Electrock EP: The Four Unicorns of the Apocalypse (2012) is an overwrought masterpiece. Equal parts programmatic Biblical allegory and high-concept progressive metal/rock/electronica/dance-pop, Four Unicorns is a labor of love conceived in the summer of 2011. While listening to the Scar Symmetry song "Biomachinery," I joked with my brother that they basically took two cool-sounding words, mashed them together, and made a song. I sang "Cyborg Unicorn!" and we had a good laugh. Then I got serious.
Four Unicorns essentially follows a musical story arc of decadence-decline-disaster-recovery, as envisioned both through the historical lens of the rise and fall of civilizations and the biblical lens of the Book of Revelation. The first two songs reflect a generally decadent, good-times vibe (especially the unabashedly dance-y--and aptly titled--"Disco Unicorn"). "Zombie Unicorn," the third track and arguably the centerpiece of the entire work, is when all hell breaks loose. Finally, "Future Unicorn" ends on a cautiously optimistic note, although the final coda--a reprise of the layered synth part that opens the EP--suggests that the cycle will repeat itself. Oooh--eerie!
The de facto single, "Zombie Unicorn," was released a few hours before Halloween 2012. "Cyborg Unicorn," the first track completed, is available as a bonus track with purchase of Electrock II: Space Rock. The full EP was released on Black Friday, 23 November 2012.
Track Order:
1.) Cyborg Unicorn - 6:11
2.) Disco Unicorn - 3:11
3.) Zombie Unicorn - 6:51
4.) Future Unicorn - 4:37
 Ever wondered what a "Cyborg Unicorn" looks like? Now you know.
Picture (c) 2012 by Miranda Severance, used with permission. |
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