Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
PROTOKOLL 19 is: Jayson Smith (vocals), Travis Lee (synths)
REVIEW – Hailing from Tampa, FL, PROTOKOLL 19 is a dark electronic duo consisting of Travis Lee and Jayson Smith. Together, they infuse harsh synths, heavy beats, and aggressive vocals to craft a brooding and immersive sound. Their latest single, “When Will It End”, released March 28, 2025, via Danse Macabre Records, serves as the first offering from their upcoming EP Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell. Each song from the EP will be released as a single over the coming months, culminating in a full release complete with additional remixes.
“When Will It End” opens with eerie ambient synths and pulsing beats that build an unsettling tension. The track quickly escalates, introducing thunderous rhythms and aggressive vocal lines that capture the desperation and internal torment conveyed through the lyrics. The synths, both haunting and melodic, blend seamlessly with the pounding percussion, creating an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic yet strangely hypnotic.
The lyrics explore the emotional weight of isolation and despair, reflecting the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a dark mental space. The relentless question, “When will it end?” echoes as a cry for release, mirroring the anguish that permeates the track. PROTOKOLL 19 masterfully balances raw emotion with a relentless industrial groove that is both unsettling and captivating.
As the song progresses, layers of distorted synths and pulsating basslines create an intensity that refuses to relent. The duo’s ability to convey the crushing weight of hopelessness while maintaining an infectious rhythm is a testament to their skill in pushing the boundaries of dark electronic music. Fans of bands like Hocico, Skinny Puppy, and Suicide Commando will feel right at home within the sonic chaos that PROTOKOLL 19 has conjured.
“When Will It End” sets a high bar for what’s to come from Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell. The single captures the emotional turmoil and psychological weight that defines the best of dark electro music. With Travis Hines’ ferocious vocals and Jayson Smith’s masterful synth work, PROTOKOLL 19 delivers a visceral sonic journey that refuses to let go. For fans of uncompromising industrial and dark synth, this track is a must-listen.
For more information on PROTOKOLL 19, visit:
www.Protokoll19.bandcamp.com
www.Facebook.com/Protokoll19
www.Instagram.com/Protokoll19
www.Spotify.com/Artist/Protokoll19
