RZRKT Showcases His Artistic Evolution Through Dynamic 5-Track Dubstep EP 'RUINS' via Bassrush Records
Texas-based producer RZRKT has been tearing through the ranks of the dubstep scene with a signature style that injects a dark melodic twist into the heavy-hitting sound. Making his return to Bassrush Records comes the beastly five-track EP ‘RUINS.’ The release builds on the success of the lead single, which landed with a cataclysmic force last month.
Reflecting on his approach to the project, RZRKT says, “My ‘RUINS’ EP is a great example of the evolution of my sound, bringing my original sounds with the new. It was such a fun project to work on because it’s been a year of learning for me and a lot of the new techniques I started to discover definitely impacted the overall output of this EP. Hope you guys enjoy the listen as much as I enjoyed working on it!”
“RUINS” sets the tone of the project, offering its namesake and a sample of the sonic direction. A sense of foreboding is woven throughout the composition, making it a fierce and consuming experience that effortlessly balances weight and groove. Uneasy melodics sweep over low-end and boisterous drum programming. The drops interchange between crunchy static-driven destruction, and cavernous depths with brutish kicks. With gritty riddim sequences, glitch-infused elements, and a surprise techno switch-up, the track delivers an unrelenting sense of menace from start to finish. Upon release, the devastatingly tough track garnered press support from Dubstep FBI, This Song Slaps, Affinity Ascension, DISTOPIC, Beat For Beat, Find Your Sounds, Ground News, in addition to live support from Excision.
Joining forces with Canadian production sensation Future Exit, the pair conjure a remarkable hybrid dubstep monster. “Afterglow” is a captivating chameleon that shapeshifts between beautiful and brutal. Anchored by a stunning female vocal, the introduction offers a mystifying soundscape with an underlying sense of doom. Looped vocals bleed into gurgling acid leads that descend into treacherous tearout phrases marred by sludgy bass and violent industrial sound design. Switching courses with effortless precision, “Afterglow” shifts into an onslaught of pulsing futuristic techno. Transcending genres, moods, and emotions, RZRKT and Future Exit deliver a masterful fusion of their ever-expanding talents.
Future Exit breaks down what he loves most about the collab, saying “I think the main reason why I like ‘Afterglow’ so much is because the structure of the track brings the listener through multiple genres and atmospheres. The intro is calm and relaxes the listener's ear, while the drop pushes every limit possible; from the heaviness, the aggressiveness, energy and much more. Being able to work on this song with RZRKT has been nothing short of amazing. As much as he’s an amazing producer, he’s also an awesome friend to work with.”
“Fate” takes listeners on an evocative sonic journey that fuses cinematic sci-fi storytelling with high-octane twists and turns. A trance-inspired introduction weaves echoed and reverberated vocal bends for a haunting allure that’s amplified by swelling melodic flourishes. Monumental synths elevate the track to the heavens for a festival-ready sound. RZRKT smashes the gas, throwing the track into a high-octane ascent that explodes into a gritty barrage of mind-melting sound design, mechanized percussion, and a bloodthirsty backing.
Pairing moving melodics, touching vocals, and menacing barrages of bass comes “RUN.” The distant, emotion-filled vocals are bent and twisted, masking the warning contained within. When you can finally make out the lyrics, “You better run for your life” it’s too late. Nasty metal-inspired guitar licks give the track a filthy edge before unleashing the raucous riddim attack that scores the drops. “RUN” plays out like a horror film, in which cautioning voices are ignored and terror roams freely.
Ending the EP with a bang comes the nightmarish “DREAMS.” An embodiment of the vast array of sounds found across the project, the closer intertwines deadly dubstep, brain-bumping techno, and breathtaking soundscapes, amounting into a truly incredible display of RZRKT’s signature. Ghostly tones and enthralling grooves are contrasted against room-shaking kicks and diabolical dubstep drops. Don’t let the lyrics fool you; this one is as real as it gets.
Hailing from Laredo, Texas, RZRKT has been building a reputation for revamping bass music with a unique melodic twist, pulling inspiration from trap, psytrance, melodic bass, techno, and beyond. His trademark style continues to evolve and the list of supporters increases annually with heavyweights like Excision, Wooli, ATliens, Marauda, DJ Diesel, and Illenium championing his sounds. Continuing the momentum, he’s hot off of providing tour support for Jessica Audiffred’s ‘Rave New World’ tour, in addition to festival appearances at Apocalypse: Zombieland and Blacklist. 2025 is set to be his biggest year to date, as he joins Sullivan King’s highly anticipated ‘Chaos Will Bring Peace’ bus tour alongside YOOKiE and Grabbitz, which will include more than 40 stops across North America.
RZRKT’s ‘RUINS’ EP is a five-track testament to the producer’s boundary-pushing sound, expertly traversing riddim, dubstep, techno, psytrance, and beyond for an unforgettable assault of top-tier bass music.
RZRKT’s new ‘RUINS’ EP is available on all platforms via Bassrush Records