Reforged in Fire: Turning the ‘Dragon Compendium’ into ‘Mythic Circuitry’ (2025 Update)

My “Dragon Compendium” playlist was a fascinating artifact—a collection of tracks gathered purely for their thematic links to mythology, dragons, and serpents. The result was a list with incredible range but zero flow, jumping from K-Pop to cinematic scores to hard trance.

I decided to “freshen it up” by taking on the role of a sonic blacksmith, melting down the raw materials and reforging them into a narrative journey. The new list, “Mythic Circuitry,” keeps every single original track but re-sequences them to tell a story in five acts.

Forging New Links: The 2025 Update
After living with the playlist, I found a few “gaps” that needed to be filled to make the journey seamless and the climax even more powerful. I’ve added five new tracks to “complete the circuit.”

Here’s why they were chosen:

  • The New Invocation: Serpent of Shadows
    • Why: I wanted a stronger, more mystical opening. Described as “Epic world cinematic music” with a “serpentine pulse”, this track sets an ancient, ritualistic tone that “Sumerian Dragon” can then build upon. It’s the perfect, slow-coiling introduction.
  • The Bridge: Anturage & DENSH – Tiamat
    • Why: The transition from the “Human Realm” (Act III) back into the electronic “Confrontation” (Act IV) was the most jarring leap. This track, described as “Indie Dance and groovy Techno” with a “pulsating” rhythm, is the perfect bridge. It picks up the “groove” of the pop tracks and expertly transforms it back into a 4/4 electronic beat.
  • The Energy Peak: Fred V & Grafix – Hydra
    • Why: Act IV needed a surge of raw energy. This classic Drum & Bass track from Hospital Records provides just that. It’s a high-octane, euphoric sprint that launches the playlist’s energy into the stratosphere before we dive into the dark finale.
  • The Climax (Part 1): Tim Ziemer – Tiamat (Original Mix)
    • Why: The final act needed more firepower. This is a “Techno (Peak Time / Driving)” track. It’s a relentless, pounding warehouse beat that serves as the perfect “boss battle” theme, pushing the intensity of the industrial section to its limit.
  • The Finale: Valhalla Drums – Jörmungandr
    • Why: I wanted the playlist to end not just with a track, but with an event. This track is described with terms like “Cinematic Sea Dread” and “industrial hammers”. It’s an apocalyptic, percussive, cinematic piece that sounds like the World Serpent is ending all things. It is the only way to end this mythic journey.

The Journey (Updated Tracklist)
This new order transforms a chaotic shuffle into a 27-track epic.

I. The Awakening (Mystical & Cinematic)

  1. Serpent of Shadows – Epic World & Cinematic Fusion (NEW)
  2. Studio 10 – Sumerian Dragon
  3. Serpents of Pakhangba – Mountain Spirits
  4. Karura – nine-headed dragon god
  5. Trevor Morris – Tooth And Scale

II. The Ascent (Ethereal & Melodic)

  1. Throwing Snow – Dragons
  2. Throwing Snow – Dragons (Part 2)
  3. Flavien Berger – Léviathan
  4. Thunder Dragon – Night Shapes

III. The Human Realm (Pop & Groove Interlude)

  1. Basher Toe – Rainbow Serpent
  2. Peter Bjorn and John – Gonggong
  3. G-DRAGON – Black (Feat. JENNIE of BLACKPINK)
  4. VorticBeats – Zahhak

IV. The Confrontation (Progressive & Bass-Driven)

  1. Anturage & DENSH – Tiamat (NEW)
  2. Sysdemes – Dragon’s Gamble
  3. Surt – Azure Dragon
  4. Shogun – Dragon – Radio Edit
  5. Fred V & Grafix – Hydra (NEW)
  6. Lionel Pryor – Azhdahak
  7. AMANO JACUSHI – uwabamj

V. The Lair (Industrial & Apocalyptic)

  1. mNIPK – Bakunawa
  2. Niemest – 九头龙闪 (Kuzuryūsen)
  3. Gaeneron – Mushussu
  4. Tim Ziemer – Tiamat (Original Mix) (NEW)
  5. DJ Perro – Marduk
  6. Mushussu – In Journey to the Cosmic Shrine
  7. Valhalla Drums – Jörmungandr (NEW)

The Genre Blend
What was once a chaotic mix is now a story told through:

  • Ambient & Cinematic Soundscapes
  • Melodic & Progressive House
  • Indie-Pop & K-Pop
  • Glitch & Heavy Bass
  • High-Energy Drum & Bass
  • Driving, Industrial Techno

This list is a testament to how re-sequencing (and a few key additions) can create a whole new world from existing parts.

Join the Journey!

What do you think of this final, “complete” flow? Does “Mythic Circuitry” feel like a finished epic? Let me know your thoughts on the new additions!

https://spotify.link/5waUhbmfZXb

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyQaIL_NEWDWcU2EGVNahGlNm9TWTHcz6&si=xJH48Qi8iJ_RxiIB

September 2025: Industrial Pulse

Introduction:

September is a month of turning tides, and “Industrial Pulse” is the soundtrack to that psychological shift. This is not a playlist of gentle fades; it’s a collection built on tension, cinematic scope, and raw digital power. We intentionally blend the dark, psychological sound design of industrial music with the high-impact chaos of modern bass and glitch.

The Tracks and Their Tensions:

The flow of this playlist is a deliberate climb toward a massive sonic climax:

• The Build: Tracks from Silk Static and BICEP set a hypnotic, immersive pace, establishing a powerful melodic drive. The vocals of Phantogram and Halsey then introduce a layer of emotional tension over this rhythmic foundation.

• The Industrial Core: The journey darkens significantly with two tracks from the Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares soundtrack. These tracks infuse the playlist with a stark, cinematic industrial tension—the sound of raw digital grit and psychological unease.

• The Pulse & The Climax: This tension explodes first with the aggressive, relentless techno of Zamilska, then culminates in the raw, chaotic, and deep bass drop of Subtronics’ “Dingus.” This is the ultimate sonic release. A nod to my doggo, Castle, whom we affectionately call Dingus, because he acts like a dingo, even though he’s part Corgi.

• The Wind-Down: We conclude with Mr. Bill’s “Corot-7b,” an intricate Glitch/IDM piece that leaves the listener with a sense of complex, expansive atmosphere after the chaos subsides.

Genre Blend:

This playlist is defined by its intentional collisions: Cinematic Industrial, Driving Melodic Techno, and High-Impact Bass. It’s perfect for when you need to feel focused, powerful, or fully immersed in a dynamic sonic world.

Listen Now:

What emotions does this blend of industrial sound and heavy bass evoke for you? Share your thoughts below!

Sonic Convergences: The August Playlist Where Rock Meets Electronic

August is often a month of convergence—the peak of summer meeting the first whispers of change. “Sonic Convergences” is a playlist that captures this duality in its truest form. This is a collection where the powerful, raw energy of rock collides with the intricate, melodic beauty of electronic music, creating a unique and deeply personal sonic journey.

The Tracks and Their Journey:
This playlist is a deliberate sequence of moods, designed to take you on a journey through different emotional landscapes.

  • “Sunburn” by Kick Bong: We begin with a gentle, atmospheric electronic track that eases you into the playlist, setting a calm and introspective tone before the energy begins.
  • “Sixes” by deadmau5: The journey builds with a signature driving electronic track. It moves from ambient calm to a rhythmic flow that gets your head nodding and prepares you for the high-energy segments to come.
  • “Adrenaline” by Finger Eleven: This is the first major sonic shift. This hard rock track injects a sudden jolt of energy and raw power, breaking the electronic flow with guitars and drums.
  • “Al Phobias” by Chevelle: The energy intensifies here, with Chevelle’s methodical and heavy alt-metal providing a powerful, brooding climax to the rock segment of the playlist.
  • “i think about you all the time” by Deftones: After the raw power, this track offers a moment of emotional release. Its shoegaze-infused alternative metal provides a moody, melodic bridge that’s both heavy and beautifully atmospheric.
  • “It Means Everything to You” by Sysdemes: We return to the electronic realm, but with a new perspective. This track blends intricate electronic soundscapes with a title that hints at deep emotional meaning, serving as a reflective bridge after the rock segment.
  • “Silent Spinner” by Pendulum: This track, which perfectly fuses drum & bass with rock, serves as the powerful closer. It is a sonic culmination of the entire playlist’s theme, leaving a final, explosive impression of converged genres.

Genre Blend:
“Sonic Convergences” is defined by its bold blend of:

  • Progressive Electronic: For the smooth, immersive journey.
  • Alternative Metal & Rock: For the raw, emotional power.
  • Genre-Bending Crossovers: For the unique moments where these worlds collide.

Mood:
Dynamic, cinematic, powerful, introspective, and bold. This playlist is for anyone who appreciates the beautiful chaos that can be found when different genres and moods are brought together.

Listen Now:

https://songsha.re/open/8b7263ae477c4f63a9e418bd27b3267c1756278373910892

What do you think of “Sonic Convergences”? What emotions does this blend of genres evoke for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Experience the Sound of Mid Summer Static

Introduction:

Mid-summer is a time of peak energy, vibrant colors, and buzzing activity. “Mid Summer Static” is a playlist that captures this powerful atmosphere, a collection of six tracks that weave together ambient warmth, gritty industrial rock, and bass-driven rhythms. It’s the soundtrack for those intense summer days and electric nights, a sonic landscape where serenity meets a potent undercurrent of raw energy.

The Tracks and Their Journey:

This short but powerful playlist is designed as a journey through mid-summer’s dynamic moods.

  • “Music of Wellness” by ODESZA, Theodore Shapiro: We begin in a space of calm and introspection, like the serene stillness of a hot summer morning. This track sets the stage with its ambient textures, creating a sense of peaceful contemplation.
  • “stonecrop” by Sysdemes: The atmosphere subtly shifts as Sysdemes introduces intricate electronic melodies. Layers of sound build, adding complexity without disrupting the initial serenity. It’s like the gentle hum of a vibrant mid-summer day.
  • “Sputnik IV” by Artifakts: A more defined rhythm emerges with Artifakts’ blend of melodic and glitchy bass. This track injects a subtle drive, a pulse that hints at the energy beneath the surface, mirroring the lingering warmth of the season.
  • “Luv” by ATYYA: The intensity builds with ATYYA’s bass-focused and richly textured sound. The rhythms become heavier, the textures more complex, creating a powerful undercurrent. This represents the last surge of summer’s energy before the eventual cool down.
  • “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” by Nine Inch Nails: The centerpiece of the playlist, this track unleashes a raw, industrial energy. The shift is deliberate, a stark contrast that embodies the underlying tension and grit that can accompany even the most beautiful transitions. It’s the unexpected storm in a late summer sky.
  • “Late Summer Day” by Aloboi: We conclude with a return to atmospheric reflection. This track provides a sense of resolution after the intensity, a calm settling as the day draws to a close, leaving a lingering sense of the season’s end.

Genre Blend:

“Mid Summer Static” intentionally blurs genre lines, creating a unique listening experience that blends:

  • Ambient/Downtempo Electronic: For the moments of peace and reflection.
  • Bass Music: To introduce rhythmic drive and textured soundscapes.
  • Melodic Electronic: Adding layers of complexity and emotion.
  • Industrial Rock: Providing a raw and powerful intensity.

Mood:

Moody, atmospheric, introspective, dynamic, and subtly powerful. This playlist captures the bittersweet feeling of late summer, a time of beauty tinged with the knowledge of change.

Listen Now:

What do you think of “Mid Summer Static”? What does the end of summer sound like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Echoes of Affinity

Immerse yourself in ‘Echoes of Affinity,’ a curated collection of melodies that resonate with the soul’s deepest yearnings. Each track is a sonic reflection of connection and emotion, weaving together a tapestry of sound that feels intimately familiar. From the uplifting surge of ‘Waves’ to the heartfelt plea of ‘Disarm You,’ this playlist is an ode to the ones who touch our lives, leaving a lasting impression that feels just like you.

‘Echoes of Affinity’ playlist on Spotify

The idea for Echoes of Affinity initially started on Saturday, April 27, 12024 with the intro track, “Feels Like You” on the Feels Like You single by Adventure Club and Codeko released on 27 October 12023. I’d originally first heard this wonderfully produced, get-your-body-moving gem on 24 March 12024 and was added to my 12024-03 March playlist. Yesterday, while listening to my Spotify daylist playlist, the track re-surfaced and immediately inspired a new playlist, anchored by this four-on-the-floor, energetic, danceable, certified banger, with a peppy 174 BPM.

Track two is “Waves” on the Waves single by Zeds Dead, Flux Pavilion, and DeathbyRomy, released on 5 April 12024. I first heard this track on the day it was released and is my #77th most streamed track of the past 6 months. Don’t be caught off guard by the slow build up, the fuzzy, buzzy synths herald the inevitable drop, coming in hot at 1:36. Waves is another four-on-the-floor, energetic, danceable, certified banger, but with a slower 140 BPM.

Track three is “Pleasure Seeker – Virtual Riot Remix” on the Phantasmagorical album by Mr. Bill, released on 19 April 12023. I first encountered this track on its release day and it quickly became a favorite, receiving 12+ streams after the album dropped. This track is a unique blend of melodic elements and heavy bass, creating a dynamic soundscape that keeps you on your toes. With a BPM of 140, it’s a perfect follow-up addition to any high-energy playlist.

Track four is “Not Even Love” on the Not Even Love single by Seven Lions, ILLENIUM, and ÁSDÍS, released on 22 March 12024. I first heard this track on its release day and it immediately struck a chord with me. The beautiful, powerful vocals of the Icelandic Ásdís, combined with the intense drop create an emotional journey that resonates deeply. With a BPM of 130, it’s a great track for both dancing and introspective listening.

Track five is “Atlantis” on the Atlantis / Drift single by Kasbo, Shallou, and BJOERN, released on 29 February 12024. I discovered this track on 5 April 12024 and was instantly captivated by its ethereal soundscapes and soothing melodies. With a slower BPM of 125, it’s the perfect track to wind down to after a long day.

Track six is “Cheerleader” on the Cheerleader single by Porter Robinson, released on 20 March 12024. I first heard this track on 28 March 12024 and was immediately drawn to its uplifting melodies and positive energy. Cheerleader is my #1 most streamed track of the past 4 weeks! On the track, Porter explores parasocial relationships between fans and musicians. He uses a girl who is obsessed with him romantically as a metaphor for listeners who treat him as more than just an artist they enjoy, idolizing everything he does despite the fact they will likely never know each other. With a BPM of 148, it’s a track that will get your feet moving and your spirits lifted.

Track seven is “On Forever” on the On Forever single by Flux Pavilion, Excision, and Saint Raymond, released on 15 February 12024. I first heard this track on 28 April 12024 and as a 10+ year fan of Flux Pavilion and being my 35th most streamed artist of all time, I was instantly hooked by its catchy hooks and energetic beats. With a BPM of 145, it’s a track that’s sure to get any party started.

Track eight is “A Better World” on the A Better World single by SLANDER, Trivecta, and Chris Howard, released on 15 March 12024. I first heard this track on 28 April 12024 and was immediately captivated by its hopeful message and uplifting melodies. With a BPM of 145, it’s a track that’s perfect for both dancing and reflective listening.

Track nine is “I Wanna Know” on the Unity album by MitiS, Seven Lions, and Natalie Taylor, released on 9 February 12024. I first heard this track on 10 February 12024 and was instantly drawn to its emotive vocals and powerful drop. With a BPM of 150, it’s a danceable track that’s sure to resonate with any EDM afficionado.

Track ten is “Disarm You (feat. Ilsey) [ILLENIUM 2015 Remix]” on the Disarm You (feat. Ilsey) [ILLENIUM 2015 Remix] single by Kaskade, Ilsey, and ILLENIUM, released on 26 January 12024. I first heard this remix track the day after it was released and was immediately captivated by its emotive melodies and powerful ILLENIUM essence that positively enhances the original 2015 single. With a BPM of 135, it’s a track that’s sure to get any crowd moving.

Track eleven is Dawn on the Get Off The Internet album by Eliminate, Flux Pavilion, and meesh, released on 2 February 12024. I first heard this track on the Dawn single the day it was released and was instantly drawn to its unique sound design and energetic beats. With a BPM of 172, it’s a track that’s sure to revive any dance party.

Track twelve is happyending on the Get Off The Internet album by Eliminate, released on 2 February 12024. I first heard this track today, on 28 April 12024 and was immediately captivated by its uplifting melodies, positive energy, and unexpected glitches. With a BPM of 137, it’s a track that’s perfect for both dancing and reflective listening and capstones this emotional journey.

Don’t have Spotify? Try this YouTube playlist version instead!

‘Echoes of Affinity’ playlist on YouTube