Futuristic Electronic Black Metal Soundscapes - A Review of Screaming Savior's Reveal the Unreal

On its most recent extended play, Chinese sextet Screaming Savior combines atmospheric black metal soundscapes with playful electronic passages evoking a science-fiction atmosphere. This record hearkens back to the style of the group's critically acclaimed full length effort Infinity that saw the light of day one decade ago. The group that has recently been celebrating its twentieth anniversary offers four regular songs, one remix and four instrumental tunes on Reveal the Unreal.

The black metal soundscapes focus on atmosphere over grit. The almost mantra-like harsh vocals have excellent flow. The rhythm section is fast and tight but never overwhelming or repetitive. The guitar play is energetic and gritty as it offers some gripping riffs. The true highlight are however the playful electronic keyboard sounds played by Tian Shen that help distinguish Screaming Savior from its genre colleagues. The fitting production blends these different soundscapes fluidly, harmoniously and smoothly.

The record's shining highlight is the excellent opening song ''Boltzmann Brain''. The song opens with airy, dreamy and mysterious keyboard sections that evoke progressive atmospheres. The song then coherently, dynamically and fluidly shifts into a cinematic, elegant and powerful black metal tune with playful rhythm section, energetic guitar riffs and haunting mellow shrieks. This songs comes full circle when it concludes with catchy keyboard sounds that become gradually faster and end the track on a high note.

Usually, I'm not a fan of remixes but the alternative version of ''Surface of Last Scattering'' is at least as good as the regular version. Once again, electronic soundscapes collide with black metal sounds in a balanced way. This kind of song could please both fans of experimental extreme metal and those who appreciate electronic music that walks off the beaten path.

Once more, the band manages to surprise with the four instrumental versions of the regular tracks that are everything but filler material. They work splendidly as background music while working, reading of even playing video games. These versions focus even more on futuristic electronic soundscapes and invite to dream yourself far away.

At the end of the day, it's great to discover a new release by Chinese extreme metal sextet Screaming Savior. Reveal the Unreal sounds courageous, progressive and unique. This extended play finds the perfect balance between atmospheric black metal soundscapes and playful electronic patterns with futuristic vibes. Other black metal bands should listen carefully to discover that this genre has no boundaries and invites to innovate. I can't wait to hear more from this consistent, inspired and unique Chinese extreme metal sextet in the future.

Final Rating: 80%