Abstract Void is a one-man project that experimentally blends Synthwave, Blackgaze, and Black Metal elements. His sophomore album, “Back to Reality,” showcases even more of the band's elements and the numerous possibilities of combining such different genres.

It is a release that takes his sound one step further, exploring a bit more the uncharted waters that this genre is, and that caused a bit of conflict among the more old-school fans who didn’t like the idea of merging Synthwave with Black Metal. However, he proved everyone wrong with this lucid album that makes you travel, like you are dreaming, in space-time seeing how meaningless we all are in this universe. A fearless combination of 80’s Synths, 90’s Trance, Blackgaze and Post-Black Metal guitar melodies with some blast beats added in the mix, creating a colourful sound.

“Wind of Reminiscence” is a dynamic album opener with a stunning synth melody that gives its place to Black Metal vocals before the drums and double bass bring us in a heavy instrumental that showcases everything the album has to offer. Coming up next, “As I Watch the Sunset Fade” is reminiscent of the 80s with an upbeat kick start and guitar melodies that add a kind of ambience before concluding with a Synthwave waterfall. The track highlights the album's creativity, with the vocals being a significant factor. The album titled track “Back to Reality” is the standout, starting with a Black Metal beat, blast beats and synth layer in the background. An instrumental lets the synths take the main stage, and when the vocals come in, black metal becomes the epicentre with synth harmonies and minor guitar chords, creating a perfect blend.

“Disconnected” is dreamlike and, with a bold atmosphere, is perfectly complemented by the epic-sounding “Joy Night”, which contains howling vocals. “A Reflection of Dying Past” has a catchy synth melody and melancholic vocals with a feeling of vast emptiness surrounding you. Last but not least, “Sigh” summarises all the elements in the album and is an excellent ending to our cosmic journey. Combining electronic beats with every other aspect of the band’s music and presenting it as a solid unit. The lyrical theme consists of melancholy, loneliness and broken feelings, to quote the album’s creator, with an on-point production that lets you appreciate everything happening.

From start to finish, Back to Reality is a perfect album with limitless experimentation and a feeling of absolute freedom. It is a great starting point for many fans to broaden their understanding of how diverse and constantly expanding black metal is, like our universe. Abstract Void will pave the way for many bands to come, and this album should be considered a classic.