When two planets collide in any solar system, the catastrophic result will most likely reduce both to dust and ash, sending warm debris hurtling through space. Yet from destruction, comes creation. So too the new and sixth record by Pharaoh Overlord - a cataclysmic clash with bewitching results. The band's current duo of Tomi Leppänen and Jussi Lehtisalo first channeled their love of krautrock-damaged monomania into synth-driven motorik soundscapes on 2019's '5' yet this new exploration is a step way beyond, into a chilly and captivating electronic panorama. Beholden to the melodies and textures of Kraftwerk yet also the cinematic austerity of EBM and the effervescent pulse of classic Italo-pop, it's further abetted by fierce and corrosive vocals from longtime collaborator and Sumac/Isis/Old Man Gloom seer Aaron Turner, which stand atop these futuristic serenades not unlike the fevered delivery of a dystopian hellfire preacher. The result arrives like a series of otherworldly epiphanies. The opening 'Path Eternal' sets it's stall out in style, marrying Moroder and Mayhem with a hint of the apocalypse manifesto of Skinny Puppy lurking in the middle distance. 'Arms Of The Butcher' is a strident anthem for a modern pandemonium, 'Blue Light Hum' meanwhile comes on like a robotic Neu! Summoning end-credits euphoria. And most audaciously of all, 'Without Song All Will Perish' takes the urbane yet decadent sound of Voulez-Vous-era ABBA and reinvents it as a venomous disco Gotterdämerrung. Aaron Turner was sent this material by Tom and Jussi and initially ask to contribute to two or three songs to a sharp deadline, but the results soon revealed themselves to be so powerful that he ended up writing lyrics for the whole album, his vicious but uplifiting vision taking inspiration from the melodic yet scabrous likes of Killing Joke, Leatherface and Kill The Thrill. Written as the pandemic began to dominate world events in 2020, the resulting emotional turmoil couldn't help but heavily affect it's lyrical slant of this record. 6 has therefore become a record based on separation - the physical distance between the band members themselves, as well as the isolation of the quarantine. Yet it's also a record concerned with finding a way forward amidst the modern cataclysms that surround - channeling negative experience into a positive change. True to form, like a brightly underlit disco dancefloor flashing out a warning of danger, the alchemical force of 6 is equal parts hedonistic rapture and dark revelation.
Release date:
July 9, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Jacob Collier The Light For Days
Hajanga/Decca/Interscope
December 5, 2025 -
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard King Gizzard (Live In Houston '24; Triple Splatter) [3xLP]
Reverberation Appreciation Soc
September 26, 2025 -
Ata Kak Batakari (Green)
Awesome Tapes From
November 7, 2025 -
The Pogues Rum Sodomy & The Lash [2xLP]
Rhino Records
December 12, 2025 -
Slick Rick Victory
7WALLACE MUSIC LIMITED
October 17, 2025 -
Finger Eleven Last Night on Earth (Silver)
Better Noise Music
November 7, 2025 -
Florence + The Machine Everybody Scream (The Dead Bluebell Edition) [2xLP]
Republic Records
October 31, 2025 -
The Aces Gold Star Baby (Gold)
Vector
October 24, 2025 -
Armor for Sleep There Is No Memory
Equal Vision Records
November 7, 2025 -
Deaf Havana We're Never Getting Out (Clear)
Universal UK
October 10, 2025 -
Paul McCartney and Wings WINGS (Deluxe) [3xLP]
Capitol
November 7, 2025 -
HAAi HUMANiSE (Crystal Clear) [2xLP]
Deko Music
October 10, 2025 -
They Are Gutting a Body of Water Lotto
Ato Records
October 17, 2025 -
Dayseeker Creature In The Black Night (Gray)
Spinefarm
October 24, 2025