Swarm & Caster – Blood
• Haunting atmosphere
• Unpredictable sound design
• Skull-crushing drop
I discovered Swarm earlier in 2019, shortly after the release of his EP, “This Is The End”. I was quite intrigued and since then, have only become more attached to his music. Each and every release from him means something special. Swarm occupies a rapidly diminishing realm of dance music known as authenticity, and that’s one of the reasons behind this 90+. In a scene dominated by extemporaneous commercialism and romantic platitudes, this creator is a welcome breath of fresh air. Though one must proceed with caution, as his music is not for the faint-hearted.
Swarm kicks off the month of May with a spine-chilling project with Caster titled “Blood”. We are greeted by a calm yet sinister choir, inviting us into the three-minute and fifteen seconds lasting nightmare that is “Blood”. The threatening lullaby is shattered by a vicious build-up, guiding us toward an even deeper plunge into darkness. Scattered throughout the track is a seemingly omnipresent piano floating between bars. It seems to momentarily ease the heavy atmosphere of the track; however, it’s important to emphasise the word “momentarily”.
The drop is where listener discretion would be advised. Harsh, synthetic roars and hisses collide around a murderous kick and an immaculate snare. Complete with sound design that rivals the skill of known heavyweight Au5, the drop falls nowhere short of holding us hostage. The sheer power of this track rivets our attention from beginning to end with its blood-curdling concoction of cinema, metal and Dubstep.
“Blood” is a brilliant representation of Swarm’s capabilities and proof that the “grown male version of Wednesday Adams” holds nothing back in his productions. His music manages to evolve while remaining consistent, keeping a unique attitude that, for me, deserves a special rating. Experimentation with genres ranging from Psy-Trance to Hardstyle and dubstep never leaves his style out to dry. Tracks such as “Eat Me Alive”, “Singing To The Sky”, and “Fear” all personify his unbridled passion and polished authenticity. Once again, I’m left waiting with eager anticipation for the next malignant masterpiece from the architect of horror, Swarm.
