Description
Death In Vegas – Scorpio Rising – Compact Disc
Scorpio Rising is the third studio album by British electronic rock band Death in Vegas, released on September 16, 2002. Known for blending electronic music with rock, psychedelia, and ambient sounds, Death in Vegas took a unique approach with Scorpio Rising, creating an album that mixes dark, atmospheric textures with rock-oriented influences. The album features an impressive lineup of guest vocalists, including Liam Gallagher of Oasis, Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star, and Paul Weller, which adds to its eclectic and unpredictable sound. Named after the 1969 cult film Scorpio Rising by Kenneth Anger, the album explores themes of desire, isolation, and existential angst.
Death in Vegas, founded by Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes, had already established a reputation for their genre-blending style by the time Scorpio Rising was released. Their previous work leaned heavily on electronic and trip-hop elements, but Scorpio Rising took a more rock-centric approach, with influences from shoegaze, Krautrock, and psych-rock. This shift created an album that feels cinematic and moody, with tracks that blend electronic production with gritty guitar riffs, hypnotic basslines, and brooding vocals. The album’s dark, retro aesthetic is underscored by its use of vintage sounds and haunting, echoing production.
Key Tracks
“Leather” – The opening track sets the album’s eerie tone with deep, hypnotic basslines and distorted guitar riffs. The song’s minimalist beat and layered production create a suspenseful, almost cinematic feel, establishing the dark atmosphere that runs throughout the album.
“Girls” – Driven by a pulsing rhythm and psychedelic guitar effects, “Girls” features a haunting melody and hypnotic bassline. The song’s minimalist vocals and repetitive beat make it an evocative, trance-inducing track, perfectly capturing the album’s dark allure.
“Hands Around My Throat” – One of the standout tracks, “Hands Around My Throat” features an infectious beat and powerful synth lines, giving it a groove-driven feel. The track’s intensity builds gradually, layering distorted guitar and vocals over a pulsating rhythm that’s both edgy and danceable.
“23 Lies” – Featuring Hope Sandoval’s ethereal vocals, “23 Lies” is a dreamy, melancholic track that leans into shoegaze territory. Sandoval’s soft voice and the track’s reverb-heavy production create a sense of floating, capturing a wistful, almost haunting quality.
“Scorpio Rising” – With vocals from Liam Gallagher, the title track is a fusion of rock and electronic influences. Gallagher’s distinct voice pairs with swirling guitar lines and a driving beat, making it one of the most rock-oriented songs on the album. The song’s cryptic lyrics and intense vibe give it an anthemic quality.
“Killing Smile” – Featuring vocals from Paul Weller, “Killing Smile” is moody and atmospheric, with a laid-back groove that blends electronic beats with subtle rock elements. Weller’s gritty vocal delivery complements the track’s somber, introspective tone.
“Natja” – A mostly instrumental track, “Natja” features haunting synths, deep bass, and subtle percussion, creating a tense, atmospheric experience. It’s a brooding piece that captures the album’s dark cinematic quality.
“So You Say You Lost Your Baby” – A cover of a Gene Clark song, this track is reimagined with heavy electronic effects and a distorted guitar-driven sound, giving it a psychedelic, trippy feel that aligns with Death in Vegas’ aesthetic. The cover choice reflects the band’s retro influences while adding a modern, electronic twist.
“Diving Horses” – Closing the album, “Diving Horses” is a slower, ambient piece with lush instrumentation and a melancholic feel. The track fades out gradually, leaving listeners in the album’s haunting atmosphere.
Scorpio Rising explores themes of alienation, desire, and introspection, with each track creating an atmosphere that’s both seductive and unsettling. The use of layered production, echoing reverb, and hypnotic beats gives the album a dreamlike quality, while its title and aesthetic nod to themes of danger and darkness. The album’s mix of electronic and rock elements reflects Death in Vegas’ desire to blur genre lines, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes handle the production, using vintage synthesizers, analog effects, and guitars to achieve a retro sound with a modern edge. The addition of iconic vocalists brings different flavors to each track, resulting in an album that’s diverse yet cohesive, with each song contributing to the album’s dark, cinematic vibe.
Upon its release, Scorpio Rising received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the album’s bold mix of electronic and rock influences and its atmospheric production. Critics highlighted tracks like “Hands Around My Throat” and “Scorpio Rising” as standouts and lauded the guest vocalists for enhancing the album’s emotional depth. The album found success in the UK and Europe, solidifying Death in Vegas’ reputation as genre-blending innovators.
Scorpio Rising continues to be celebrated for its unique sound, standing out as a notable example of early 2000s electronic rock that successfully fused indie, electronic, and psychedelic elements. The album’s cinematic, darkly atmospheric qualities have influenced later artists in both electronic and alternative rock, inspiring those interested in creating music that defies easy classification.
Scorpio Rising remains a defining work in Death in Vegas’ discography and a noteworthy album in electronic rock. Its blend of dark, retro-futuristic sounds and contributions from iconic guest vocalists make it an essential listen for fans of genre-crossing music. For listeners interested in moody, atmospheric, and cinematic soundscapes, Scorpio Rising offers a compelling journey that continues to resonate within the realms of alternative, electronic, and rock music.
Enhanced section includes Hands Around My Throat Video, Natja remixes, exclusive and wallpaper
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Leather
Girls
Hands Around My Throat
23 Lies
Scorpio Rising
Killing Smile
Natja
So You Say You Lost Your Baby
Diving Horses
Help Yourself
Enhanced Section
Audio-1 Natja (L.A.M.F.)
Audio-2 Natja (Zoo Station)
Video Hands Around My Throat
