With the album “Lustful Sacraments” James Kent, better known as Perturbator, got me hooked. While at first making pure Synth wave this album contained more Gothic elements providing a chilling and thrilling album with a different approach then its previous albums. Songs as “Lustful Sacraments” and “Excess” are simply great to listen to and are frequently seen in some of my playlists. In 2022 “Final Light” crushed it with its bleak, dark, angry and compelling compositions. Now, mr. Kent is back with “Age of Aquarius”. It is up to me to judge whether Perturbator delivers….or not.
And to be honest, the answer is (unfortunately): he does not deliver. Although this album surely has some great tracks, I find it rather boring actually. I also find myself skipping tracks or just putting something else on my record player after a few tracks, and that’s a shame because when this album shines, it truly shines. The music itself has a lot of depth and layers. But for me it is lacking some venom. So if you can do without this venom: don’t mind me and forget this review and listen for yourself.
The album starts with “Apocalypse Now”, a collaboration with Ulver. Kristoffer Rygg, who provides the vocals, truly has an extraordinary voice. On this track this is no exception. It is a pity however that this song reminds me a bit too much of Ulver‘s Assassination album mixed with Perturbator elements. Don’t get me wrong: I love Ulver but this song just doesn’t get me going.
Follow up “Lunacy” is a more danceable and got quite some groove and pulsing beats and synth layers to get your booty going. It is a typical Perturbator song and is truly a great and thrilling track.
“Venus”, together with Author and Punisher, is a slow, moody but very dark track and is very enjoyable as well. Same goes for the up-tempo and utterly danceable and intriguing “The Glass Staircase” which is one of the best tracks on the album. This song should do very good live as well as on the dancefloor.
On the other hand: “Hangover Square” feels like an intermezzo, just as “The Swimming Pool”, while “The Art of War” has a nice beat but doesn’t exactly deliver a blow. Same can be said of “12th House”. These songs feel a little mundane to be honest.
“Lady Moon” has the beautiful voice of Greta Link but doesn’t have any surprises and is a rather dull track. Luckily, “Mors Ultima Ratio” is a very good track which shifts between tempo, pushing and pulling beats and has some great layers of synths keeping you on the edge of your seat. And at last Alcest makes its entrance on the title track “Age of Aquarius” which meanders for ten minutes letting you dream away until the album ends. Well almost the end because the end has a little surprise up its sleeve (listen for yourself).
“Age of Aquarius” contains some very solid tracks but in the end couldn’t hold my attention during the entire ride (of over an hour). I don’t mean to step on any toes but this album doesn’t have enough power to grasp my attention during all the songs. And that’s a pity because Kent can compose some crafty tunes and managed to get quite some excellent musicians working on this album. I have tried this album countless times but it seems my attention is drifting somewhere else after a few songs. No matter how hard I try it just won’t work. It could be very well that this album is more your cup of dark tea. If you think it is: go for it!
Maybe this album will work on stage, who knows. That’s something I am willing to find out in a few weeks. Better luck next time!
Score: 7,0 / 10
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release date: 10 October 2025
Reviewer: Erik
Tracklist:
01. Apocalypse Now (Ft. Ulver)
02. Lunacy
03. Venus (Ft. Author & Punisher)
04. The Glass Staircase
05. Hangover Square
06. The Art of War
07. 12th House
08. Lady Moon (Ft. Greta Link)
09. The Swimming Pool
10. Mors Ultima Ratio
12. Age of Aquarius (Ft. Alcest)
