Album Review: Awaits by Seraphim Rytm – A Deep Dive into Belgium’s Techno Soul
Alright, buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into Awaits, the 2018 self-released gem from Belgian producer Seraphim Rytm. If you’re into electronic music that feels like it was brewed in a dimly lit basement but somehow also under a starry sky, this one's for you. It’s got all the vibes—Deep Techno, Ambient, Dub Techno—and none of the pretentiousness (well, maybe just a little).
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “Awaits.” This thing hits different. Imagine standing on an empty beach at 3 AM, staring at the horizon while your brain tries to process life choices. That’s what “Awaits” sounds like—a slow-burning, atmospheric journey with beats so deep they might as well be subterranean. The kick drum is punchy enough to keep you grounded, but the swirling pads? Oh man, they’ll take you places. Like, I’m pretty sure I saw my childhood pet during one particularly trippy synth swell. Or maybe that was last night’s pizza talking. Either way, it sticks with you.
Then there’s another standout (though honestly, naming tracks here feels kinda pointless since the whole album flows together like melted wax). Let’s call it… oh wait, nope, it’s literally just called “Awaits,” isn’t it? Huh. Well, screw it, I’m sticking with my gut. There’s this moment around the halfway mark where everything drops out except for this haunting drone and a faint heartbeat-like pulse. For a second, you think, “Is this over?” But nah, dude’s playing chess with your emotions. He brings it back in layers until suddenly BAM—you’re drowning in sound again. Love that move.
What makes Awaits special is how unapologetically raw it feels. Self-releasing ain’t easy, especially when you’re coming out of Belgium—a place known more for waffles than warehouse raves—but Seraphim Rytm pulls it off without breaking a sweat. No flashy label backing him, no big-name collaborations, just pure, unfiltered creativity dripping through every bar. You can tell he made this album for himself first and listeners second, which paradoxically makes it even better for us.
Now, here’s the kicker: after listening to Awaits, I realized something weird. This album doesn’t really end—it sorta… lingers. Like when you finish a great book and the characters still hang around in your mind rent-free. Except instead of characters, it’s these moody basslines and ethereal textures squatting in your subconscious. Not annoying though! More like comforting, like an old hoodie you refuse to wash because it smells like nostalgia.
So yeah, if you’re hunting for some introspective, headphone-friendly goodness, give Awaits a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start zoning out mid-conversation or randomly booking flights to Brussels. And hey, if nothing else, at least now you know someone out there decided to name their entire album after one song. Bold move, Seraphim. Respect.
Rating: 8/10 – Would recommend pairing with existential dread and/or glow sticks.
