Drum & bass · Release review
Crown Of Rust / Rave Of The Ruins
9THWAVE
9THWAVE makes his VTO Records debut with Crown Of Rust / Rave Of The Ruins, a two-track neurofunk release built for heavyweight systems.
9THWAVE arrives on VTO Records with a confident two-track debut that leans fully into scale, weight and atmosphere. Crown Of Rust / Rave Of The Ruins introduces Alexander Aubakirov to the label at a moment when VTO is moving into a new chapter, following its fifth-anniversary compilation A New Beginning.
Crown Of Rust opens from a rock-influenced place, gradually folding drum and bass elements into the arrangement before the sub signals the track’s real intent. From there, a pulsing saw bassline and a synth line that mirrors its movement give the drop a particularly satisfying flow. It is a fun, energetic track that blends those rock textures and heavyweight DnB pressure without losing momentum.
The flip takes a darker route. Rave Of The Ruins begins with a cinematic, neuro-leaning atmosphere, while a robotic vocal adds another layer of unease and depth. Its extended build keeps the tension high before delivering on the promise with a forceful drop: a bouncy sub carries the low end, while short, high saw-like synth stabs create width and movement around it.
Together, the tracks make a strong case for 9THWAVE’s place on VTO. One reaches for big, dramatic energy; the other is more ominous and immersive. Both are built with the kind of detail and physical impact that should translate well on a proper system.
Crown Of Rust / Rave Of The Ruins is scheduled for Beatport and Spotify on 4 September, with worldwide release following on 18 September.