viewed as a means of coping with adversity. With its unique blend of styles, Zhykharyev's album promises to be an adrenaline-fueled journey through sonic landscapes both fantastical and unsettling.
This month's best new tracks offer fans an eclectic mix of genres, from math rock to country-rock. Love Rarely's joyful yet mathematically-driven sound takes center stage in Will, while Fakemink's smooth flow is showcased in Young Millionaire. Tama Gucci brings a surprisingly tender touch with Xexe, their industrial-infused fantasy track.
Chris Forsyth's improvisational work on Both/And brings the sonic possibilities of guitar to new heights alongside double bassist John Moran and drummer Joey Sullivan. Sluice offers a haunting slowcore contemplation in Beadie, while Thundercat makes an electrifying return with his ultra-dexterous jazz-funk bassline in I Did This to Myself (ft Lil Yachty).
Lastly, Brown Horse presents Twisters – an enchanting piece of country-rock reminiscent of Neil Young or Kurt Vile.
i think its so cool how Theo Zhykharyev is tryin to experiment w/ his sound now - its not every day u hear a artist go from electro-punk 2 black metal! 
Bridge of Sacrifice sounds like it's gonna be a wild ride, and i'm low-key excited 2 c what he comes up w/ 
. I also loved the other tracks in this month's list - Love Rarely's sound is so unique & addictive 
, and Thundercat is always a bass god 
. The way Chris Forsyth improvises on guitar is insane 
also gotta give props to love rarely, fakemink, and tama gucci for putting out some fire tracks 
The way I see it, Bridge of Sacrifice is like an adrenaline-fuelled journey through his inner world - it's dark, but it's also kind of liberating 
And the fact that he's pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds? That just takes so much courage and vulnerability... I think we can all relate to feeling lost or broken at some point in our lives, and music like this is what helps us process those emotions 
. Can't wait to explore this month's best new tracks 
. As someone who's listened to his earlier stuff, I can see why this album marks a departure – it's darker and more intense 
. But at the same time, it's still super catchy and makes me wanna move my body 
. The fact that he's drawing from personal experiences with loss and trauma just adds so much depth to the music 
. Can't wait to dive in and explore this new sonic landscape 
!
I mean, his other stuff has been super cool and genre-bending, but this new album sounds like it's gonna be kinda intense 
. I'm all about experimenting with music and trying new things, but black metal can be pretty dark and heavy, you know? I'm curious to see how he makes it work for him though 
The way he blends different styles like electro-punk and hardcore with this dark, haunting vibe is just genius. I love how he's using his music as a form of escapism and coping mechanism for adversity - it's really inspiring to see an artist use their platform for good.