Dark synthwave artist James Kent, aka Perturbator, is our guest this week. We discuss the crossover appeal of the synthwave genre to metal fans, his history in black metal and how a solo project is different from working with a band, how his music tells a narrative story similar to movie soundtracks, how he brings that feeling to his live performances, and the new direction he plans to take his music in the future. We also talk about how making music for video games differs from his own work, recent film soundtracks that have motivated him, and the importance of the 2011 film Drive to the dark synthwave movement.

Petar, Brandon, and Jozalyn bring you our half-year "Best of" lists and the five records you need to hear before the summer starts when some major releases from Slipknot and Tool will take over our ears.

Songs:

Bad Religion - “Chaos From Within”

Periphery - “Garden In The Bones”

Possessed - “Shadowcult”

Perturbator - “Excess”

The Old Firm Casuals - “Holger Danske”

Whitechapel - “When A Demon Deflies A Witch”