Namesis - Rave Is Dead

Namesis is a Russian producer who focuses on EBM and new beat music, with nods to techno and industrial amidst their production. While a history of releases of the project is a little difficult to follow (Discogs lists three releases while Namesis' Soundcloud seems ripe with more than just that), what is definite is that the project will soon be releasing a brand new EP via Soma Records. Titled "Rave is Dead", this five track EP serves as a psychological release for the producer. He began turning it out when the Covid-19 pandemic came about; public warning systems, police with loudspeakers, and a desire to destroy the four walls surrounding him made this EP a possibility. Dark times for dark beats. 


Despite the first track on "Rave is Dead" being titled after one of the most influential science fiction movies of all time, you'll be hard pressed to find many elements similar to the sound design from the 1982 classic. 'Blade Runner', the track that is, does contain a sweeping synth in the intro and throughout the song, but does not sound as retro as you might imagine. Instead what we're delivered unto is a beat driven track with some futuristic overtones. As oppressive as the situation Namesis had to live through, those feelings come out musically through darkened synths and an eerie atmosphere. Namesis is not alone on this track, either, as fellow electronic maestro Corvad joined forces with him to make this song happen.

Industrial metallic clangs help build out the sound on 'Lies Around', with deeper, wobbling bass providing an extra nod to the experimental and uncomfortable genre. Two breaks in the song manage to keep the track fresh and riveting as other samples frolic through the dingy song. Sunko is featured on two of the tracks which are 'Rave is Dead' as well as 'Call Me Out'. I loved the dark ambient atmosphere that the backing synth provided in 'Rave is Dead', as if I was wading through an apocalyptic event. What did catch me off guard is the screaming that appears around the two-minute and fifty-second mark. It sort of made me jump as I was only expecting an instrumental track. While I thought that production was top notch on 'Call Me Out', I felt that the less than enthusiastic vocals provided by Sunko were in contrast to the wonderful beats Namesis was pulverizing me with. I felt that both these elements clashed too much and did not work that well with one another. The last song on the album, 'Whispers In The Darkness', quiets things down just a touch. While experimental industrial, slamming EBM, and hard hitting new beat elements were present in every song, 'Whispers In The Dark' serves up a dash of techno-based rhythms that aren't as pulsating as previously. It is a nice addition and shows that Namesis can step outside a given genre and still find himself comfortable and capable. 

Though I did not state this in the intro paragraph (and I do hope this was insinuated), I would like to make it clear that "Rave is Dead" is the first time I've listened to Namesis. But it is this type of introduction that makes me love discovering new artists. "Rave Is Dead" is a phenomenal and dark EBM, new beat, industrial, and techno release rolled into one wholesome package. The unfortunate events that drove Namesis to produce this EP are noted, but the pandemic has inspired many creative people to get up and get moving. In this case, it allowed Namesis to make a fantastic and fun EP. I highly recommend this to everyone looking for, as I said earlier, dark beats for dark times. 

This review was commissioned through our Ko-fi page.
Mar 04 2021