Earth Descended by The Outsider: A Sonic Headtrip You Can’t Shake Off
Let’s get one thing straight—Earth Descended isn’t your run-of-the-mill electronic album. This 2013 release from Japan’s The Outsider hits like a punch to the gut, blending electro grit with experimental chaos and ambient vibes that feel like they’re melting your brain in all the right ways. It’s raw, unfiltered, and self-released under Not On Label (yeah, DIY as hell). If you’re into music that messes with your headspace, this record will slap you awake.
Take “Flightspace” for example. Holy crap, it’s like being sucked into some kind of intergalactic wormhole while glitchy beats pummel your ears. The track builds slowly, teasing you with these eerie synth pads before exploding into this frenetic rhythm that feels both mechanical and organic at the same time. It sticks in your skull—not because it’s catchy but because it’s uncomfortable. Like staring too long at a flickering neon sign in an empty city at 3 AM. That’s what makes it unforgettable.
Then there’s “Badlife,” which is just... nasty. In the best way possible. The bassline growls like a pissed-off beast, and the layers of distorted noise create this suffocating atmosphere that just grabs you by the throat. There’s no escape—it forces you to sit through its twisted soundscape, daring you to hit stop. Spoiler alert: you won’t. Something about how abrasive yet calculated it feels keeps dragging you back. It’s not easy listening, but who said life was supposed to be easy?
The other tracks ain’t slouches either. “The Undoing Of The Builders” drips with abstract tension, while “Solarians” floats around like a ghost ship lost in space. And don’t even get me started on “The Taj”—it’s like someone took classical music, ran it through a meat grinder, and stitched it back together with wires hanging out everywhere. Messy? Sure. But also genius.
What’s wild is how Earth Descended refuses to play nice. Most albums try too hard to please everyone, smoothing out their edges till they’re bland as hell. Not this one. It’s confrontational, chaotic, and doesn’t give two shits if you “get” it or not. And honestly? That’s refreshing as fuck.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this album made me realize something weird. Music doesn’t have to sound human to feel human. Yeah, it’s cold, metallic, and alien, but somehow it still manages to tap into emotions you didn’t know were lurking deep down. Maybe that’s why The Outsider went full-on DIY with this project—they knew no label would let ‘em push boundaries this far. Or maybe they just wanted to prove they could do whatever the hell they wanted. Either way, respect.
So yeah, go listen to Earth Descended. Just don’t blame me when it haunts your dreams later.
