Today, highly acclaimed dark-synth artist Perturbator has released a video for his brand new single “The Art Of War”.
James “Perturbator” Kent has never been one for half measures. From the moment he emerged, he embodied the raw, visceral spirit of a resurrected retro-electronic sound. But where others wallowed in the sugar-coated nostalgia of synthwave, Kent obliterated those clichés, leaving a scorched-earth legacy in his wake.
“The Art Of War” is yet another example of Perturbator’s uncompromising, clear vision and his will to constantly evolve as an artist.
James Kent commented:
“The Art of War” is the 6th track of the album and the most EBM sounding one. It’s about our propensity to make everything a spectacle and how we consume acts of violence as entertainment.”
Perturbator’s genesis dates back to 2012, when releases like “Night Driving Avenger”, “TERROR 404” and “I Am the Night” propelled him to the forefront of the retro-electronic scene. Critics eagerly likened him to giants such as John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, and Goblin, but Kent already had a vision that went beyond easy comparisons. His restless ambition led to a pivotal moment in 2014 with “Dangerous Days”, a magnetic and shadow-drenched masterpiece. By 2016, “The Uncanny Valley” had cemented his status, climbing the Billboard charts while plunging into even darker sonic depths.
But for Kent, it still wasn’t enough. In 2017, “New Model” signaled a bold shift. Gone were the pop culture references and neon nostalgia. In their place, Kent channeled the icy austerity of Kraftwerk, the visceral intensity of Nine Inch Nails, and the claustrophobic textures of Lorn, determined to defy the expectations of a fanbase hungry for retro comfort.
With “Lustful Sacraments” (2021), Perturbator further solidified his reputation as a visionary artist, unflinchingly exploring humanity’s inevitable decline. Musically, the album delved into the shadowy aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s, blending gothic atmospheres with suffocating electronic textures and precision-cut production.
After two years of relentless touring across the globe Perturbator is poised to make 2025 a year to remember.
Photo credit: Andy Julia
