Age of Aquarius

Gothic shades abound on Perturbator’s sixth album. Paris-based synth wizard James Kent channels Siouxsie, Sisters of Mercy and Depeche Mode on his dark and dancy exploration of the societal forces at work in our modern age. Opening with a stentorian guest shot from Ulver mastermind Kristoffer Rygg on the infectious single “Apocalypse Now”, the expertly paced album also features guest appearances from metal machinist Author & Punisher (on “Venus”), returning collaborator Greta Link (on “Lady Moon”) and French post-black-metal dream weavers Alcest (on the closing title track). Musical references to fellow synth composers Vangelis and John Carpenter appear on “Hangover Square” and “The Swimming Pool”, respectively, while club banger “The Art of War” goes full techno.