Soltan’s “Masyaf” unleashes a fusion of Dubstep and Middle Eastern vibes
• Cultural fusion in Dubstep
• Short, intense, and impactful
• One buildup, One drop
Soltan is one of the most intriguing names in the Dubstep scene right now. I got hooked on his Instagram tutorials, where he breaks down the “behind the scenes” of his tracks. You can feel his passion for the details in every production, and it’s genuinely inspiring.
But who is Soltan? This mysterious producer, who never shows his face, hails from the Middle East but now lives in North America. His journey started in a basement in Tehran, Iran, and he hasn’t looked back since. His Middle Eastern roots are evident in his music, with a heavy emphasis on traditional drums and instruments from that region. The result is captivating—just listen to “ID OF ALL ID’S,” my favorite blend of Moombahton with Persian influences, or “Arabian Knights” with RIOT, which uses ethnic chants as the main element in the breakdown. While the concept of blending ethnic sounds with EDM isn’t new (KSHMR has built a career on it), Soltan’s take on it within Dubstep is refreshing, especially given how tricky it is to merge these elements with the genre’s rigid structure.
Soltan’s impressive streaming numbers, high-profile collaborations (with artists like RIOT, Ray Volpe, and Diesel), and standout performances have built up anticipation for his 2024 EP. Today, we’re diving into “Masyaf,” the latest release from that EP, which comes out on Gud Vibrations, the Dubstep label run by Slander and NGHTMRE.
“Masyaf” is named after a city in Syria, and the track definitely draws on Syrian influences in its sound design. The intro is grand and elegant, featuring a sweeping arpeggio that transitions into a brutal buildup before exploding into a fierce blend of Dubstep and Bass House. The rhythm is frenetic, and the addition of laser-like sounds only amps up the intensity. Soltan unleashes his full arsenal in a drop that dominates the entire second half of this short but power-packed track.
“Masyaf” isn’t for the faint of heart or casual Melodic Dubstep fans—it hits hard. Personally, I was almost overwhelmed by the raw energy. But that’s what makes Soltan stand out: his ability to craft a unique sound design that fuses his cultural influences with Dubstep’s framework, resulting in something truly one-of-a-kind. The unexpected Bass House elements also add depth and richness to the track.
Overall, “Masyaf” is a banger. The decision to keep the track short, with an extended buildup and a relentless drop, was a bold move that paid off. I’m not sure I could have handled a second drop with the same intensity!
