XLR:840, That Fatal Error, and his actual name Oleg Xaler, are the Russian’s three pseudonyms when releasing for his brainchild label Cutoff:Sky. Fragments is an anthology project, compiling all of Xaler’s work for Cutoff:Sky in one massive 47-track marathon of dark, atmospheric beats, each with their own stylistic approach based on the aforementioned stage names.

Fragments proposes a fascinating exploration of Xaler’s production approach. Downbeat, atmospheric tracks provide a sense of ever-growing mystery and anticipation, filled with delightful synth and percussion textures to keep cuts moving, as evidenced in early track Moonchild. However, the defining characteristic of Xaler’s work can be found in the profound darkness of his beats. Take E.V.I.L, for example; a thumping electro masterclass akin to those provided by Gesaffelstein or Perturbator. One of Xaler’s most sought-after pieces, Magnetic, parts 1 and 2, serve as another example of this dark aesthetic. There are also some outright bangers to pack a dancefloor or two; First Flight brings an I Feel Love-esque vibe to the underground, while Fever‘s verses come inches close of transitioning to House music in the rhythm section. The quality on display is undeniable, and the gargantuan length makes it all the better.

If you’re looking for a new producer to get into with a dark aesthetic, our friend Oleg might just be your ticket. At 47 tracks, you’re bound to find pieces for your delight and still have plenty of material to uncover for a good while. The depth and professionalism on display will also ensure the tracks can only get better over time. A free download, as always. Enjoy!

Favorite tracks: Nightsong, Slowmotion, E.V.I.L, Magnetic, Noir, First Flight, Fever.

Tracklisting:

1. Oleg Xaler – Blacklight 03:38
2. XLR:840 – Moonchild 04:09
3. Oleg Xaler – Apocalypse (remaster) 04:26
4. That Fatal Error – Nightsong 04:33
5. Oleg Xaler – Another Night 02:37
6. XLR:840 – Slowmotion 04:48
7. Oleg Xaler – E.V.I.L 04:13
8. Oleg Xaler – Horizons 02:02
9. XLR:840 – Queen of Sorrow 03:53
10. Oleg Xaler – Insider 06:11
11. Oleg Xaler – Magnetic 04:35
12. Oleg Xaler – Magnetic.Part 2 04:14
13. XLR:840 – Through the Darkness 04:07
14. Oleg Xaler – Over the Darkness 04:43
15. XLR:840 – White Desert 04:16
16. That Fatal Error – Transitions 05:07
17. Oleg Xaler – Silver Moon 04:52
18. XLR:840 – Come the Judge 04:14
19. Oleg Xaler – Under Control 04:27
20. That Fatal Error – Dreamland 04:07
21. XLR:840 – Night Before Summer 03:46
22. That Fatal Error – First Flight 05:30
23. XLR:840 – With You 04:03
24. Oleg Xaler – Twisted Mind 04:19
25. That Fatal Error – The Winners 03:44
26. XLR:840 – Take It Down 03:39
27. Oleg Xaler – Beauty of Technology 02:38
28. That Fatal Error – To Stars 04:04
29. That Fatal Error – To Stars. Part 2 04:15
30. XLR:840 – The Swelter 03:18
31. XLR:840 – Awakening 03:47
32. Oleg Xaler – Noir 04:10
33. XLR:840 – Broken Wings 05:57
34. XLR:840 – Enemy 03:34
35. XLR:840 – Fever 03:52
36. Oleg Xaler – Freeze 04:01
37. XLR:840 – Firefly 04:34
38. That Fatal Error – Electric Avenue 04:22
39. Oleg Xaler – One More Night 03:17
40. XLR:840 – Let Me Go 04:25
41. That Fatal Error – Wait for Me 05:32
42. XLR:840 – November 04:24
43. XLR:840 – Silver Night 04:22
44. XLR:840 – Tabula Rasa 04:05
45. XLR:840 – The Light 03:46
46. XLR:840 – Eyes of an Angel (re-version) 04:37
47. XLR:840 – Music Doesn’t Mean Anything 05:59

Related links:

More by Oleg Xaler on SoundCloud
Oleg’s Facebook page
Check out the entire library at Cutoff:Sky