Disconnected Souls – Fragments Of Consciousness

Disconnected Souls
Fragments Of Consciousness
Out: January 19^th, 2024
Playing time: 01:03:09

Disconnected Souls were founded in Chester (UK) in 2018. The aim was to unite and merge the three great pillars of music – Electronic, Classical and Metal. After the first EP “Warring Elements” (2021), various singles were released. These songs can also all be found on the debut album “Fragments Of Consciousness”, which was released in January 2024.

It actually sounds like a “Delirium” synth staccato, but then also angry growls. There could hardly be more contrast. There is also an ethereal-sounding female singer. “Dissonant Whispers” is more melodic, although the piano sounds contain a certain dissonance. Female and male clean vocals alternate. Also “Plague Rats” starts calm and melodic. Later, however, it becomes heavier again with harsh growls under which the electric piano strums. And again, and again these blast beats and heavily distorted vocal interludes. After a quiet start, “Petrichor” begins with hard and deep sounds (guitar, bass, keys, drums). Melody and rhythm changes provide a strong Progressive edge. Later, contemplative parts with sound experiments and ethereal vocals dominate. Also “Symbiont” sounds melodic with clear vocals and hard riffs. At least at the beginning, then evil growls kick in again. And the next synth gimmicks. Oh wonder, you can also hear chorus vocals. But already with “Kintsukuroi” the troubled listener can recover a little. The clear vocals are accompanied by synth sounds. However, the trend here is also towards vocal alienation. Even “Human Error” is mostly on the melodic path. Once again, the clear female vocals should be emphasised. Mostly underpinned by keyboard tapestries and rhythmic drums. There are also a few riffs. In “Loveless”, sound games, hard beats and technically distorted vocals dominate again. “Silence Of The Doves” then seems almost ballad-like. But the vocals sound a bit weird in places. “Fragments” is then more electro-pop. Pimped up with a bit of Rock towards the end. I like “Monachopsis (A Waltz At The End Of The World)” a little better again. Melodies and beautiful clear vocals take centre stage here. Brass can be heard here and there (probably also sampled from the synthesiser). But you could definitely categorise this song as a ballad. On the other hand, I can’t do anything with the strumming in “Iyashikei”.

“Fragments Of Consciousness” leaves me somewhat perplexed. Many good approaches in the direction of Metal are repeatedly blurred by the Electro-Pop of the synths. The music often sounds very experimental. Are the musicians still searching for their sound or is this the band’s actual musical taste? I don’t know. At the very least, it’s extremely difficult to listen to the album.

Lineup:

Matthew Simon Fletcher (Fletch) – Guitars, Keys, Bass, Programming, Backing Vocals
Holly Royle – Guitars, Clean Vocals, Keys, Programming
Patrick Lloyd – Clean and Harsh Vocals, Programming
Felix Luca King – Clean Vocals, Synths, Programming
Tim Jenkins – Synths, Keys, Programming, Guitars

Track list:

• Delirium
• Dissonant Whispers
• Plague Rats
• Petrichor
• Symbiont
• Kintsukuroi
• Human Error
• Loveless
• Silence Of The Doves
• Fragments (feat. Jeremy Valentyne)
• Monachopsis (A Waltz At The End Of The World)
• Iyashikei