Electronic music comes in many waves. From new, to old to 80’s electro-rock, not many succeed in creating a memorable electronic record. For the French trio, The Sacrifice, it’s a point to revive the genre with nostalgic moments as they debut with their self-titled (Season Of Mist) on their own terms. They have taken synth-wave and incorporated classic 80’s pop and metal to produce this modern electro groove. The 11-track album is an experiment that involved a dozen of vintage synthesizers and drum machines, according to the band. But what listeners will gather here is a record that balances sonic synths full of color and life. The Sacrifice is here to make you dance.

The trio, whom identify themselves as Rel (vocals/synths), Reverend Prick (programming) and Six (percussion) describe their sound as dead waves on electronic beats. Sounding off with ‘Redemption’ the album dives into a momentary ambiance that is relaxing enough to pump up the every with the second track ‘Order of Disorder.’ This is the track that gets you wanting more. The vibes in ‘Under The Moon’ will get you grooving with every note. ‘Digging Deep’ comes in quick with choppy melodies and catchy chorus but it’s the riff in the bridge that will pleasantly surprise you.

The mournful ‘Violent Devolution’ is eerie but consistent. The cryptic omniscient ‘Aurora’ finds its way to be another groovy instrumental. The ghost of Bowie looms in this album pretty hard—his influence is evident and it so can be said on the track ‘Ghosts.’ The track that follows ‘Endless Night Terror’ gracefully comes in dark and smooth where ‘Moving to the City’ will have you jumping with its chamber pop tendencies and melodic riff. It’ll have you singing and chanting along with the memorable chorus. ‘Marble Hallways’ sonic disposition and brittle post-punk ignites calmly as the album ends with ‘Errdemption.’ The final instrumental track has a simple formula that’s lively—ending the album on a high note.

The band says to be influenced by Pink Floyd, Mayhem and Depeche Mode but here they create their own diversity of deep elements. It’s an obscure universe with soaring synthesizers, erupting percussion, electrifying guitars wrapped up in flamboyant and malicious lyrics. At times it’s so hyped up and vibrant it’s hard not to get up on your feet. The Sacrifice is worth more than a spin.

8.0/10

CYNTHIA JO