Violent Magic Orchestra fuse the mystique of black metal & techno in ‘DEATH RAVE’

All the way from the imaginary Planet Helvetech comes Violent Magic Orchestra (VMO), who’s ready to spread their version of the future of music to our unsuspecting ears.

VMO introduces a new era in the Japanese hardcore new rave scene with their latest 15-tracker, 'DEATH RAVE', seamlessly blending motifs from various genres including black metal, gabber, punk, and techno, creating a sound that defies conventional club-centric boundaries.

With new vocalist ザスタ (ZASTAR) joining the ensemble for this new album, it becomes a perfect fit for Berlin-based label Never Sleep who released the band’s album on March 13.

Tracks like 'Warp' and 'Abyss' feature notable artists like Icelandic post-punk band Kælan Mikla and Attila Csihar from iconic Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, showcasing the album's diversity; from melodic crescendos and soft, fading piano notes to black gaze, post-rock qualities and more.

Not only that, it also highlights the band’s ability to expertly experiment with different kinds of vocal approaches, oftentimes pairing them with (what once seemed as) juxtaposing music — aggressive, guttural growls decorated with celestial, atmospheric synths might not be what most are used to hearing on the dancefloors.

Undoubtedly, there are tracks that cater to those seeking pure punter energy. 'Venom', 'Martello Mosh Pit' (which features Never Sleep founder, Gabber Eleganza), and 'Supergaze' have already made waves in the techno dance scene, blending hi-NRG rave vibes with symphonic doom-gaze.

'Welcome to DEATH RAVE' with Ican Harem of Indonesia’s Gabber Modus Operandi is the epitome of hardcore with its relentless waves of superfast beats, distorted kickdrums and dystopian vocals.

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“We didn't want to make metal that was typed into a computer, or like hardcore or breakcore, but rather aimed for the perfect fusion of the two. We wanted to fuse the mystique of black metal and the mystique of techno on a high level,” mention the band exclusively to Mixmag Asia when asked about their sound.

“It's technical, but also an emotional realm,” they add.

Describing the overall vibe of ‘DEATH RAVE’ in their own words: “It's a utopia-like place where memory and eternity intersect, a place where violent impulses and hedonistic dance are peacefully combined. The next world, a world we've never seen before.”

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The band also informed us that they will release a recording and tour Japan as VMOCRILIM — a unit with guitarist Mick Barr of American black metal band KRALLICE. “It will be an incredibly insane and light-speed work!”.

But that’s not all for this corpse paint-wearing outfit. “At the end of May, we will tour China, and then go on a European tour including Spain’s Sónar and Denmark’s Roskilde festivals.”

Purchase ‘DEATH RAVE’ by Violent Magic Orchestra here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.