Album Review: Vexillary – Horror in Dub

Find the beauty in horror.

Vexillary’s third LP, Horror in Dub, builds bridges between darkwave, dark synth pop and EBM (not to be confused with EDM) while staying true to its techno inspired roots. This is evident in the instrumental “In Danger.” The vocal-less track leaves room for Vexillary to blend clashing leads into builds and drops with stacked synths creating tension and ambience to accompany the hard pounding kick drum. This four-on-the-floor drum arrangement is heard across the entire body of work as his foundation for more complex drum patterns.

Vexillary does not shy away from atypical drum beats on Horror in Dub. Instead, he embraces them. Emphasized on “Insurrection,” “Under My Skin,” “The Smoke” and “By Design,” each song incorporates a consistent drum pattern or lengthy breakdown different from what is heard in mainstream techno tunes. In an interview with Keyi Magazine, Vexillary mentions some of his songs, “were created out of jam sessions that crystallized into full ideas, with lyrics and vocal melodies added later on.” The importance of percussion is evident, literally shaping the track in some cases, but it does not take away from other story telling aspects found on Horror in Dub.

Baylee lends her vocals on four tracks, adding another chapter to her book of collaborations with Vexillary. This is the opposite of first time collaborator, Madishu, who sings on the track “Animalic,” begging the question why didn’t this collaboration happen sooner?! They each deliver emotional performances delving into themes that touch on the varying fragility of the human condition. The beauty in the vocals is on display. Happy with their previous work, it’s no coincidence Vexillary chose Baylee for vocals on all 3 songs mentioned. 

The album’s artwork harkens to the lyrics and emphasizes Author H.P. Lovecraft’s idea that horror of the unknown and incomprehensible is the greatest form of fear for mankind. Vexillary instills this mindset upon first glance at the album and stresses that through a dark, genre bending journey titled, Horror in Dub. 

With every dark tunnel comes a light at the end, meaning the best follows the worst. It’s evident Vexillary found the beauty in the chaos from the lyrics in the title track, ‘I found love in horror, and horror, horror in dub.’