(DGR prepared the following extensive review of the third album, self-titled, by the German epic melodic death metal band Fading Aeon, which was released in March of this year.) It seems if nothing else, 2026 is going to be the summoner of old ghosts for yours truly as we find ourselves once again cycling back […]
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Ben Aubergine’s reimagining of Chopin’s masterpiece is undeniably beautiful. This guitar rendition translates long, flowing notes into an emotional journey. The performance reaches deep into the soul, evoking a nostalgic sharpness that invites listeners to dream. Aubergine’s instinctive style shines through, showcasing an innate connection to the music.
The original melody of Chopin acts as a sturdy foundation, eliciting genuine emotions with each note. This transformation becomes more than just a cover; it’s a delicate gem. Its essence is reminiscent of a poignant scene where two lovers part for the final time. The atmosphere envelops the listener, akin to fog settling over a city in winter.
The minimalist arrangements add depth to this interpretation, creating a sense of immersion. Each strum and chord resonates with clarity, distancing itself from mere imitation. Instead, it offers a heartfelt experience that holds true to the original’s emotional weight.
Aubergine’s guitar work transfers these sentiments effectively. The simplicity is heightened, allowing the listener to fully engage with the emotion conveyed. The sound blossoms from each note, amplifying the feelings inherent in the piece.
Listeners may find themselves transported, contemplating memories and emotions that seem to surface effortlessly. The interpretation highlights the innate beauty of the score while adding a fresh perspective. The artist has utilized guitar techniques that breathe new life into a familiar classic.
As the piece unfolds, it exudes a serene yet intense atmosphere. The dynamic shifts maintain the listener’s attention, ensuring that the journey remains engaging. It is as if each note tells a story, gently guiding emotions towards the surface.
Aubergine’s interpretation feels personal and intimate. Each phrase dances lightly, inviting the audience into a reflective space. The emotional cadence mimics the ebb and flow of real-life experiences. This rendition serves as a reminder of the bond between music and emotion.
The way the guitar captures the essence of Chopin speaks volumes about Aubergine’s artistry. One can sense the heart behind every note. This approach illustrates the boundless potential of the guitar to convey feelings exquisitely.
In this interpretation, Aubergine has created a unique identity for the piece while paying homage to its roots. This version of Chopin’s work stands out, embodying the delicate intertwining of heart and music.
The evocative nature of the performance is a wonder to behold, allowing listeners to enter a contemplative space.
Intense
If you love this music: Discover MoreThe post Ben Aubergine Prelude in E Minor (Op. 28, No. 4) Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
The song begins with a dreamlike and smooth choir that immerses the listener right away. The vocals enter with a level of intensity that evokes memories of a time when anything felt possible. There was a sense of inner drive and hope, a belief in eventual success. As the song evolves, it reaches a moment of triumph, yet this quickly gives way to the realization that pain and change are inherent to life. In retrospect, one may find that these moments of joy were merely illusions, leading to a sense of disappointment.
“This Sad and Lonely Clown” showcases an introspective and intense nature, crafted with excellent precision. The verses draw comparisons to artists like Peter Gabriel, combining lyrical depth with emotional resonance. The chorus introduces hints of David Bowie, infusing the piece with a pinch of glamour. The bittersweet flavor of the song resonates deeply, penetrating the listener’s core.
Rich arrangements support the overall texture of the track. The keyboards create expansive auditory spaces, providing an evocative backdrop to the emotive vocals. The rhythm, particularly during the chorus, pushes the energy of the song to new heights. The arrangements amplify the narrative, pulling the audience into the themes of nostalgia, longing, and the complexity of human experience.
Lyrically, the song reflects on growth and hardship. The transition from hopefulness to disillusionment feels authentically human. The artistry exhibited in writing is balanced with a keen understanding of musicality. Each component serves to articulate a broader commentary on life.
It is evident that ELDERLY WHITE MAN is proficient in crafting songs that resonate on multiple levels. The duo possesses a unique ability to convey vulnerability while exploring heavier topics. There is an authenticity in the lyrics that fosters an intimate connection with the audience. This single marks a significant artistic expression for the band, reinforcing their commitment to meaningful songwriting.
The instrumentation is intricate and dynamic, enhancing the thematic elements of the narrative. Layered sounds create an immersive experience, where each instrument complements the next. The balance reached in the mix is noteworthy, ensuring that no single element overshadows another. This approach highlights the vocal performance while also allowing the instrumentation to shine.
As the song progresses, intricacies in production become clear. The seamless transitions between different sections enhance the story being told. The emotional arc is well-maintained, illustrating the journey from hope to realization. It underlines the transient nature of happiness and the inevitability of change.
This single serves as an excellent addition to their body of work, showing growth and depth. The reflection offered through this song leaves a lasting impression, as it draws upon shared human experiences. This work promises to resonate with anyone who has faced their own sad and lonely moments in life.
Illusion
If you love this music: Discover MoreFor fans of:
Peter Gabriel • David Bowie
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This year marks 30 years since Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton released their debut single as Arab Strap. The Scottish rockers have put out two albums since ending their 16-year hiatus in 2021 — As Days Get Dark and the memorably-titled I’m totally fine with it ? don’t give a fuck anymore ? — and now…
The post Arab Strap Announce New Album <em>Half-Told Tales</em>: Hear “You You You” appeared first on Stereogum.
For their next trick, the prolific Australian punk act Alien Nosejob are taking on hardcore. How A Mosquito Operates, dropping about a month from now, finds Jake Robertson (formerly of the Ausmuteants, School Damage, etc.) trying his hand at hardcore punk, forgoing his usual conceptual trappings in favor of a looser genre tribute. He says…
The post Alien Nosejob Announce New Album <em>How A Mosquito Operates</em>: Hear “Live Like The Crowd” appeared first on Stereogum.
The post LEFT TO DIE Signs To Relapse Records; Debut Album, Initium Mortis, Out July 17th + New Track Streaming appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.
Gaming Headset
Corsair has been in the PC peripherals game since 1994, originally making memory modules before expanding into one of the most recognizable names in gaming hardware. Today, they cover everything from mechanical keyboards and gaming mice to full PC builds, capture cards, and of course—gaming headsets. Their VOID lineup has been a staple mid-range gaming headset series for nearly a decade, earning a solid reputation for comfort and reliable wireless connectivity. The VOID v2 MAX Wireless is the latest evolution of that line, released in late 2025 as a step-up version of the well-received VOID Wireless v2.
The VOID v2 MAX Wireless is Corsair's new mid-range flagship in the VOID lineup, priced at $149.99. Think of it as the VOID Wireless v2 — which already had a strong reception—but with two meaningful upgrades bolted on: simultaneous dual 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, and Sonarworks SoundID support through the iCUE software suite. Everything else, the drivers, ear cups, microphone, and physical design, is essentially the same headset.
That's an important thing to understand going into this review. If you're on the fence about upgrading from the standard VOID v2, the answer is: only if those two features are things you actively want. If you're buying fresh, it's a different conversation.
The headset comes in Carbon Black and White variants, with an Xbox-specific SKU sold separately that adds Xbox Wireless protocol support.
Out of the box, you get the headset itself, a USB 3.0 Type-A wireless dongle, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a QR code linking to the manual (yes, a QR code instead of a paper manual—this is 2026 after all).
The build is almost entirely plastic. At roughly 10 oz, it's on the lighter side for an over-ear gaming headset, which contributes to that comfort we'll talk about more in a second. Nothing here feels particularly premium—this isn't a metal-reinforced headband situation—but it also doesn't feel cheap. It feels durable enough for daily use without any creak or flex concerns.
Design-wise, the VOID line has always had that distinctive angular trapezoid ear cup silhouette that is very recognizable. Two slim RGB light strips run down the sides of each cup—it's subtle and honestly looks pretty clean compared to some of the RGB chaos that many gaming sets have. The downside: you can't turn the RGB off without going into iCUE on a PC first. If you're on console or Bluetooth away from your rig, those little glowing sails stay on at whatever profile was last saved. Minor in the grand scheme, but worth knowing.
Controls are found on the left ear cup—a power button (also used to switch connections), a customizable multi-function button below it, and a scroll wheel for volume. The scroll wheel is where things get a little wobbly. It has an unexpected plastic springiness to it, and while I don't mind it, it's cheap relative to the rest of the build, and the overall on-ear control layout can feel unintuitive until you've used it enough to build muscle memory. The microphone arm flips up to mute, which is well implemented, but it is not detachable, which is important to know.
The VOID v2 MAX Wireless sounds good for gaming, movies, and music. The default tuning leans toward a bass-heavy, V-shaped sound profile that prioritizes the fun factor over accuracy. It sounds good for most games, but it can struggle a bit when precision matters. As far as gaming headsets go, the audio is good but I would not say that these are audiophile quality; with a focus on convenience and features.
The Void V2 MAX has plenty of bass, letting you hear explosions, footsteps, and cinematic moments with a sense of impact. During music listening, this makes for a booming, fun listen, though at times the bass can slightly overshadow the mids during busier songs.
Vocals come through naturally, and dialogue in games is easy to understand, though the low and high frequencies are more emphasised on the V2 MAX. The midrange frequencies come across a little repressed compared to bass and treble. This isn't very noticeable during gaming or cinema, but becomes more noticeable when listening to music closely.
Through Corsair's iCUE software for the headset, you can use Sonarworks SoundID on PC, which helps significantly here if you take the time to run the calibration process—it pulls the mids forward and tightens the overall presentation noticeably.
Highs are present and crisp—there's enough air and detail up top that the headset doesn't sound dull. In FPS titles like Valorant, gunshots crack, ambient environmental sounds have definition, and higher-frequency effects land clearly.
This is where the VOID v2 MAX really excels. The memory foam ear cushions wrapped in breathable microfiber fabric are plush, and the lightweight frame means you will be comfortable, even during multi-hour sessions. The clamping force is low-to-moderate—enough that it stays put on your head, but not so much that it's squeezing you uncomfortably. Glasses wearers will appreciate this— there's very little pressure on the sides of the frame, making this one of the better options out there for four-eyed gamers.
For a headband, the padding is thick and well-distributed. Honestly, the Void V2 MAX is just a very comfortable, enjoyable headphone to wear.
As far as isolation goes, the V2 MAX is on the lower end. The seal isn't tight enough to block out significant ambient noise, and if you're gaming in a noisy environment, you will hear some bleed-in.
This is another highlight. The VOID v2 MAX Wireless runs on simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, meaning you can have your PC connected via the USB dongle and your phone connected via Bluetooth at the same time—switching between or blending both. The one-dongle setup covers PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, and mobile without any re-pairing wizardry. You plug the dongle in, and it connects. That's it.
Wireless range hits up to 50 feet on 2.4GHz with a clear line of sight. Through walls, you're looking at 20-30 feet realistically, which is plenty for a typical setup.
Battery life is outstanding: up to 70 hours on 2.4GHz wireless and up to 130 hours on Bluetooth. Fast charging gives you about 6 hours of use from a 15-minute charge—great for when you forget to charge your headset.
The microphone performs well for its intended purpose—online voice chat and casual calls. It adds a little body to vocals, which keeps it sounding reasonably natural. There is a noise gate that occasionally clips your voice mid-sentence if you pause naturally, which is worth knowing. NVIDIA Broadcast compatibility (requires RTX GPU) can clean things up further if your setup supports it.
The Corsair VOID v2 MAX Wireless is a headset that's excellent at a few specific things —battery life, comfort, and multi-platform wireless flexibility—and solid at everything else. At $150, it sits in a bracket where the competition is stiff, and the stock tuning with lightly recessed mids and bass bleed can take away from pure music listening.
That said, the features available through iCUE allow you to custom EQ and even have it auto EQ for you according to your hearing, which can help counterbalance some of the tuning. If you're someone who games across multiple platforms, values marathon comfort, and will actually run Sonarworks SoundID on PC to address the tuning, this headset is pretty compelling. The bones are good. The execution just needed a little more refinement in the audio department to truly justify the price.
If you can catch it on sale around $120, which it is actually on sale for at the time of this article, the Corsair v2 MAX Wireless is a pretty great option.