Stefan Certic – The Abyss
Stefan Certic’s “The Abyss” not only pays tribute to the 1980s synth-pop period, but it also has an up-to-date edgy touch that keeps the song sound new. The opening synth layers, which are filled with psych colors, take the listener to a dreamy but strange scene, as if they are traveling through the neon-lit streets of a nightmarish future. The futuristic vocals provide the music a strange, almost cinematic dimension, adding to its overall atmosphere. Certic’s decision to keep the vocals simple and avoid overdoing it with effects is a daring one. The track’s development is expertly executed. When the electric guitars kick in about 1:36, the music picks up speed, and the industrial elements combine effectively with the cyberpunk visual. The gritty, distorted guitars provide a dimension of aggression, producing real tension in contrast to the earlier, more ethereal synth sections of the song. It’s a piece that rewards repeated listening, each revealing new levels of meaning and sound.
