An artist who delivers a deliciously dark sound, it’s quite apt that darksynth propagator Carpenter Brut spends his time lurking in the shadows. A reclusive nature means that his music takes centre stage (which is as it should be) and since 2012 has left a trail of cinematic releases that cut to the blackened heart of human existence. Born and raised a metalhead, Carpenter Brut’s brand of electronica has always had a metallic edge and as such has an effortless crossover appeal that unites various disparate tribes. His fourth long player, Leather Temple, continues very much in that vein, presenting 10 tracks that shine their black light in all directions and will call the multitudes towards his inverted church like a siren’s call.

If you are unfamiliar with Carpenter Brut’s sound then imagine a nocturnal pillion ride through a neon-lit, futuristic Blade Runner cityscape as cyborgs hide in doorways and Robocops keep the peace. Or, imagine if Richard Wagner had been born in 1953 and collaborated with Jim Steinman on the soundtrack to some super cool sci-fi flick, then you’d have something approaching Leather Temple, and especially opening track ‘Overture (Deus Ex Machina)’. A ghost playing a church organ, it’s a grandiose introduction that’s vast and expansive and opens up like the gates of heaven/hell (take your pick). It’s disconcerting and leaves the listener feeling dwarfed beneath its enormity and initiates fear and excitement in equal measure. However, when opener proper ‘Major Threat’ hits we are showered in glittering notes, as if Carpenter Brut’s synth has exploded and all the goodness comes flooding out.

All of Carpenter Brut’s albums have revolved around themes and have filmic concepts, and his latest is no exception. Placing the listener in 2077 and a dystopia that emerged after a nuclear war, the songs comprising this scenario are suitable bombastic and apocalyptic, and will fill your cranium with acidic visions that will merge into a cohesive story. While it is perfectly feasible to dip in and out of this album and enjoy the songs individually, it’s best consumed whole to fully appreciate the ebb and flow and the (pillion) ride on which it takes you. Kind of like Brian Wilson for Gen z, Carpenter Brut has produced a bunch of pocket symphonies that fizz and sparkle and will fire neurons in your brain rarely touched.

Speaking in a way that words never could, this (largely) instrumental album has all the excitement of a blockbuster: the car chases, explosions, amazing stunts and plot twists you didn’t expect. And thanks to Carpenter Brut and Leather Temple you can experience it without leaving your armchair.

• Leather Temple is released via No Quarter Prod/Virgin on 27th February 2026.

Track List:

1. Overture (Deus Ex Machina)
2. Major Threat
3. Leather Temple
4. She Rules The Ruins
5. Start Your Engines
6. Neon Requiem
7. Iron Sanctuary
8. The Misfits, The Rebels
9. Speed Or Perish
10. The End Complete