Hypnagogia

“Ritual” by Hypnagogia is a captivating examination of life's rites, customs, and the subtle interaction between light and darkness. Made entirely in Elijah Durnell's home studio, the album invites listeners into a realm of reflection encased in mesmerizing rhythms and feels very personal yet globally relevant.

The fascinating tone is established by the lead track, “Tobacco & Lavender,” which evokes a sensory experience similar to smoking incense on a contemplative evening. The song is a perfect example of the album's ability to combine the tactile and the ethereal, combining joyful danceability with deeply romantic undertones. An immersive and emotionally charged aural texture is produced by hypnagogia's soundscape, which combines ambient synthesizers, eerie melodies, and complex rhythms.

“Ritual” explores the intricacies of interpersonal interactions and cultural norms throughout the album, capturing both vulnerable and empowered moments. Songs alternate between throbbing rhythms and reflective ballads, preserving a coherent story and demonstrating Elijah Durnell's versatility as a producer and performer. The record offers a profoundly introspective but invigorating listening experience because of the dichotomy of light and shade throughout.

“Ritual” is an invitation to take part in life's rituals, face its darkness, and dance through its brightness; it's more than simply an album. “Ritual” is a memorable experience because of hypnagogia's capacity to blend the energetic with the contemplative. “Ritual” is a potent illustration of the transformational potential of sound for listeners that like challenging, inspirational, and captivating music. - The Musical Road

The music project Hypnagogia is the brainchild of musician and producer Elijah Durnell... It brings breaths of freshness and new trends to the lush gothic and dark wave scene.

On November 1, Hypnagogia released their new album 'Ritual' containing 10 original tracks. Magical and magnetic music is revealed in a new way in their new record, and this amazing dark wave draws us deeper and deeper.


The songs on the album 'Ritual' are selected in such a way that they fully reflect the everyday rituals of humanity who do not even suspect that they are programmed by someone or something.


Musically, the record 'Ritual' is filled with wide synthesizer waves and sharp beats. A dark aura covers the concept of each track, introducing us to some kind of deep reflection on life and its charms.


Listen to the album 'Ritual' below on Spotify and immerse yourself in the creative world of incredible Hypnagogia. - Indie Dock Music Blog

American band Hypnagogia , led by Elijah Durnell , presents their long-awaited album "Ritual" , which has been recorded and produced independently in their home studio. With influences from iconic groups such as Depeche Mode, The Cure and Gary Numan, this work delves into the mysterious rituals and dynamics of human relationships.

The album opens with “Invocation,” with soft synths and subtle percussion creating a sense of mystery, while the lyrics address the idea of ​​rituals that mark our existence. As the album progresses, songs like “Neon Gods” and “Mistaken Identity” delve deeper into the theme of human duality, featuring danceable melodies with a somber tinge. In particular, “Tobacco & Lavender” highlights those touches of romanticism and darkness.


The contrast between light and shadow is evident in songs like "The Firmament and the Veil," where the use of layers of synthesizers accompanies lyrics that talk about mystery and what lies behind appearances.

The songs on “Ritual” are steeped in atmosphere, production-wise Durnell strikes a perfect balance between electronic music and gothic influence, creating a sound that feels both modern and classic.

Without a doubt, this album is one of the most interesting discoveries of this year. - Music in Words