Dystopian science fiction literature is like a glass of fine red wine: dark, thrilling, and thought-provoking. Many adore these books because reading them makes you reflect on so much. But what if I told you that this concept goes beyond the pages of novels? What if it could be heard? In music, dystopia unfolds in a different way. Picture this: cold electronic rhythms, atmospheric synthesizers that sound as if they were composed by an artificial intelligence in the midst of an existential crisis. This is music that transports you into the future. And this is precisely the kind of music Jared Farrell creates – he is like a mythical hero weaving his musical legends.
Jared’s musical journey began in New York City, where he was the frontman of the band Frequent Season. On iconic stages like Mercury Lounge and Bitter End, his music came to life under the heat of spotlights and the applause of the crowd. Later, as a keyboardist for Davey Suicide, he toured across the U.S., sharing the stage with heavyweights like Static X and Orgy.
But the move to Virginia Beach marked a new chapter. Here, Jared established his own production company, dedicating himself to creating and supporting the music of other artists. He contributed to four Davey Suicide albums, two of which topped the iTunes Hard Rock charts.

Photo by @jaredfarrell23

And yet, his personal work remains the epicenter of this musical tornado.
Jared’s latest album, “THE LUNATIC MESSIAH,” is his third full-length creation, where the dramatic lyrics and electronic production are the result of his meticulous effort. Jared single-handedly brought the album to life, from the lyrics and arrangements to the mixing and mastering. All of this was accomplished in his home studio in Virginia Beach, turning a familiar space into a creative laboratory.

“THE LUNATIC MESSIAH” reveals the artist’s consciousness, his independent spirit, and his relentless pursuit of perfection. Let’s begin the album review with the opening track, “WELCOME TO THE CARNIVAL.” Although the track’s title sounds like a friendly invitation to a celebration, behind this mask lies something far darker. This is not a circus fair with colorful lights, but rather a haunting masquerade where everything feels unnervingly ominous.

Sharp melodies carve through the space, harsh drums shatter time, and the grinding vocals cut to the bone, chilling the listener to their core. The track’s atmosphere draws you into a terrifying whirlwind of sound. “Welcome” here feels more like a challenge -daring you to peer into this eerie and mesmerizing world.

The theme of the first track seamlessly transitions into “THE BEAST MACHINE.” Its deceptively gentle chords ease the tension, but within them is a foreboding sense of an impending storm. The sounds gradually unfold like a complex mechanism, click by click, as muted anxiety morphs into a thick, inevitable weight. By the middle of the track, the guitars swell, their tones taking on a predatory aggression, while the muted, distant drums begin to beat rhythmically, like the pulse of a massive creature. The vocals add an icy sharpness – sinisterly detached – creating a cacophony of power and dread.

The thematic cohesion and narrative aspect of the album are felt not only in the transitions between tracks but in the meticulous interweaving of sound and symbolism.

Photo by @MarlenaHoney’sPhotography

In the melancholic “I REIGN,” the tense atmosphere of the previous tracks transforms, taking on a more majestic sound. Powerful guitar parts echo, and the rhythm of the drums emphasizes inevitability, like a quiet but confident step forward. The vocals sound raw, exposing emotions and revealing drama. This dramatic intensity reaches its peak in the track “THE DECAY.” Jared seems to tear down the boundaries between the personal and the collective, striving to show how interconnected people are and how important the inner strength hidden within each of us is.

Speaking of personal preferences on the album, the tracks “I’M NOT INSANE” and “EGO DEATH” are clear favorites for me. The touching and majestic ballad “I’M NOT INSANE” feels like a confession. And “EGO DEATH” – it draws you in with some special force. Jared’s vocals become the central element, sensual and intensely expressive.

The title track, “THE LUNATIC MESSIAH,” becomes the final chord that unites all the emotional and musical lines into one. In the chaotic and mesmerizing sound of the track, the rap sections, with their forward-pushing energy, flow into the vocal parts, and this detail heightens the drama. The melody, rich in contrasts, carries the idea of struggle: courage versus fear, chaos versus order. It is a grand conclusion that makes you reflect on the meaning.

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