Fire-Toolz: Metal, Synths, and Existential Cat Tears

Angel Marcloid, known for her work as Fire-Toolz, has released "Lavender Networks," her debut album on the Warp label. The record synthesizes her signature blend of black and death metal, electronic music, and dramatic melodies into a cohesive, epic sound.

"Lavender Networks" is noted for its polished production and expansive scope, featuring collaborations with artists like Zola Jesus and Nailah Harper. The album draws inspiration from '80s metal LPs, presenting a more structured approach than Marcloid's previous, frenetic work.

The album opens with a multi-part suite, demonstrating Marcloid's ability to transition between genres seamlessly, from black metal intensity to krautrock outros. Tracks like "The Ocean Gratitude Cylinder Peace Necklace Lemonade Flying Free" further exemplify this, combining black metal with unexpected elements like a saxophone solo.

Marcloid's lyrics on "Lavender Networks" are particularly poignant, exploring themes of loss and existentialism. The lead single, inspired by the death of an Instagram cat, features raw, poetic verses over a powerful instrumental track, highlighting the artist's vulnerability and emotional depth.