"FUEL" is about inner motivation and determination to overcome obstacles. It is the energy we need to face challenges, leave our comfort zone and go our own way, even if others tell us otherwise", explains singer and bassist Andrea, who is also the author of the lyrics. The clip reveals more about the members of the band and its main theme is the motto: "Every man his own luck maker". The clip symbolizes a break from lethargy and stereotype and shows that how we feel and live is in our own hands. The band is taking the sound and direction of their upcoming EP into their own hands, and it's a return to the raw sound, guitar riffs and unrelenting energy that is so typical at their shows. 

Fuel

As I continue to create the simple yet deeply meaningful loops on my Alesis Strike Pad Pro, I'm on track to make my studio recording dreams a reality by Fall 2025.

In this latest piece, I'm excited to share another composition that draws inspiration from the unique sound of Sleep Token (STID). This creation has been carefully crafted over the past few weeks, with each line played thoughtfully on the Alesis Strike Pro. Like my previous piece, II, this one also has its own distinctive charm.

I truly hope you enjoy this work. If you’re curious about what I’ve learned from II, here are a few insights:

**The Gospel Influence:** One of the standout elements of II's drumming is its gospel-inspired flair. The use of ghost notes, intricate hi-hat patterns, and the emotional depth of his performance inject a soulful quality that enhances the music’s impact. It's more than just technical skill; there’s an emotional weight that resonates through the music. If you listen closely to tracks like "The Offering" or "Higher," you can almost feel the heartbeat of a church rhythm section supporting the heavier sounds.

**The Djent Foundation:** This is the backbone of much of Sleep Token's music, and II skillfully navigates its complex, syncopated rhythms with remarkable precision. His driving patterns and often dissonant polyrhythms create that signature hypnotic sound. He locks in perfectly with the guitars, contributing to a rhythmic structure that’s both powerful and nuanced.

**The Unique Blend of Jungle and Future Garage:** Here, II truly pushes the boundaries of modern drumming. By integrating broken beats and delicate ghost note patterns reminiscent of Jungle, along with atmospheric textures that evoke Future Garage, he adds a level of sophistication rarely heard in this genre. It’s not just about layering these elements; it’s about weaving them into a fluid rhythm. His use of space and silence, along with unexpected groove shifts, often reflects the dynamic nature of these electronic styles.

**The Thoughtful Integration of Electronics and the Strike Pad:** As a fan of the Strike Pad myself, I recognize its potential to enrich the sound. However, II has taken it a step further by incorporating electronic textures and percussive elements into the very core of his playing. These sounds blend beautifully with his acoustic kit, creating a dialogue between organic and synthetic sounds that adds layers of complexity and atmosphere that a traditional drum kit alone couldn’t provide. It’s a rich tapestry of sound that enhances the essence of Sleep Token.

What truly sets II apart isn't just his technical prowess across various styles but his ability to weave them together into a cohesive and distinctive voice. His musicality shines through in how rhythm can evoke emotion and atmosphere. He isn't merely keeping time; he’s actively shaping the emotional landscape of Sleep Token’s music.

It’s incredibly exciting to witness a drummer innovating in heavy music. II’s creative approach is a key part of what makes Sleep Token captivating and why they resonate deeply with musicians and fans alike

ESPECIALLY with me.

STID II

Welcome to the BrainStorm Experience. 

This is where our music has  become our devotion, where story and sound entwine as one living entity. 

Each track is a untold story, until now, carrying fragments of emotion across the threshold between you and something beyond the ordinary. 

Beneath the surface, quiet truths wait to be found, revealed not through words alone, but through feeling. 

We offer notes and timestamps only as constellations to help you navigate, though the meaning is yours to uncover.

What you see is as vital as what you hear. 

The screen before you transforms into a mirror of the music’s soul, a shifting, breathing gallery that reflects tone, motion, and memory. 

Each image pulses with the same essence that lives within the melodies, inviting you to reflect, to drift, to become part of its rhythm.

For the truest experience, we suggest listening through headphones.

They awaken the subtle layers that dwell beneath the surface, where whispered harmonies, faint textures, and unseen details wait to be heard. 

In that space between sound and silence, time begins to dissolve, and the world grows distant.

BrainStorm Operations exists to offer more than sound. It is a refuge, a sanctuary carved from serenity, designed to bring stillness to the mind and warmth to the soul. 

Across more than ten hours of carefully woven music and vision, we extend a hand into the quiet , a moment to simply exist and feel.

If you are here, it's not an accident. Your presence completes the circle. 

Settle into the stillness, surrender to what stirs within, and let the music find you. 

This is where the journey begins.

Warm regards from the flightdeck,

Keith Alban, (and formerly Sven Klitsch)

*Disclaimer*  

I must acknowledge the fantastic source of my artwork: Desktopography - desktopography.net/. I am also a part of three art collectives: Desktopography, depthCORE, and EvokeONE, where I have served as the music director.  

I have been fortunate enough to use their incredible works in this format. The heart of this experience lies in the stunning artwork contributed by the talented artists from all three collectives, lending a unique charm and beauty to the BrainStorm visual treasure.

The three-member band Anteater was formed at the beginning of 2018 and the following year it took first place in music competitions the Muse and Strahov Open Air Band Contest. In the same year, it also reached the finals of the international Planetrox competition and obtained its participation at the biggest festival in Czech Republic - Rock for People. The band released the EP ‘Other Worlds’ in 2021, this EP was very well received both by critics and fans. In the following years, they released two more singles: ‘Hope’ (2023) and ‘Fuel’ (2024), collaborating with significant Czech producers.

In 2022 and 2023 Anteater played a series of concerts in England, Germany and Czech Republic. This successful tour provided the impetus to start preparing a new EP, which is scheduled for release in 2024. 

The band is characterized by energetic performances, which are complemented by a novel raw sound. In their lyrics they touch not only on interpersonal relationships, but also reflect on current topics and problems of contemporary society.

New tracks tagged #mapex