“OPUSDARK,” the new seven-track EP by Russian producer and composer D-SABBER, stands as a high-quality release that we are pleased to feature on our webzine. Rooted in breakbeat and dubstep but enriched with elements of bass house and cinematic electronic design, the EP presents a tightly constructed journey into dark melodic territory and heavy rhythmic tension. Emerging from the remote Sakhalin Region, D-SABBER (Denis Shmykov) pushes his signature sound—a fusion of shadowy harmonies, impactful percussion and low-end mass—toward one of its most refined iterations to date.
From the opening moments, the EP sets the tone with rhythms that shift between fractured breakbeat patterns and controlled dubstep weight. The drum programming is a central pillar throughout the release: not only does it carry the tracks forward, but it often dictates the emotional direction, alternating between rapid, syncopated bursts and more measured, gravitational grooves. Each percussive structure feels intentional, as if calibrated to maintain a constant state of alertness. This rhythmic intelligence is one of the defining features of D-SABBER’s work, and here it is sharpened even further to support the EP’s overarching dark aesthetic.
The synth design expands the project’s atmosphere with equal precision. Across the seven tracks, synths oscillate between haunting melodic leads and thick, textural layers that stretch across the stereo field. Rather than relying solely on brute-force distortion or high-impact growls, the producer uses carefully sculpted tonal shifts to create tension. Pads swell and retract like shadows, while mid-range motifs introduce a sense of narrative movement, bringing a cinematic dimension to the listening experience. These synth elements often blur the lines between melody and ambience, supporting the EP’s intention to exist both as club-ready material and as an immersive sonic story.
Low-end presence is another driving force in “OPUSDARK.” The basslines are heavy yet controlled, occupying a space where dubstep depth meets the rhythmic propulsion of bass house. Drops emerge with thunderous weight, but they are framed by moments of space, allowing the listener to feel the contrast between density and openness. This interplay between impact and silence contributes to the EP’s thriller-like energy, reinforcing the tension that D-SABBER describes as central to his creative vision. It is a refined approach to bass, ensuring that each hit lands with purpose rather than excess.
The atmosphere that binds the EP together leans consistently toward the dark, but it never settles into monotony. Instead, it evolves through subtle variations: shifts in percussion texture, changes in harmonic pressure, and surprising twists in arrangement. The result is an EP shaped as a cohesive sonic arc rather than a mere collection of standalone tracks. While each composition can function independently on the dance floor, the project gains additional strength when experienced from start to finish, as the shared tonal palette and production ethos create a unified narrative.
D-SABBER’s background plays a clear role in the identity of “OPUSDARK.” Having developed his sound at the intersection of drum & bass, drumstep, dubstep, breaks and electro, he brings a broad rhythmic vocabulary and a deep understanding of underground electronic forms. His affiliations with Dizzy Beats Records, Simplify Recordings and High Resistance speak to his consistent output and commitment to precision. This EP, released by the US-based Dizzy Beats Records, reflects the label’s mission to highlight artists who push genre boundaries with high-impact production and strong conceptual direction.
Scheduled for release on November 14th, “OPUSDARK” reinforces D-SABBER’s position as one of the standout producers emerging from Russia’s far eastern underground scene. Its emphasis on rhythm, synth design and atmospheric tension demonstrates a thoughtful approach to heavy electronic music, resulting in a polished and powerful body of work. For listeners seeking a dark, intelligent and energetically charged electronic experience, the EP presents itself as a compelling and meticulously crafted offering.