Leeds, UK — The Mechanist, the tech-metalcore outfit from Leeds, just dropped their debut LP, Synthetic Sun, today, April 10th. This self-released album has been building anticipation with a few singles over the last year, and it’s finally here.
Alongside the full album, the band also shared a music video for “Sungazing,” which is the fourth and final single off Synthetic Sun. Ash Winter-Sim directed the video.
Behind the ‘Synthetic Sun’
The album itself is a conceptual piece. The Mechanist say it’s influenced by sci-fi and horror, telling a dystopian story about an astronaut. This astronaut is tasked with fixing a ‘synthetic sun’ – basically a replacement for our dying natural sun – to keep humanity going. It’s a one-way trip, and along the way, the protagonist dreams of those left behind, while also experiencing something inexplicable and otherworldly.
And for the single “Sungazing,” the band explained its meaning:
“Sungazing is about a numb, detached existence, caught in cycles of monotony and emotional shutdown after a damaging relationship. As memories and resentment surface, there is a longing to burn the pain away by ‘staring at the sun.'”
They added, “The song captures the moment between collapse and rebirth, where destruction feels like the only path to starting over.”
Fans of Architects, Spiritbox, and Northlane should definitely check this out. The album features big grooves, techy riffs, and some solid hooks.
Synthetic Sun was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band’s own Sam Butterfield (guitar) and Les Harrison (drums). This isn’t their first rodeo; they’ve released three EPs before this: Minds & Machines (2017), Shape & Vision (2019), and Aftermath (2023). Singles like “Chemical Crash,” “Parasite,” and “Engram” paved the way for this full-length.
The 11-track, 36-minute album shows The Mechanist hitting their stride. Tracks like “Sungazing,” the chaotic “Invasive Prosthetics,” and the energetic closer “Haven” highlight what the Leeds band is doing well.
Track Listing for ‘Synthetic Sun’:
- “Initium”
- “Vertigo”
- “Engram”
- “Parasite”
- “Sungazing”
- “Into the Black”
- “Invasive Prosthetics”
- “Chemical Crash”
- “Tetsuo”
- “Blight”
- “Haven”
The Mechanist Lineup:
- James Cheal: Vocals
- Sam Butterfield: Guitar
- Jack McAffrey: Guitar
- Les Harrison: Drums
Go give Synthetic Sun a listen now. You can find The Mechanist on their social media channels for more updates.
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