SVDDEN DEATH releases new record ‘Harbinger’

SVDDEN DEATH is the moniker of Bay Area producer Danny Howland who continues to make a lasting impact in the sphere of dubstep. Influenced by the bass legends Noisia, 16BIT and Skrillex, SVDDEN DEATH’s sonic output is driven by textured rhythms and storming bass-lines.

First bursting onto the scene with his debut EP, Spelljam, in 2017, he’s since become one of the largest independent acts in dance music while selling out iconic venues and making history with his VOYD alias. Tracking his consistently thrilling sonic output across an extensive list of impressive releases, over the years he’s dropped multiple well-received singles, EPs and albums while linking up with various artists such as Somnium Sound, YAKZ, Borgore, Subtronics, Foreign Beggars, AFK, Marshmello, HVDES, Wooli and many others.

Now, after dropping a string of singles in the build up to his Harbinger record over the past few months, SVDDEN DEATH now brings us the full ten-track release via his VOYD imprint. This record delivers a curated experience that simultaneously inspires and unnerves listeners with its relentless, unyielding energy from start to finish.

Opened by “Teeth,” SVDDEN DEATH links with Bejalvin to craft a powerful sound where intense synths collide with aggressive vocal growls and punching drums. Starting out with the buzzing crunch of a synth pulse, atmospheric textures build up before the distant vocal screams signal an in-your-face dub drop that spins a deafening wall of sound that rises and falls throughout, reaching a crescendo that delivers a sonically violent cacophony.

Title track “Harbinger” rises with the staccato shots of synths as vocal shouts mark the building anticipation. A moment of softly fluttering synth textures provide a brief pause before the track erupts with slapping synth zaps and pounding beats, perfectly distilling SVDDEN DEATH’s powerful sound, creativity and extraordinary sound design talents.

“Torsion” features Dallas-based artist Neonix with the two artists laying down another astonishing dose of dubstep madness. Bending between stripped-back build up, driven by moody synth timbres and rolling drums, to the enveloping drops that bring the most fierce fringes of electronic music into sharp focus.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “Mind Control,” crafted with previous collaborator Wooli, where an ominous sonic atmosphere gradually ascends to a stomping dubstep drop that sees layers of gritty synth tones ride the stab of impactful percussion. Slipping into a dark and grooving mid section capped by vocal sample loops, it’s a slick and potent cocktail of dynamic electronic music.

“Don’t You Dare Go Hollow” with HVDES serves up an anthemic sound that sees the compelling vocal leads of HVDES hover over the explosive synth constructions and energising beats of SVDDEN DEATH. The record closes with “Immolator,” an experimental piece that sees heavily processed vocal samples rumble of a rattling blend of mechanical synth tones, cut with thunderous drops to deliver an emphatic finale to SVDDEN DEATH’s groundbreaking new release.

Listen to Harbinger below