Degenerator Premiere “Neurotronic” Video; The Abyssal Throne Out Nov. 24
Edmonton duo Degenerator will issue their self-recorded debut album, The Abyssal Throne, on Nov. 24. My favorite part of the video for second single “Neurotronic” premiering below is when the AI not-Timothée Chalomet, who spends the whole time AI moping against magical AI backdrops just like the real Timothée Chalomet would were he not so busy adding to the canons of various franchises, finally re-meets the AI not-Zendaya, he in a hoodie on a park bench, she because of algorithmic misogyny somehow in evening wear — why can’t a robot think it’s okay for ladies to fall in love in yoga pants? — and she’s actually like the second meet-cute he has but I guess the first one didn’t work out because maybe she was also not-Timothée Chalomet, just in a purple hoodie? I don’t know. I have trouble keeping up with plotlines sometimes.
Thankfully, the barrier to entry on Degenerator‘s “Neurotronic,” audio and visual, is as low as pressing play. The cut culled from the first half of The Abyssal Throne is likewise atmospheric and catchy. In some of its harder moments, there’s a sense of 
metallic emotionalism that reminds of Katatonia, but by and large Degenerator — that’s vocalist, guitarist and bassist Barrett Klesko and drummer Jonathan Webster — keep the vibe geared toward a heavy alternative rock, not quite stoner or even prog-stoner, but certainly aware of and wiling to be led by its riff, and the melody of the vocals in hook digs into pop hookmaking without sounding ridiculous, and that’s something of a triumph itself. In combination with the sharper-edged “Eternalism,” the album-opener and prior single, it portrays the band as experienced songwriters at the relative outset of developing an already-broad sound.
One thing the robot-brain absolutely nails in the video, though, is the use of color. Degenerator‘s aural largesse is complemented by a shimmer the reflection of which seems only to up its stately impression, and “Neurotronic” leans directly into it, with the video moving from mostly black and white to vivid purples and pinks and deep blues and greens for nighttime that fit the track’s movement. I can’t necessarily speak to how it stands alongside the rest of the 11 tracks on the 47-minute full-length, not having heard it, but the scope is impressive and the structural foundation beneath solid enough to hold it all up. In the builds and crashes of “Neurotronic,” Degenerator present a stylistic amalgam as a cohesive, singular thing, and define a stylistic path that seems ready to be walked, preferably in the listener’s company. That’s you.
So please, enjoy. PR wire text follows after, in blue as always:
Degenerator, “Neurotronic” video premiere
Edmonton’s DEGENERATOR Presents Debut Album “The Abyssal Throne” Out Nov 24th, 2023
Album pre-order – https://degeneratormusic.bandcamp.com/
Buckle up for a relentless journey into aggressive alt-rock as Edmonton’s sonic titans Degenerator, unveils their latest creation, “The Abyssal Throne.” Led by Barrett Klesko (All Else Fails) on vocals, guitar, and bass, along with drummer Jonathan Webster (Pass of Era, ex-Striker), this highly anticipated debut release takes listeners on an exhilarating ride through stoner, sludge, grunge, and goth rock, pushing the boundaries of alternative music.
Klesko describes the project as a journey to unleash the noise that was haunting his mind. He aimed to capture the essence of the old Smashing Pumpkins, with their distorted and fuzzy guitars, while infusing a touch of gothic darkness that adds a unique and appealing layer to their sound.
Both Klesko and Webster boast prolific careers in the international music community, contributing their talents to bands such as Striker, All Else Fails, The Order of Chaos, Tyler Dory Trio, and more. Together, they form a musical powerhouse that combines their expertise into an extraordinary sonic tapestry.
“The Abyssal Throne” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the unyielding creativity and dedication of two musicians driven by a shared passion for sonic exploration. It is recommended for fans of Baroness, Type O Negative and Alice in Chains.
Track Listing:
1. Eternalism – 3:42
2. Finality – 4:06
3. The Day That Never Comes – 4:39
4. Darkness Prevails – 3:58
5. Neurotronic – 4:46
6. The Children of the Night – 3:59
7. Hiraeth – 4:06
8. The Spiral – 4:13
9. Heart Like a Hole – 4:15
10. For Every Truth – 5:38
11. A Way Out – 3:52
Album Length: 47:14
L-R – Jonathan Webster – Drums, Barrett Klesko – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
[…] Watch and listen to the video for »Neurotonic« via its premiere on The Obelisk HERE. […]