In a bold pivot, Powerplant's Theo Zhykharyev trades in his electro-punk and dungeon synth for black metal, unleashing a sonic frenzy that's equal parts bewildering and infectious. The upcoming album "Bridge of Sacrifice," set to drop on March 13th, finds the Russian-born Londoner embracing his inner metalhead with reckless abandon.
Zhykharyev's decision to dive headfirst into this new territory is less about reinvention than it is about self-expression. Gone are the synth-heavy melodies and garage-rock guitars that once characterized Powerplant's sound; in their place lies a maelstrom of blastbeats, screeching guitars, and haunting vocals that recall the early 90s Norwegian black metal scene.
The results are nothing short of exhilarating. Zhykharyev's DIY ethos is still very much on display, from the creepily atmospheric video for "Bridge of Sacrifice" to his own Arcane Dynamics label, which churns out visually arresting merchandise alongside his music. It's a testament to his unwavering dedication to his artistic vision.
For those who've followed Powerplant's journey from its humble bedroom recording project beginnings, this sudden shift into black metal is both surprising and welcome. Zhykharyev's commitment to fun and escapism in the face of uncertainty feels like a beacon of hope in these trying times.
If you're looking for similar sonic adventures, look no further than Love Rarely's joyous math rock debut "Will," which pairs lightning-fast time signatures with pop-infused hooks and a healthy dose of emo-tinted screaming. Fakemink brings his UK underground MC credentials to the table with his goth-tinged "Young Millionaire," while Tama Gucci's "Xexe" showcases the NYC musician's surprising tender side.
In related news, Chris Forsyth's 25-minute improvisational session on "What Is Now" is a must-listen for fans of scruffy Necks-style explorations. Rounding out the list are Sluice's wistful slowcore contemplation "Beadie," Thundercat's grin-inducing return to form with "I Did This to Myself (ft Lil Yachty)," and Brown Horse's country-rock gem "Twisters."
Zhykharyev's decision to dive headfirst into this new territory is less about reinvention than it is about self-expression. Gone are the synth-heavy melodies and garage-rock guitars that once characterized Powerplant's sound; in their place lies a maelstrom of blastbeats, screeching guitars, and haunting vocals that recall the early 90s Norwegian black metal scene.
The results are nothing short of exhilarating. Zhykharyev's DIY ethos is still very much on display, from the creepily atmospheric video for "Bridge of Sacrifice" to his own Arcane Dynamics label, which churns out visually arresting merchandise alongside his music. It's a testament to his unwavering dedication to his artistic vision.
For those who've followed Powerplant's journey from its humble bedroom recording project beginnings, this sudden shift into black metal is both surprising and welcome. Zhykharyev's commitment to fun and escapism in the face of uncertainty feels like a beacon of hope in these trying times.
If you're looking for similar sonic adventures, look no further than Love Rarely's joyous math rock debut "Will," which pairs lightning-fast time signatures with pop-infused hooks and a healthy dose of emo-tinted screaming. Fakemink brings his UK underground MC credentials to the table with his goth-tinged "Young Millionaire," while Tama Gucci's "Xexe" showcases the NYC musician's surprising tender side.
In related news, Chris Forsyth's 25-minute improvisational session on "What Is Now" is a must-listen for fans of scruffy Necks-style explorations. Rounding out the list are Sluice's wistful slowcore contemplation "Beadie," Thundercat's grin-inducing return to form with "I Did This to Myself (ft Lil Yachty)," and Brown Horse's country-rock gem "Twisters."
. Where are the interviews with Theo Zhykharyev explaining his thought process? What inspired him to make such a drastic change? And what about the fans who've been loyal to Powerplant for years? Did they have a say in this new direction? 
i love how he's still true to his DIY roots, from the merch to the music videos - it's like he's speaking straight to our souls. and can we talk about the playlist recommendations?? love rarely's "will" is literally my new fave math rock album and fakemink's "young millionaire" is giving me all the goth vibes
. The black metal sound is so different from their old stuff that it's like getting a whole new band 
. And yeah, the DIY ethos is definitely still strong - I love how he's putting out his own merchandise and creating these super atmospheric videos 
. It's like he's inviting us to be part of this sonic adventure with him 
. Can't wait for the album drop on March 13th! 
to a more... intense flavor 
. For those who've followed Powerplant's journey, I think this is a welcome evolution of their sound, and fans of black metal will likely appreciate the raw energy and intensity that Zhykharyev brings to the table 
, what do you guys think about this whole transformation? 
, but have you heard fakemink's "young millionaire"? its like a dark edgy cousin of powerplant's old stuff 
.
. Synth-heavy melodies were starting to sound stale anyway, but come on, black metal? It's just another phase of trying too hard to be edgy. And what's with the DIY ethos being presented as some kind of beacon of hope? It's just a bunch of try-hard nonsense 
. I'm gonna give it a listen though, not because I think it'll change my life, but because I want to see how much of a mess he makes.
, Fakemink's goth-tinged vibes are always welcome 
, and Tama Gucci's tender side is giving me all the feels 
.
it's like he's tapping into this deep sense of self-expression and freedom. and can we talk about the DIY ethos he's got going on? creating his own label and merchandise? it's like he's taking control of his artistic vision and running with it 
. Love Rarely's math rock is straight fire 
, Fakemink's UK MC vibes are so cool 
, and Tama Gucci's tender side is so underrated 
. Sluice's slowcore is giving me all the feels 
, Thundercat's collaboration with Lil Yachty is pure joy 
. What's next for these artists?