Abandoned On Fire is the new project from Datathrash founder
Arnie Holder. Within the seven tracks contained on ‘Hymnal’ lies some of the
most challenging chiptune to ever grace the scene. Also, and probably as a surprise
to no-one, it’s fucking incredible.
‘Hymnal’ is more a collection of noise experiments whose sole
goals seem to be violation of both the ears and the GameBoy than it is chipthrash. Tracks
often left me in a ‘Sunn0)))’-like trance, as vicious noise rattled and seethed
behind forceful beats. ‘Hymn of Joyful Noise’ is an ungodly din, but impressive
as much in its savagery as in its technical prowess. A GameBoy really shouldn’t
make these noises. Elsewhere ‘Hymn of Regret’, one of three re-worked tracks
from Arnie’s previous release ‘DeathMurderGo’, sounds like a chorus of furious
roars, driven only more ferocious by the sledgehammer percussion.
Seven tracks of noisy experimental chip might sound a bit
off-putting on paper, but the constantly shifting focus and frequent ingenuity
don’t stop astonishing until the album is done. Chad Roose’s influence on the
co-written ‘Hymn of Brotherhood’ is definitely felt, bringing the track a
punkish groove and creating an unrelenting beast of a track. The end to ‘Hymn
of Thanks’ is fantastic; a brutal wall of sound slowly morphs into 80s synth pop
synths and back again. The result is staggering. ‘Hymn of Strength’ also slays,
mixing catchy grooves with the album’s overarching aggression, before spinning
into almost Samba beats that works surprisingly well.
‘Hymnal’ is inventive, unique, and hugely powerful. The
talent both in programming and composition on display here is unquantifiable,
and the emotion pushed through the small grey box is unparalleled. Make no mistake;
this won’t be everyone’s taste. That doesn’t stop it being an incredible listen
though. Probably (and unfortunately, I really hope I’m proved wrong here) destined
to be overlooked, make sure you’re not part of the problem; ‘Hymnal’ is without
a doubt one of the best chiptune releases of the year.
Favourite track: Hymn of Strength
Grab the album here.
