Rupert Träxler – Darkness (2025)
Inspired by the likes of Spiritbox, Slipknot and Gojira, singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Rupert Träxler begins his journey with an intriguing brand of metal music. This is our introduction to the Austria-based Träxler, as I am sure it is for many people, as he has only one track in his discography. An entirely DIY project from composition, performance, recording, mixing, mastering and overall production, this project is a true labour of love; an explosion of individuality, versatility, and that something that makes it utterly Träxler in its originality. Join us as we delve into his debut single, ‘Darkness’.
Created in its entirety in Träxler’s home studio, ‘Darkness’ is an innovative song using various movements, rhythms, tones and sounds within its traditional old-school metal soundscape. Opening quietly and slowly with light beats, you feel you might be led into a mellifluous melody; then the death metal chaos begins. A brash scream hits you between the eyes, igniting the screamo element of death metal, but this is only the bold introduction to a metal song brimming with duality.
In an intriguing combination of symphonic melody and punch in the face aggression, Träxler saunters across the heaviness of death metal while slicing ‘Darkness’ with a brighter melodic metal tone. I can’t quite decide the particular label or sub-genre of ‘Darkness’, but that really doesn’t matter as it weaves light and dark, brash and flowing, smooth and gritty without meeting and categorisation.
To be sure, this is one of the more interesting metal songs to pass my way. Chaotic and angsty enough to appease even the hardest death metal fans, while hinting at a melodic metal symphony. The sung choir passages and female vocals make it easy on the ears, but with the brashness of metal’s essence.
In addition to the single, Rupert Träxler released an official music video for ‘Darkness’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Rupert Träxler on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more metal music on The Other Side Reviews Metal playlist:
