Xenturion Prime - Mecha Rising

After Christian Espeland decided to quit 'Code 64' back in 2013, the remaining two members Hasse Mattsson and Bjørn Marius Borg continued under a new name, 'Xenturion Prime'. It's a new band but if you liked 'Code 64' there is no reason not to check out their new project. Even though it's not the same band, they still are somewhere in the synthpop/futurepop category. Their EBM influences might be a little more distinct on this album and the band themselves like to call it powersynth, but ultimately if you like 'Code 64' I'm quite sure you will like this as well. As the name would suggest you will get a bit more robotic and science fiction oriented sound this time around. 'Code 64' did release an EP entitled "Accelerate" in 2013, and an album was in the works, so I can't help to wonder if they ditched everything they worked on and started all over again with 'Xenturion Prime' or used the material they had from 'Code 64', because I would've had no trouble thinking this was a 'Code 64' release if I didn't knew it actually wasn't. But it really doesn't matter.

The album opens with the beautiful intro track "Mecha" and continues with one of the more harsher tracks on the album "Rise" which was also released as an EP back in December. Although there are a few heavier industrial sounding songs on the album the majority of the tracks are in the same vein as 'Code 64'. Beautiful, danceable synthpop with great vocals and catchy melodies. The album stretches over twelve songs and within that time they're able to cover most of the genres in the electro oriented landscape. Luckily it never becomes boring as they throughout the album have interesting parts with electronic experimentation, which keeps the album engaging all the way through.

The sound is great, the production and vocals are flawless. 'Code 64's "Trialogue" is one of my favourite albums in the synthpop/futurepop category and "Mecha Rising" does not quite reach that level, but it's not far behind and a great debut from a duo we surely can expect more great music from in the future. Jun 16 2014