GWAR and Fear Factory meet Ministry and Mushroomhead would be a unique and apt description of Venezuelan sound maker and mixer Zardonic. He brings a mobile house party, rave and rapid fire industrial light show to every show with the visage of Mushroomhead, the sound of industrial metal and stage attire resembling The Predator. Using every show as his own unique audio carnival, he packs in frantic crowds, pumping electro-beats, lasers and flashing lights into their brains, eyes and souls of all present devotees.
The masked DJ, who could easily find work as a comic villain has a large library of accomplishments along with some really cool videos, stage gear and a unique look that says, is there a human in there or an alien? His mission is to create mesmerizing soundscapes pulling inspiration and noise from seemingly other dimensions incorporating his muses into the mix table. Using his electro-pulpit for political prose and adrenalized activism, he makes music like using formulas from the table of elements.
Painting with a very loud and colorful brush Zardonic creates a non-stop universe of sounds and scope with lyrical topics involving his community, controversies and political movements. Become is his newest enterprise, expressing feelings, emotions and an agenda, along with guest appearances on 11 tracks of tour de force.
“No Mas Revolucion” sees Venezuela from an outside perspective with loud blasting beats greeting the ear with bravado. “Revelation” proclaims success celebrating with those who supported Zardonic and an audio slap to the face and other areas to all the haters. With electro-industrial twists and turns like a mobile revolving table of pulsating energy and adrenaline.
On “Black And White” American Grim’s Ryan Grim lends to the songs fighting, cage raging spirit. A soundtrack to the adrenaline fueled fighter experience, with pumping and slamming effect. Some Blade-like bloodletting can be heard, whether from the dancefloor or a fighter’s face. It’s a high energy, crowd stomper with squealing guitars.
With a more adrenalizing pop feel, “Takeover” is a tribute to all those who played and molded the EDM, rock and metal sound from its origins to modern day with the Qemists chosen to add effect. With influencers and pioneers Pendulum, The Prodigy, Celldweller, Ministry and Linkin Park given praise.
We join the street wise religion and resistance on “Children Of Tomorrow” with raised voices against oppression. Whether by peaceful protest or violent street action, this is a tribute to all activists. With Coppa’s creativity, it’s a track with a strong rap, rock feel and strong Jamaican vibes.
A dream collaboration with Celldweller helped create “Before The Dawn.” “Follow The Light” is a robotic cardio workout about the art and process of human manipulation, going down a dark path through emotions and media propaganda.
“Transhuman” is a conscious ascension to a higher state and the growing pains of mental, ideological change with a saxophone serenade by Jorgen Munkeby of Shining.
“Army Of One” screams out frustration, anger and fear like cocking back a hammer, prepping to fire. It’s a track about the mental and physical power of anger and how it manifests in temptation and action.
“Libertadores” is a last gasp of the past and a world destroyed. Going forward no matter what’s ahead. The song focuses on the Venezuelan rebellion ending in Oscar Pérez’s gruesome assassination. It’s easier to learn about it vicariously then be close to it. It’s Zardonic’s closing stamp on the movement and a tribute to all the fallen.
Part cyborg/sci-fi cinema, part cyberpunk, part monsters ball, Zardonic in costume, could even be construed as a Bond villain in a digital world or his version of Rob Zombie. Become has everything needed for a massive raving good time, glow sticks helpful, pit optional.
