Celebrating the creator of Overnight, Caleb Straus’ 42nd birthday, this past week the highly awaited Side B: Moon from the Overnight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack has been unveiled. Dropping November 15th in honour of Straus, the symbolically titled “Moon” not only takes on the circling of the sun, but its shadow on a cooler, darker, and more tranquil compilation of sounds.

Countering the electrifying and metal-founded Side A: Sun, that saw the likes of Sam Astaroth, The Death of Zenith, Silhouette Death, MadClock, 9 Stitch Method, and Feast of the Fallen join in, Side B: Moon, takes a nocturnal glimpse at the soundtrack.

Whilst still holding true to the brutality and intensity of the soundtrack’s overall feel, this side, however, introduces us to an abundance of ear-worm melodies such as the new trap feature Wvlfblood, the creation of Feast of the Fallen’s Randy Cole. It also sees The Death of Zenith join up with underground hip-hop artist Ritual of Ether, Pittsburgh Trap Metal master Seethe, and includes the final recordings from Straus’ former industrial project EMZY ENZY. With features from label mates Blood of the Beloved, and a stunning cover of Bad Omens’ “Just Pretend” by Solunar Records’ As I Speak, this side is sure to appeal to both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

“Bottom of the Well” by the Death of Zenith and Seethe kicks off the cooler, almost cyberpunk feel of this album. It’s got the low-res dungeon-crawler back beat, blended with rising vocal aggression that somehow meshes well with the gentleness of the melody. It’s techno-spastic, rhythmic yet chaotic as it moves through its 3-minute length, glitching and almost mimicking the loss of one’s mind entirely making it a brilliant introduction to the dark side of the moon.

“Me, If I’d Done Better” sees Caleb Straus team up with Allen F Turner for a lighter, and harmonious interlude. Reminiscent of the Kokiri Forest music in The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, this track brings in tranquility at just under 3-minutes, divulging a moment of relief and reflection against the backdrop of an ever-darkening skyline.

“A Brighter Place” sees The Death of Zenith return to bring us a lengthy track that’s mesmerizing in its release. It’s got a retro feel, backed once more by that techno style, matched by stoner-age vocals that bring calm yet keep attention. But as the beat picks up, the Metal is cranked and gears change pace to give us something meaner, heavier, and fueled by insatiable passion. It’s a curious blend of genres that seamlessly mix to create an eclectic song of regret, acceptance, and downright madness.

EMZY ENZY and Blood of the Beloved bring the chaos with “I Want All My Garmonbozia,” that packs the metal in without relief. Trap Metal meets Industrial progression as bludgeoning drums slam against grungy riffs and vicious vocals to bring us a track that’s high energy and high impact. It’s relentless with its downright ferocious melody and unstoppable speed, showing us a mix of Metal mastery that only Blood of the Beloved can switch hit with. EMZY ENZY’s industrial influence hard-lines the foundation of this track while BotB amplify it to bring us one of the wildest tracks on Side B.

“Runaway” once again sees The Death of Zenith this time joined by Ritual of Ether for a track that progressively amplifies the vocals over the sound for a bit more intensity. However, Ritual of Ether brings in an infectious beat to match the vocal power, creating a radio-style track that’s quick but catchy.

“I’ve lost you but I can’t let go,” flows simply and can be missed but holds so strong throughout this track’s essence. It’s a single line but, one that defines this track’s entire feel. Running away, from the memories, the pain, the consequences we are forced to face.

It’s another short track, but one of my favourites from this drop for its combination of simplicity yet masterful sound work that makes this track an easy replay for even first-time listeners.

Wvlfblood (by Randy Cole from FotF) brings us terror with “Entity”. It’s a quip that offers an intermission in the chaos of our minds, one that sees monstrosity reflected by demonic presence and denial. It’s snappy and downright horrifying, giving us a glimpse into the increasing darkness as it threatens to swallow us whole. In most cases, less is more, and this track takes that to heart, with its hellish growls and haunting, doom-like beat that not only ramps up the energy but the fear as well.

One of Solunar Records’ most brilliant, As I Speak brings us their version of Bad Omens’ popular “Just Pretend”. It’s a stunning, almost heavier version of the original with a vocal change up that drops ever-so slightly but doesn’t defect from the emotion. I adore the lightness at the beginning, that slowly falters and becomes the passion-heavy beat we’ve come to know from this track’s original whether we are aware or not. As I Speak’s version seems undiluted, cranking the heaviness but keeping vocals on the forefront so the message from the lyrical impact really gets its chance to hit home. My absolute favourite from this release, and one I anticipated for a long time with high expectations – I was not let down at all.

The Death of Zenith then brings us “Mr.Blue”, a track that builds up the tension with Mortal Kombat inspired symbols and low-lying, almost sneaky vocal work. It’s a steady track that quickly takes the tension and blasts it into the atmosphere for a track that’s surprisingly fun. It’s got a head-bobbing rhythm that gets under your skin, with a bass line that chimes in to really get into your brain until you’re moving after the song’s end,

The team up of Caleb Straus with Allen F Turner once more cuts through this half of the soundtrack with “8 Minutes” but don’t worry it isn’t actually 8 minutes. At nearly 3-minutes in length, this track once more takes an instrumental stance to bring calm and clarity. However, as the song progresses, we are met by a haunting melody that tacks on pressure and unseen shadows that seem to follow, lurking just beyond our gaze. It’s soothing in its horrific nature, almost Eldritch in origin as it strings us along, piano keys dancing on crimson lit floors, with velvet curtains strung up to block any view of escape. Again, this track is a perfect way to balance Side B’s intricate network of emotional navigation. From the rough and aggressive undertones, to the full-blown breakdowns, these interludes are almost hypnotic and peaceful, moments of deep breaths before we’re plunged back into the madness.

Slowly winding down we hit “Never Say” by REVillusion. The delicate piano keys that amplify this track’s emotional moment is stunning. It’s a completely different feel from the rest of the album, the sense of relief we’ve been clinging to, and the rising dawn that stretches towards out fingertips. The lighter vocals, and the beautiful melody echo with unmatched strength, taking the darkness and fear of Side B: Moon and showing the beauty of the stars at its back.

Finishing off Side B: Moon is “Eclipse” that features Caleb Straus take hands with Felicia King. Coming full circle once more with that Cyberpunk feel, I get David Bowie and Depeche Mode vibes right from the beginning. Taking to that techno vibe, we’re greeted with something that’s bass heavy yet still airy in its execution, bringing the feeling of relief to new levels as we finally surface the dark waters and breathe in a new day.

This album compliments Side A: Sun, with perfection. Balancing light harmonies and higher metal vibes with lower, hellish drops, while still keeping a steady theme throughout is no easy feat yet, Caleb and the team of Overnight, both in video and music format, have given their all to make this project more than passion. Amplifying emotional turmoil with each track, and capturing not only those feelings but the scenario in which they play out is done so vividly through exquisite composition and focus. Lyrics are precisely tuned to the vibe of each track, building not only on moments but memories, and the choices or consequences battled throughout. Side B: Moon gives us the haunting visions, the pauses of reflection and regret. The “Would I? Should I?” glimpses that turn into anguish and struggle before clarity and wakefulness find the dawn.

With the two sides now unleashed, it’s the perfect time to take a deep dive into the world of Overnight, to check out the shadows both hiding in the light and dancing through the darkness.

Favourite Tracks:
“Just Pretend” – As I Speak
“Runaway” – The Death of Zenith and Ritual of Ether
“Never Say” – REVillusion

You can snag your own copy of the Overnight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Side B: Moon here. You can also snag Side A: Sun as well.

And don’t forget to check out more from Solunar Records via their Bandcamp, including the latest drop from Blood of the Beloved!

You can also check out more about Overnight on Solunarrecords.com alongside merch, youtube links, and more!

Socials and More:
The Death of Zenith
Blood of the Beloved – Facebook and Instagram.
Seethe
As I Speak