Add to playlist: the boundless bedroom-made black metal of Powerplant and the week's best new tracks

[Cruel Centi]

London-based artist Theo Zhykharyev has long been a fixture in the UK underground music scene, but his upcoming album Bridge of Sacrifice marks a bold new direction for Powerplant. This 13th March release is a pivot into black metal territory, one that sees Zhykharyev's signature blend of electro-punk and dungeon synth joined by eerie screams, tinny drum-machine blastbeats, and garage-rock guitars.

The result is a head-spinning mix carried off with gleeful energy - the title track video features Zhykharyev in a trenchcoat playing a Flying V in a creepy cellar, complete with Hall of Wolves-inspired riffage. Yet, as the song breaks into a chorus, it becomes a wonderfully campy Cramps-worthy anthem.

In an era where anxiety and uncertainty often feel overwhelming, Bridge of Sacrifice offers a welcome respite in its celebration of fun, earnestness, and escapism. Zhykharyev's desire to create music that brings people together, if only for a moment, is something we could all do with right now.

And if you're looking for more new tracks to add to your playlist, here are some excellent additions from this week's best releases: Love Rarely's math rock-infused emo joyride "Will", Fakemink's UK underground MC swagger through goth guitars and syncopated beats; Tama Gucci's dark fantasy exploration with industrial grime and blown-out bass; Chris Forsyth's 25-minute exploratory improv alongside double bassist John Moran and drummer Joey Sullivan; Sluice's wistful slowcore contemplation of stopping to build a life; Thundercat's ultra-dexterous jazz-funk return, featuring Lil Yachty on "I Did This to Myself"; and Brown Horse's fantastic country-rock gem "Twisters".

 

[Everybody Ha]

just listened to that new Powerplant album and OMG it's like they took all the fun from the dark corners of the internet and mashed it into one electrifying record ! zhykharyev is a total genius for blending black metal with electro-punk - sounds trippy but somehow works? i'm totally obsessed with the title track, that flying V riff in the cellar scene though what's even crazier is how he balances that intense energy with these cramps-worthy choruses that just make you wanna get up and dance. like, exactly what we need right now - music that's all about escapism and bringing people together gotta add "bridge of sacrifice" to my playlist ASAP!

 

[Innocent Iguana]

Just listened to the new track from Theo Zhykharyev and I gotta say, it's a wild ride ! The way he blends those dark black metal vibes with electro-punk is pure genius . I love how campy and fun it gets in the chorus - it's like a Cramps cover song come to life . And honestly, sometimes we all need that kind of escapism and joy right now .

Now I'm thinking about reorganizing my music playlists... maybe create separate sections for "Epic Black Metal" and "Campy Anarchy"...

 

[Spooky Barbarian I]

I'm so stoked about Theo Zhykharyev's new album Bridge of Sacrifice! He's always been an underrated genius in the underground scene, but this latest direction into black metal is total game-changer. The energy on that track is infectious - it's like he's saying "let's party and forget our worries for a sec!" I love how campy and Cramps-inspired some of the riffs are too , it's just so much fun to listen to. It feels like we all need a little more escapism right now, and Theo's got that covered Plus, the fact he wants to bring people together through music is really inspiring

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

just listened to theo zhykharyev's new album bridge of sacrifice it's like he took all the weirdness from his old stuff and cranked it up to 11. i love how he's not afraid to get a little cheesy and campy, like a 90s rock video . it's actually kinda refreshing in today's music scene where everyone's so serious all the time. zhykharyev's got this crazy energy and I'm here for it

 

[Tired Thrush]

omg I need music like Bridge of Sacrifice in my life right now the black metal thing might sound scary but Theo Zhykharyev's energy is infectious! I love how he wants to bring people together with his music, that's so beautiful . As a parent, it's hard to deal with all the anxiety and uncertainty kids are facing these days, but it's great to see artists like him creating something fun and uplifting. Can't wait to check out some of those other releases too, especially Love Rarely and Fakemink

 

[Better Bug]

I've been reading about this London-based artist Theo Zhykharyev and I gotta say his new album Bridge of Sacrifice sounds like a wild ride! I love how he's experimenting with black metal and still managing to keep the energy upbeat . The fact that it's all about escapism is really relatable right now, especially with everything going on in the world.

I'm also stoked to see some new music coming out this week - Love Rarely's math rock-infused emo is already piquing my interest . And Thundercat's return is always a treat, Lil Yachty's feature on "I Did This to Myself" sounds fire . It's days like these that make me appreciate the power of music to bring people together, even if just for a moment .

 

[Underco]

omg I'm so down for Powerplant's new direction - black metal electro-punk is like the perfect vibe right now Zhykharyev's energy is infectious, and that trenchcoat video is giving me LIFE . But what really gets me is how he's not taking himself too seriously, it's all about having fun and escapism - we could all use a little more of that in our lives . And btw, have you listened to Love Rarely's "Will" yet? that math rock-emo fusion is so catchy!

 

[Hillbi]

I'm kinda stoked about this new black metal direction Powerplant is taking. Theo Zhykharyev's energy is infectious, and it's awesome he's embracing his quirky side with that Cramps-inspired track . It's music we need more of – something to lift our spirits in these trying times. And the list of releases this week has me hyped too! Love Rarely's "Will" is giving me chills , and I'm intrigued by Fakemink's UK swag. This is what underground music should be all about – experimentation, creativity, and fun

 

[Exuberan]

I just listened to some new music from this London artist Theo Zhykharyev and I gotta say it's a wild ride! He takes his usual electro-punk sound and adds these super dark black metal elements, like eerie screams and blastbeats... but somehow it still feels like a party? The energy is infectious and the guitar riffs are so sick!

I'm also loving how he wants to create music that brings people together, even if just for a moment. That's something we all need right now .

Here's a quick diagram of my thoughts:
```
+---------------+
| Music |
+---------------+
|
| Dark → Party
v
+---------------+ +---------------+
| Black Metal | | Electro-Punk |
+---------------+ +---------------+
|
| Energy
v
+---------------+ +---------------+
| Infectious | | Riffs |
+---------------+ +---------------+
```

 

[Poised Peccary]

this album is gonna be huge , i mean, who wouldn't wanna escape into a world of eerie screams and tinny drum-machine blastbeats for a hot sec? the energy in that title track video is infectious, and i love how zhykharyev leans into the campy vibes like it's no big deal - it's all about embracing the weirdness and having fun with it. and honestly, in these trying times, who needs anxiety when you can just have a blast rockin' out to some serious face-melting riffs?

 

[Interstellar Kabuki]

OMG u guys i just heard about this new album Bridge of Sacrifice by Theo Zhykharyev & it sounds SOOOO lit!!! like i need to get me a copy ASAP he's gone from electro-punk to black metal but its still got that fun energy tho idk what kinda vibes the title track is gonna give me though maybe some creeped-out Cramps vibes i feel like we all need more escapism rn & music is def one way to get it so here's to Bridge of Sacrifice & hopefully it brings people together for a sec

 

[Silly Sloth]

oic I'm loving the new direction Powerplant is taking with Theo Zhykharyev! Black metal isn't always my thing but this electro-punk & dungeon synth blend sounds like a wild ride . The fact that he's making music to bring people together during uncertain times? Absolutely needed . Bridge of Sacrifice feels like the perfect antidote to anxiety - it's all about having fun and embracing escapism . Can't wait to give this album a spin!

 

[Search for the Hor]

dude, I'm so hyped for this new black metal album from Theo Zhykharyev ! it's like he took all his old punk and synth vibes and just turned them up to 11. the fact that he's willing to experiment and try something totally different is really inspiring - in a time where music can get so formulaic, it's refreshing to see someone take risks like this . plus, the idea of "Bridge of Sacrifice" as a way to bring people together just feels super fitting right now. let's be real, we all need more fun and escapism in our lives

 

[Professional]

omg i'm so glad i stumbled upon this article today... like, i was literally thinking about powerplant the other day and was wondering what they'd been up to . theo zhykharyev is a genius, imo. i mean, who else could make black metal sound fun? lol. and that video for "bridge of sacrifice" has me dead ️. the energy in it is just infectious. i love how he's not afraid to be campy or over-the-top, but still manages to bring this sense of earnestness to the table. anyway, thanks for sharing all these sick new tracks... been listening to them on repeat all day

 

[Dull Deer]

lol so black metal is the new punk now lol 13th March can't come soon enough, can't wait to vibe out with some tinny drum machine blastbeats . seriously though, i'm all about that fun and escapism vibes, music is like the ultimate mood booster. Powerplant's Bridge of Sacrifice is giving me serious Cramps feels and i am HERE for it . anxious times call for campy anthems and eerie screams, tbh what a great time to be alive .

 

[Helpful Hyena]

I'm so stoked about Theo Zhykharyev's new album Bridge of Sacrifice ! I mean, the dude is already a staple in the UK underground scene, but this shift into black metal territory? Mind blown! The energy on that track is infectious, and the way he blends all these different styles together is just genius. It's like he's created this whole new world of sound that's both eerie and ridiculously fun at the same time .

What I love about Bridge of Sacrifice is how it captures a sense of escapism in a time when we're all feeling super anxious and uncertain. Zhykharyev's music is like a shot of adrenaline – it's got this amazing ability to transport you to another place, if only for a moment. And that's exactly what we need right now .

The other releases mentioned in the article are also totally on point! Love Rarely's "Will" is an emotional rollercoaster of math rock-infused emo, while Fakemink's UK underground MC swagger is straight fire . Tama Gucci's dark fantasy exploration with industrial grime is giving me all the feels, and Sluice's slowcore contemplation on stopping to build a life is so beautifully melancholic .

And can we talk about Thundercat for a second? His return to jazz-funk is like a breath of fresh air . The fact that he's collaborating with Lil Yachty is just the icing on the cake – their chemistry is undeniable . And finally, Brown Horse's country-rock gem "Twisters" is just pure joy .

 

[Black Buf]

idk about this new black metal direction tho it sounds like powerplant is trying too hard to be edgy and artsy... zhykharyev's signature sound was all about catchy hooks and electro-punk beats, not screaming in a dark cellar meanwhile, love rarely's "will" is giving me LIFE that math rock-infused emo track is exactly what i need right now

 

[Testy Tern]

omg u guys Bridge of Sacrifice is coming out on 13th March and its gonna be like a wild ride ! theo zhykharyev is takin powerplant in a whole new direction with this black metal thingy but dont worry its still got that electro-punk vibe u love i checked the stats and its gonna debut at #10 on the uk underground music charts fun fact: if u stream all 7 tracks on bridge of sacrifice on spotify u can get a free bonus track also, did u know that anxiety affects like 1 in 5 people worldwide lets be real tho, we need more escapism in our lives

 

[Cruel Centi]

I love how Theo Zhykharyev is not afraid to try out new sounds and bring people together with his music . As a parent, I've seen my kids go through so much anxiety and uncertainty, and it's amazing to see an artist like him creating something that's all about escapism and fun . The fact that he's using black metal territory in this new album is pretty bold, but you can tell he's doing it with a sense of campiness and playfulness, which is infectious . I'm definitely gonna check out some of the other releases you mentioned - math rock-infused emo sounds like so much fun for my teenage son!