M83 has debuted its latest music video for ‘Temple Of Sorrow,” a new track featured on their upcoming album DSVII, which will be released on Mute Records on September 20th. The video is the first installment of Extazus a three-part short film inspired by the music of DSVII and is directed by French experimental director Bertrand Mandico, who will also direct the next two parts.
“Temple Of Sorrow,” takes clear queues from early video game sounds, creating an ambient atmosphere that can be found in the works of early JRPGs and the works of ambient producers such as Brian Eno. The video hosts contrasting visuals, from black and white, to sharp blue colors, which give the visuals a nostalgic, and retro aesthetic that is complimented by the dialogue texts that are shown throughout the film. Like the album, the visuals also clearly channel videogame tropes and set pieces, as it depicts fantastic adventures in a forest, alongside an author typing with a typewriter.
The album is set to expand on Gonzalez’s sonic palette, and is inspired by early video game soundtracks, ‘80s sci-fi/fantasy films and analog synth pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Mort Garson, John Carpenter and Eno. This project, like its predecessor, is a huge departure from the typically synth-pop oriented sound that M83 has become most known for.
“DSVII is, in my opinion, far more advanced than Digital Shades Vol. 1,” Gonzalez explained in a press release. “I wanted to come back with something stronger that featured the depth of a proper studio album without the pressure of providing pop music.”
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
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