Third Realm – Escape Sequence

Third Realm don’t pick a lane on Escape Sequence and didn’t really need to. The record moves from stomping industrial to something close to a dream without apologizing for either end.

“Sexwave Obscura” is the anchor on the harder side. Heavy, classic, the kind of track that makes physical demands on you. The song definitely makes you want to put on your boots and to get stomping. Unlike most of the other tracks on the album, Nathan’s vocals come across as rather agressive, which only adds to the aggressive instrumentation.

Elsewhere he’s something different. The melodic range across the record is the real story. “Rockets” operates almost in a separate atmosphere, dreamlike in a way that earns the word rather than just suggesting it. The contrast with the heavier material doesn’t create whiplash because the emotional logic holds throughout.

“Damage Has Been Done” is good, and was a standout of the track, until we heard the 11Grams remix (which we somehow enjoyed more!). A different enough interpretation to justify its existence, and the highlight of the record for it.

Guest vocalist Marin adds a distinct texture on select tracks. Ukrainian phrasing against the production creates something neither performer would arrive at alone.

Futurepop is the right tag for most of this. Just not all of it.

Label: Morbid Attitude Records
Released: May 1, 2026

Favorite tracks: Damage Has Been Done (11Grams Remix), Rockets, Sexwave Obscura.