Virtual Riot Unleashes Innovative Debut Monstercat Album, ‘Stealing Fire’

German bass leader Virtual Riot sparks a creative revolution with his Monstercat debut album, Stealing Fire. Blending his signature sounds with influences from fellow artists, Virtual Riot demonstrates that innovation can rise from profound inspiration.

A true cinematic masterpiece, Stealing Fire showcases the intensity of Virtual Riot’s artistic power, where each song flows into the next with evocative precision. As Virtual Riot’s most expressive work to date, this project goes beyond his own creative mind, drawing inspiration from the artistry of others by interpreting the musical elements he admires and blending them with new meaning. Throughout the album, listeners set forth on an interactive journey through an expansive range of multi-genre soundscapes, each track carving out its own unique universe including gritty dubstep, energetic house, future garage, and mystifying midtempo.

The first track, ‘Embark’ is an ambitious introduction to an equally ambitious album, beginning with atmospheric and naturalistic notes. Synths gradually spiral in the background under a layer of melodic strings. Building great anticipation for the song itself (and the project as a whole). DEEP bass canyons begin to form, as the backing bit clicks. The strings rise in a dramatic fashion, as heartbeat effects tick. Gorgeous keys add melody to the track while voices chatter in the background. “I’m sending you love, man. So much love. Thank you, man. For everything. That’s what we’re here for. Having a good time! LET’S GO!” My interpretation of this introduction is that it is a love letter to Virtual Riot’s fans, for allowing him to pursue his artistic dreams for a living. Off to a fantastic start!

The titular track, “Stealing Fire” starts swinging right out of the gate, with digital clicks, sharp wonks, and subtle drum effects. Ethereal bells ring in the background as the wonks continue. The drums pick up as the beat begins to whirr like a neon helicopter. Synth vaporwaves take over as walls of bass crash in and out. The bass and instrumentals cascade in a perfect dance. The wonks change tone and break up the track into sections, before the instrumentals glitch in the best way possible. A unique sound design move that I have rarely heard (if ever!) The wonks and drums take on a jungle feel, before the elements spiral into a majestic bridge of keys. Drums and synths build anticipation as the track picks up speed again. Transforming into a seriously funky downtempo drop. With an abundance of glitchy sound effects. YES PLEASE! The instrumentals expand and condense, like a computer keyboard gone haywire. This track section is liquid and robotic at the same time. SO FIRE!!

Another highlight worth mentioning is the 05:11 masterpiece, “Dino Killer.” Which begins with a scientist-led (hypothetical) lesson on how dinosaurs are NOT extinct and still roam free. This track is WILD! Mixing jungle/dinosaur sound effects, surreal chants, and far out outer space instrumentals into one convenient package. Thick drums stamp along with the dinosaur roars as the synths gradually rise. Giving way to sharp spirals and inexplicable sound elements. This track is thematic, progressive, and makes a great use of its samples. Our scientist friend returns with a warning, bridging the track sections together seamlessly. The drums and laser effects dance to the same tune, as the track rises again. “NOT YET! NOOOOO!” Cybernetic lasers shoot off like alarm bells as the track changes tune and tempo repeatedly. Concluding with extended chanting and a waltz-like beat. CHECK THIS ONE OUT IMMEDIATELY!

“Star Destroyer” also mixes various vibes well. Thick drums march along with wonky sound elements, more chants, and a laser-guided bassline worthy of the track name. Computerized sounds dance along in a wonderscape as dark as the far-reaches of outer space. Intense throat singing is also incorporated here. Working in tandem with sweep effects and rolling grooves. Thick bass droplets drip like leaking planets. Presenting a danger for the hypothetical astronauts in orbit. Revving synths conclude this one on an effective note.

“Believe What You Want” is a gorgeous color-bass inspired track with pitched up vocals. Transforming into an eclectic dubstep playground, with more jungle-inspired drums. A remix of the 2020 track “Nights On Fire” can also be found within the extended sixteen track release. “Impending” and “Black Sands” are amazing interludes that perfectly transition into the following songs. “Ridiculous” incorporates chime-like effects, rap flows, and wubby basslines. With contrasting vocal samples and PLENTY of lasers. Popping drums add a unique element to the track. The synths match the beat of the chime effects and sub in for them. Reggae (dub) notes can also be heard as the track switches tempo and tone constantly. RIDICULOUS indeed. Nicely done, sir! “Vroom” is also aptly named and incorporates mechanized samples and a highly danceable bassline with and an Egyptian/Middle Eastern flair. Tetris-like elements further add to this diverse blanket of sound. Once again demonstrating the VR is a master at mixing vibes and inspirations. “Reconnect” is a glistening, lyrical masterpiece. This one reminds me a lot of Seven Lions. The samples are perfectly matched to the beat and melodic elements. The album concludes with “Holding on to Smoke,” a collaboration with Raven Gray that begins with a rainstorm, as thunder looms in the background. Raven’s vocals are accompanied by rising strings and beautiful piano notes. Cute wonks sit atop a steady drumbeat, joined by subtle clicks. An undertone of bass looms under the surface, giving the track a bottom end without compromising melody. This track is a beautiful and chill-inducing extended listen, with a runtime of nearly seven minutes. Ending the album on a melodic note represents VR’s ability to do it all! Subverting and exceeding expectations simultaneously. This is an incredible album and a perfect Monstercat Debut for such a world-renowned bass artists. I highly recommend “Starting Fire” to new and veteran EDM fans, as well as fans of Virtual Riot. You will not be disappointed!

Virtual Riot shares:

“When you are inspired by other people’s work, and you take the parts you like and re-interpret and combine them with something new; when you share knowledge that was previously gatekept or unavailable except to a select few; when you listen to music to put yourself into an altered state of mind — you’re stealing fire. And you don’t have to take it away; when you do it right, it spreads and multiplies, and in the end, there is just more fire for everybody.”

Virtual Riot is a name that has become monumental with groundbreaking innovations in electronic music, playing a substantial role in shaping the modern dubstep landscape. Renowned for his distinctive sound design, blending thunderous basslines with cinematic melodies, he has firmly established himself as one of the genre’s leading pioneers. His relentless passion for sharing his production knowledge with the world truly sets Virtual Riot apart – his Splice sample packs, downloaded over 5 million times, have inspired countless artists and significantly influenced the evolution of bass music. His incomparable skillset has led him to work with industry giants like Skrillex and Swae Lee on “Mixed Signals” and Justin Bieber on his Grammy-nominated track “2 Much,” as well as syncs in television shows including Disney+’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Not only is his technical expertise captivating, but Virtual Riot’s live performances are audio-visual experiences like no other. Joined by VJ Neurite, who commands the on-stage visuals, he delivers mesmerizing sets that consistently leave crowds in admiration. From selling out iconic venues like The Hollywood Palladium to dominating major festivals such as Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and Lost Lands, Virtual Riot is an unmissable force.

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