Carpenter Brut’s Return with Leather Temple

Synthwave, often dubbed outrun music, experienced a significant surge in popularity during the 2010s, permeating both mainstream and heavy music spheres. Among the genre’s leading figures in the metal scene is Carpenter Brut. Their debut album, Trilogy, released in 2015, garnered attention alongside Perturbator’s Dangerous Days, marking it as a pivotal release. The follow-up, Leather Teeth (2018), propelled them to new heights. Now, a decade after the synthwave movement’s peak, Carpenter Brut returns with their fourth full-length album, Leather Temple, concluding the Leather trilogy, which includes Leather Teeth, Leather Terror, and Leather Temple.

LEATHER TEMPLE by Carpenter Brut

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The Aesthetic of Synthwave and Retro-Futurism

Synthwave is intricately linked with retrofuturism, an artistic movement that yearns to revive visions of the future as seen through the lens of earlier eras. For over a decade, modern retrofuturism has been deeply rooted in the aesthetics of the 1980s, influencing various cultural facets—from the popularity of series like Stranger Things to Darkthrone’s 2010 track, “I Am the Graves of the 80s.” Electric Light Orchestra’s 1981 song, “Ticket to the Moon,” captures this nostalgia even as the decade was just beginning.

Dark Dystopia in Leather Temple

Carpenter Brut amplifies the retrofuturist themes inherent in synthwave, presenting a vision of the future that leans towards the dark and dystopian. Leather Temple serves as the imagined soundtrack to an ’80s-style film, featuring a future dominated by a tyrant named Iron Tusk. The album stands as Carpenter Brut’s most ambitious work to date, expertly crafting a mood throughout its tracks. The synthesizer arrangements are heavy, grandiose, and strikingly flashy, evoking the image of an expansive, deserted warehouse hosting a neon-lit gothic party. Deep, growling saw-wave synthesizers lay the groundwork for the sparkling sounds layered above them. Tracks like “Iron Sanctuary” evoke imagery of expansive industrial landscapes and grimy, dust-filled atmospheres reminiscent of Blade Runner. Conversely, tracks such as “Start Your Engines” and “Speed or Perish” establish a frenetic pace infused with the glitz and glamour associated with iconic ’80s muscle cars.

Hope Amidst Dystopia

While the narrative of Leather Temple unfolds, moments of hope emerge through its protagonist, Bret Halford, a human-turned-cyborg leading a revolution against tyranny. For instance, “Neon Requiem” presents a heroic motif, symbolizing Halford’s progression during his darkest moments, echoing the vibrant imagery of neon—a hallmark of the ’80s. The album culminates in the track “The End Complete,” which closes the narrative on a triumphant note, celebrating Halford’s victory.

A Soundtrack with Strengths and Limitations

Overall, Leather Temple excels in its role as a soundtrack, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses. It seamlessly fits into an evocative soundscape, allowing listeners to envision the storyline within its confines. Each track serves as an effective mood piece, aligning with specific narrative segments. However, this approach may also lead to a lack of catchy hooks, making the album blend into the background rather than assert immediate engagement. While this isn’t inherently detrimental, it results in Leather Temple being slightly more challenging to fully immerse in. Nonetheless, Carpenter Brut remains a powerhouse within the synthwave genre, arguably standing at the forefront, especially as some of their contemporaries have faded in recent years.

Conclusion

With Leather Temple, Carpenter Brut not only concludes a significant trilogy but also reinforces their status as key players in the synthwave scene. The album’s blend of retrofuturist elements and dystopian narratives offers a rich, atmospheric experience, even if it sometimes sacrifices immediate hooks for a more cinematic feel. Fans of the genre and newcomers alike will find a captivating journey within its tracks.

FAQs

What is the concept behind Leather Temple?

Leather Temple serves as a soundtrack to an imagined ’80s film, depicting a dystopian future ruled by a tyrant named Iron Tusk, with the protagonist Bret Halford leading a revolution.

How does Leather Temple compare to previous albums by Carpenter Brut?

This album is seen as more ambitious and grandiose, focusing heavily on creating a cinematic mood, though it may lack the immediate hooks found in previous releases like Leather Teeth.

Is Leather Temple available for streaming?

Yes, Leather Temple is available for streaming on various music platforms.

What themes are explored in Leather Temple?

The album explores themes of dystopia, hope, and revolution, contrasting dark imagery with moments of heroism and triumph.