Artist: Zoodrake
Title: Reunite
Genre: Electronic Pop
Release Date: 19th September 2025
Label: Self-released
Album Review
With ‘Reunite’, Hilton Theissen, aka ZOODRAKE, drops his fourth studio album - a record that sums up his past work while boldly charting new territory. The singles released earlier in 2025 - from ‘Headradio’ to ‘Take My Money’ - already hinted at what to expect: ZOODRAKE remains unpredictable, yet unmistakably himself in every beat and note.
The album rides a line between reflection, retrospection, and liberation. It links the early ideas of a young songwriter with the maturity of an artist who’s been experimenting since the late ‘80s. From his beginnings in the progressive Death-Metal band DARK MILLENIUM, through AKANOID and SEADRAKE, to ZOODRAKE, Hilton has consistently evolved his musical identity, always focusing on emotional depth, human experience, and electronic textures.
‘Reunite’ kicks off with ‘Headradio’, a track that sneaks in quietly before hitting you with a pulsing beat, Synth-Rock drive, and an edgy chorus that pulls you into a swirl of sound and release. The “head radio” metaphor - a place of ecstasy and escape - hits hard, and the execution is just as dynamic. Music becomes an internal receiver: switch it on, let go, dive in. Hilton’s slightly tweaked, playful vocals and the raw guitar solo pack a punch that grabs you from the first note.
‘Little Beetle’ offers a thoughtful but uplifting counterpoint. The little beetle venturing into the unknown serves as a metaphor for courage and uncertainty. Hard synths and driving beats blend with gentle piano and near-whispered vocals, before the chorus blooms into a heartfelt nudge: “Above the rush of masses, clear blue sky, just turn your head and feel.” A subtle, moving moment where hope, fear, and determination converge.
‘Spitting Devil’ turns dark and intense. Explosive energy and provocatively sharp lyrics make the “Devil” feel as real sonically as metaphorically. It’s an anthem for the darker corners of the self, balancing melancholy with defiance, delivered with pinpoint precision. ‘Micro Psycho’ follows as a furious, danceable contrast: pulsing electro beats and ominous hooks mirror digital self-staging, toxic attention, and raw cathartic rage. You can almost dance your frustration out - simultaneously destructive and fun.
‘A Feeling I Know’ shifts into calmer, introspective waters. The melancholic ballad relies on piano and Hilton’s vulnerable vocals to convey the sorrow of recurring patterns and the quiet acceptance of familiar emotions. A moment where time seems to pause.
The second half is all about unflinching directness. ‘Take My Money’ brings us to raw, industrial soundscapes. Marching beats collide with Hilton’s dark, direct vocals and a catchy chorus - a track that delivers its message loud and clear. ‘The Beast Beats’ keeps the momentum, layering sounds and dragging the listener deeper into a dark, introspective sonic world.
‘NCB’ ratchets up the menace: a musical-box-like opening, threatening industrial tones, and hard-hitting beats create a nightmarish tension. The mix of calm and chaos underscores a sharp critique of narcissism and self-presentation - “narcissistic cunt business”.
‘Fading Fire’ offers a reflective breather. Gentle guitars, rich harmonies, and warmth contrast with the earlier aggression. The melancholic mood evokes loss, gratitude, reconciliation, and processing past chapters - a quiet, resilient moment.
Finally, the epic ‘Fallen Star’ closes the album. In more than 13 minutes, it unfolds an almost otherworldly soundscape of piano, guitars, and layered synths, exploring Hilton’s full range. Starting gently, the track hints back to his Death-Metal roots before returning to calm, reflective passages. It’s a fitting finale, tying together past, present, and the album’s emotional depth into a satisfying, immersive experience.
‘Reunite’ is a dense, compelling record that tells stories, closes circles, and showcases the musical signature of a seasoned, passionate songwriter. It takes listeners on a journey through light and shadow, departure and reflection, intimacy and critique. Hilton Theissen proves once again that ZOODRAKE isn’t chasing trends - he’s building his own intricate, emotional, and uncompromising sonic world.
Tracklist
01. Headradio
02. Little Beetle
03. Spitting Devil
04. Micro Psycho
05. A Feeling I Know
06. Take My Money
07. The Beast Beats
08. NCB
09. Fading Fire
10. Fallen Star
Line-up
Hilton Theissen
Website
https://www.facebook.com/zoodrake // https://www.zoodrake.de
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Total: 8 / 10
