Starscream's Lament

1980s synth-rock power ballad with hard toms, punchy snare, driving bass, and cinematic guitar swells; verse rides tense minor-key riffs and low tom rolls, pre-chorus opens into rising pads and doubled cries, chorus hits with huge gang harmonies and sharp octave hooks, bridge strips to lonely keys before the final lift. Lead vocal is raw and strained with stacked doubles, delay throws on key words, and a few whispered ad-libs. Ear candy includes reverse cymbal swells, metallic impacts, and a final tom barrage. Dark, emotional, arena-sized mix with a glossy punch., raw, emotional