Alucard - Lighthouse

This is the first tune that I heard described as "progressive trance," and it remains my gold standard for the label: this still has a far more modern sound than most so-called progressive trance records. Its finely-crafted texture is its greatest asset, as in other Alucard tracks, yet its simple melodies are well-defined and speak volumes with only a few notes.

The drum part begins with the standard 4/4 kicks and a syncopated hand drum sounding in the middle of each measure. Early on a heavy tom-tom line comes in to connect each of the kick hits. With a scintillating, flowing synth pad in the background, this creates a spacey but unstoppable beat with room for the ensuing syncopated melody. This melody, played on a rich, hollow synth patch (or bamboo xylophone sample?), is the piece de resistance in this piece. Later, a single reverberating clap opens up a beautiful breakdown that brings the subtleties of the pad into focus. Slowly the second melody grows out of this reverie amidst metallic filter sweeps and a sizzling bass pad. The drums and bass return for this crescendo until another clap drops the drums for a short prelude featuring a new bass motive. It's an aggressive, exciting descent that creates an anthemic harmony with the second melody. This harmony leads into a drop followed by the blossoming of all parts in the last section, which includes a sweet, unobtrusive pad melody on top of everything. After this is of course the breakdown of the mix. It all ends with an extended display of the pad, which itself eventually washes away like breath in cold air.

Alucard is a true artist, and this is some of his best work.