After the release of his sophomore album “Awake”, ILLENIUM’s career propelled to newer heights. The producers sound finally connected with the masses and it granted him a multitude of key festival cameos like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Ultra Music Festival, EDC Las Vegas, and many more. Alongside a 2-year touring circuit, there’s simply no denying the impact that project had. With all the attention his way also came criticism.
Is ILLENIUM overrated? Has his style become redundant? Can he outdo himself? Has he become too predictable? The answers to these questions would soon find their answers. After announcing the release of his long-awaited third studio-album “Ascend”, the fanfare took over social media. This project isn’t only to satisfy his loyal fanbase, it’s to set the record straight. How much more could the Chicago-native add to his legacy?
“Ascend” in its entirety spans over 17 tracks. The LP includes stunning features with The Chainsmokers, Jon Bellion, X Ambassadors, Bipolar Sunshine, Said The Sky, Blanke, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for catchy toplines, energy-inducing basslines, relatable vocal hooks, or enchanting melodies; this project delivers it all. Displaying immense growth as a songwriter and producer, ILLENIUM provides distinct flavors on this collection of tracks that leaves you plenty to be satisfied with. Over the course of the album there are plenty of incredible moments, however, the transition across the last three tracks is out of this world. There is a seamless and magical pass-over from ‘Gorgeous’ to ‘Lonely’, if you’re an ILLENIUM fan – you will get goosebumps!
Invoking all sorts of emotions, “Ascend” gets the job done right. Breaking all of the boundaries, the musician fearlessly tried new things in this release and he pulled it off. Aside from the favorite tracks you’ll take away from this record, it’s important to admire how much ILLENIUM has developed his sound. Shattering all expectations, this DJ/Producer has shown once more that he simply cannot be kept in a box. Redundancy is not in his vocabulary.
