Truth Decay (Hypnogaja album)
Truth Decay is the fifth studio album by Hypnogaja. The project's first single, "The March," spawned a music video directed by ASC Award-winning cinematographer, Nelson Cragg. During their tour in support of the album, Hypnogaja appeared on the debut episode of Stripped Down Live and performed a showcase slot at South by Southwest.
Concept
Truth Decay is a science fiction-tinged concept album in which all of the songs revolve around the central story of a world's dramatic, apocalyptic end – and how life cycles into new chapters. The album cover art was illustrated by Kevin Grimm. The various paintings illustrate the album's concept, telling the story of one world's end - and the dawn of a new one. Hypnogaja's keyboardist, Mark Nubar, said in an interview with Noisecreep that the album's music is influenced by rock music of the 70s and 80s – bands like Queen and Blondie – and that the futuristic sound and themes were inspired by the band's fondness for science-fiction.
Singles and EPs
Five songs from Truth Decay were in the form of singles and EPs, each with bonus materials such as unreleased b-sides, acoustic versions, and extended versions. One of the EPs, Dark Star, features a collaboration with Slimkid3 of The Pharcyde.
Reviews
Truth Decay was released to numerous positive reviews, including a 9 out of 10 star rating from Outburn Magazine, which noted it as an "expertly crafted album." Many publications noted the album's concept and rock opera-like structure. Karen Bliss of AOL's Noisecreep.com wrote, "The 14-track recording centers on the world's dramatic, apocalyptic end and how life cycles into new chapters, sometimes with sudden force." Campus Circle cited it as "a high concept recording with a story arc about star-crossed lovers in a futuristic world where apocalypse and rebirth are looming." Erica Ramon of Hits Daily Double wrote, "ONE TO WATCH – a multifaceted band out of Hollywood that is quickly gaining steam."
Awards
Truth Decay received two Hollywood Music in Media Awards: one for Best Alternative Artist and one for Best Male Vocal for ShyBoy's performance of the Donna Summer song "On the Radio".