The future has always been Pavel Khvaleev’s playground, but with Metropolis, his fifth studio album under the PARAFRAME alias, he takes a detour into the past—specifically, the cinematic dystopia of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis (1927). The result? A mesmerizing fusion of progressive and melodic house, fringed with techno, where retro-futuristic grandeur meets next-gen sonic storytelling.
From its inception, Metropolis was never just another album—it was a full-spectrum audiovisual experience. Taking cues from Lang’s film, Khvaleev leveraged cutting-edge Unreal Engine technology to craft a conceptual, hour-long film that visually mirrors the album’s narrative. The album’s architecture, both sonic and visual, is a living, breathing entity—one that shifts between sprawling industrial dystopias and hyper-modern cityscapes.
The Sound of the Future, Rooted in Cinematic Nostalgia
Drawing from a pool of diverse and highly talented collaborators, Metropolis is an emotional rollercoaster sculpted in sound. Ryan Masson, known for his role in The Last of Us, lends his voice to add a cinematic gravitas, while Grammy-nominated singer Haley Johnsen brings hauntingly ethereal vocals to the mix. Longtime collaborators Denton Thrift and Avis Vox (Khvaleev’s wife and creative pillar) round out the album’s storytelling depth, with Boticka’s sensual tones adding a mysterious allure.
Each track on Metropolis embodies a different facet of its overarching theme. The recent single Mermaids channels an electrifying techno pulse, driving through landscapes that feel worn and dystopian, while Breathe contrasts with its refreshingly vibrant, hyper-modern take on mechanized elegance. The album effortlessly oscillates between mechanical precision and organic fluidity, mirroring the duality of Metropolis itself—hope and despair, innovation and decay.
A Masterclass in Progressive & Melodic House
What sets Metropolis apart is its ability to be both cinematic and danceable. The production is meticulous—each synth pad, each percussive element feels purposeful, carefully placed to build tension and release at just the right moments. Tracks like We Are The Only Ones, featuring Boticka, envelop listeners in a dreamy, melancholic embrace, while Exhale leans into deep, pulsating grooves perfect for a peak-time club moment.
Khvaleev’s meticulous sound design shines through in every track, blending sweeping atmospheres with intricate beats. His signature style—crisp, evocative, and immersive—has evolved into something even more refined here, proving that his vision for electronic music extends far beyond the dancefloor.
Final Verdict
PARAFRAME’s Metropolis is more than just an album; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to how electronic music can transcend the club scene and become an artistic medium for storytelling, world-building, and deep emotional connection. This is progressive house at its most cinematic, a seamless fusion of technology and emotion that takes listeners on an unforgettable journey.
⭐️ Rating: 9.5/10
🎧 Perfect for:
- Late-night city drives
- Futuristic daydreaming
- Immersive deep listening sessions
Standout Tracks: Mermaids, Breathe, We Are The Only Ones, Exhale
With Metropolis, Khvaleev not only pays homage to one of cinema’s most iconic works but also pushes the boundaries of what an electronic album can be. A near-perfect auditory experience, Metropolis solidifies PARAFRAME as one of the most forward-thinking artists in the progressive and melodic house scene today.
Pavel Khvaleev aka PARAFRAME’s new artist album “Metropolis” will be released on February 07th, 2025!
Get your copy here: https://blackhole.lnk.to/metropolis
Tracklist “PARAFRAME – Metropolis”:
01. PARAFRAME with Avis Vox – Bird Life
02. PARAFRAME – Breathe
03. PARAFRAME – We Are The Only Ones
04. PARAFRAME – Mermaids
05. PARAFRAME with Denton Thrift – Solid Breaker
06. PARAFRAME – Panic
07. PARAFRAME feat. Haley Johnsen – Feel It Now
08. PARAFRAME – Close To Me
09. PARAFRAME feat. Ryan Masson – Son Of Earth
10. PARAFRAME – Radiance
11. PARAFRAME – The Secret Place
12. PARAFRAME – Move
