Lady Elena

Cueva de Valparaiso

Coming back from Spain in early January my memories were full of the great sites and flamenco musicians I had seen. So I picked up my Flamenco guitar again and recorded this track. A blend of Granaína, a flamenco style from Granada, and Bolero. The opening is a solo improvisation after which the track begins with two guitars trading off. Hope you'll enjoy!

Original music written and arrangement for two acoustic guitars by Daniël van den Berg, January 2025.

Guitar: Joan Cashimira, modelo 145, spruce top w/ cocobolo sides and back, Gata de Gorgos (Alicante), 2015 
Recorded using an Apogee MiC. 
Mixed in Auria, masterered in Auria and Final Touch
Cover Art made using Midjourney AI

Cueva De Valparaiso | Granaína y Bolero | Dan van den Berg

Here's a sneak peak at our new album with the second song on there called SALOME'S DANCE!

After seven years since the release of our debut album, The Hypersonic Factor are grateful to share "Benevolent Beasts," a collection of tracks that reflects both our development as a band and the experiences that have shaped us along the way.

The journey to this album has not been without its challenges. We open with "Groove for Danny," a tribute to our late and original drummer, Danny Handler, in his memory we have made this track, honoring his incredible spirit and influence. Rest in Peace, Danny…

Throughout this album, we draw from a range of inspirations, some of which stemmed from the unusual times we all navigated during the COVID pandemic, happening right at the start of writing the album. "Proximity Dance" , for example, emerged playfully, reflecting the strange dynamics of distance and connection that defined our lives during that period.

Musically, "Benevolent Beasts" explores the many facets of fusion and progressive rock. With some acoustic pieces woven in and funk grooves threading through the sound, we aim to create a varied listening experience. Each original member contributed their unique style and compositions: the melodic and catchy riffs from our bassist Mirko Borach, Dan van den Berg’s eclectic electric and acoustic guitar work, and the warm, rich rhythms provided by our new drummer, Tom Hipskind, all converge into a collective sound that feels organic and inviting. Jason Rubenstein, our keyboardist, composer, arranger and producer has, next to his very diverse playing, skillfully guided the whole process, ensuring that the diverse ideas we brought to the table found a cohesive home.

We’re pleased to feature guest keyboardist William Paasche on "The Simurgh." His contributions add an intensity to the track that we appreciate deeply.

"Benevolent Beasts" is a culmination of years of collaboration, creativity, and reflection. We hope to offer something that resonates with all who enjoy instrumental fusion and progressive rock, inviting listeners into our world while echoing the journey we've taken together.

Thank you for taking the time to explore our music. We hope it brings you joy and connection in its own unique way.

With gratitude and passion,

The Hypersonic Factor

credits
released April 19, 2025

Tom Hipskind - Drums and Percussion
Mirko Borach - Bass
Jason Rubenstein - Keyboards
Dan van den Berg - Guitar

Additional keyboards by Dan on a few tunes.

Special guest on "The Simurgh": keyboard solos by William Paasche

Salome's Dance | The Hypersonic Factor

Lyrics:

I see you in my dreams
Can't let your memory die
My heart's torn at the seams
Still asking myself why, why did we fall apart?
You left a mark on my heart
Thought we had forever, now it's just a scar
Sitting in silence, alone in the dark.

Tell me why we're through
Why did you say goodbye?
Can't stop missing you
It still hurts inside

The things you used to say
Haunt me day by day
Your laughter in the air
I turn, but you're not there
Was it all just a phase?
Feelings lost in the haze

Tell me why we're through
Why did you say goodbye?
Can't stop missing you
It still hurts inside

Was it a love for a season
Or just a fleeting reason?
I wish we could go back
Before our hearts cracked

Tell me why we're through
Why did you say goodbye?
Can't stop missing you
It still hurts inside

You called me late last night
Said you're lonely, but that's not okay.
You wanna make it right,
but I've moved too far away.

Turns out I’m doing fine
Since you left, I’m finally free.
All this time I thought I'd cry
But alone looks good on me.

Now I know we're through
Glad that you said goodbye.
No more missing you
Got you out of my mind.

Now I know we're through
I finally healed inside.

Heal

VULTURE by Nova J

Bitch I see you, yes I do
Your entitled attitude
You so petty, full of hatred
Scavenging oh you so shameless

You think I don’t know (ooo)
You a sneaky hoe (ooo)
Pack your shit and go (ooo)
Leave my studio (ooo)

I got breaking news, bitch
I am onto you, bitch
You and me are through, bitch

You ain’t nothin’ but a vulture
(Vulture! Vulture!)
Got no manners, got no culture
(Vulture! Vulture!)
You’re a shady lil’ fucker
(Vulture! Vulture!)
You ain’t nothin’ but a vulture
(Vulture! Vulture! Vulture!)

You circlin’ close, smellin’ death
Talkin’ sweet with toxic breath
Fake concern, fake regret
But you just waitin’ for what’s left

You think I don’t know (ooo)
You a sneaky hoe (ooo)
Pack your shit and go (ooo)
Leave my studio (ooo)

I got breaking news, bitch
I am onto you, bitch
You and me are through, bitch

You ain’t nothin’ but a vulture
(Vulture! Vulture!)
Got no manners, got no culture
(Vulture! Vulture!)
You’re a shady lil’ fucker
(Vulture! Vulture!)
You ain’t nothin’ but a vulture
(Vulture! Vulture! Vulture!)

Vulture. (Yeah, I said it.)
Vulture. (Best forget it.)
Vulture. (You thought you’d win it)
Vulture. (It’s time to quit it.)

Bitch I see you, yes I do
(Your entitled attitude)
You so petty, full of hatred
(Scavenging oh you so shameless)

I got breaking news, bitch
I am onto you, bitch
You and me are through, bitch

You ain’t nothin’ but a vulture
(Vulture! Vulture!)
Got no manners, got no culture
(Vulture! Vulture!)
You’re a shady lil’ fucker
(Vulture! Vulture!)
You ain’t nothin’ but a vulture
(Vulture! Vulture! Vulture!)

Lillian

Close your eyes. Inhale for 4. Hold for a moment. Exhale for 6, gently. Stay. Let the notes move through you like a wave. When the last vibration fades, how is your breath?

Ananda Prana

Shamanic Tachypnea

touching waters

Context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_of_the_Uchter_Moor

Lyrics:

Walking, hands almost touching, standing, swamp frogs are singing
Dancing strange lights, we're freezing, somehow you seemed at ease. 

Will-o-wisp is coming, is it yours or mine? 
Has the end come drumming a message through time?

Sudden hands, I freeze, mouth held, please, please, please!
Pushed to the moor on knees. cold. sharp. no breath. no trees. 

Will-o-wisp is coming, is it yours or mine? 
Has the end come drumming a message through time?

The Girl of Uchter Moor

CANDLE IN THE DARK (Timeless floating in Space - Paploviante)
Backing Track Paploviante:
https://soundcloud.com/paploviante-and-friends/timeless-floating-in-space-open-collab-offer
Vocals Alley ( Gosthack)
https://www.ghosthack.de
Lillithe: Mix, Arrangement and Production
Lyric:
A candle in the dark
And in your own fashion
You burned it to the ground
Its sad but it's true
I can't get over you
I'm trying to breath 
But I'm choked by the fumes
Set me free
I'm just trying to breath
Let it go
Cus I can't keep hold
If I told you that I love you
Would you let everything slide
If I told you that I want you
Would I run and hide?


CANDLE IN THE DARK (Timeless floating in Space - Paploviante)

I apologize for anyone who finds it annoying when a musician reworks a piece of music they've done before. So, I just wanted to completely rework Fatal Prelude from start to finish because I never felt that the original version I posted here was as good as I intended it to be. I am open to any suggestions, and I am going to probably remove either this version or the original, so I trim the fat on my song list.

Fatal Prelude (Revisited)

Music has always been an important element to my life and helps keep me balanced. Every since I was young I’ve been extremely creative whether it’s writing, art or music and it’s cool to have this platform to share some of my ideas

Fatal Prelude (Revisited)

Rico Blade