Abstract Void: The Ethereal Architect of Synthwave and Black Metal Fusion
Abstract Void is the boundary-defying solo project of Russian multi-instrumentalist and producer Ilya Fomin, known for masterfully blending the icy tremolo melodies of black metal with the nostalgic synthesizer soundscapes of synthwave. Emerging from the underground in the mid-2010s, the project has carved a distinct niche, gaining a dedicated international following through a consistent stream of atmospheric albums and digital releases.
Early career
Abstract Void was conceived by Ilya Fomin, also active in the post-black metal band Intig, around 2016. The project's foundational idea was a direct fusion of two seemingly disparate genres: the raw, emotional intensity of atmospheric black metal and the retro-futuristic melodies of synthwave. This vision was realized with the self-titled debut album Abstract Void, released digitally in 2016, which immediately established the project's signature sound of shimmering synth leads layered over blast beats and distorted guitars.
Breakthrough
The project's breakthrough arrived with the 2018 sophomore album, Back to Reality. This release saw a significant leap in production quality and compositional depth, capturing the attention of both the metal and electronic underground scenes. Its cohesive and immersive sound led to a licensing deal with the Italian record label Avantgarde Music, a notable home for experimental and atmospheric metal acts, which later re-released the album to a wider audience in 2019.
Key tracks
Back to Reality — The title track from the breakthrough album perfectly encapsulates the project's core ethos with its soaring synth melody and relentless black metal foundation.
Wishful Dream — A standout from the debut, this track became an early fan favorite for its melancholic atmosphere and catchy, video game-inspired synth hooks.
Left Behind — Featured on the 2020 album Wishdream, this song showcases a more refined and dynamic songwriting approach, balancing aggressive passages with pure synthwave interludes.
Nightmare — This track from the 2022 album Forever demonstrates the project's evolution towards a denser, more layered and emotionally complex sound.
Following the success of Back to RealityWishdream continued to explore and refine the established formula, while 2022's Forever presented a darker, more introspective direction. Fomin operates primarily as a solo artist, handling all instrumentation and production, which allows for a focused and personal artistic vision. The project's music is distributed widely through digital platforms and specialized labels catering to niche genres, building a catalog that resonates deeply within specific musical communities. For listeners who appreciate the atmospheric textures of Mol or the genre-blurring ambition of Mesarthim, Abstract Void offers a similarly immersive and unconventional experience. The synth-driven melodicism also finds common ground with artists like Perturbator, albeit channeled through a distinctly metallic lens.
Abstract Void's unique sonic blend has earned it rotation on various online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in showcasing atmospheric metal, electronic fusion, and underground synthwave. The project's tracks are frequently featured in programming dedicated to discovering innovative sounds that cross traditional genre boundaries.
The music of Abstract Void can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the ethereal fusion of synthwave and black metal by tuning into radio stations available on onairium.com.
