Today’s review features Dark Matter Rhapsody’s new single “Masks Are Mandatory.” Following their “Outstanding”-rated 2025 album release The Painter of Invisible Colors, DMR builds immersive worlds through recurring motifs and hidden details across their catalog. You can read our prior review here.
Dark Matter Rhapsody (DMR) is a cinematic progressive rock project by composer/producer/drummer Toby S. Reeves (performing as Rex Narratus) that blends orchestral elements, modern rock, and atmospheric electronics into narrative-driven albums that function like audio films. The band’s musical style can be called cinematic/neo-prog and symphonic rock, comparable to Muse, Porcupine Tree/Steven Wilson, Riverside, Starset, and Nightwish, with polished, radio-ready mix and production.
Their latest single, “Masks Are Mandatory,” previews the upcoming album The Doppelganger Trials (releasing October 31, 2025), which explores themes of identity and conformity through dynamic arrangements that shift from minimalist verses to symphonic choruses.
Band Members & Credits — “Masks Are Mandatory”
Rex Narratus – Lead Male Vocals, Narrative Voice, Acoustic Guitar
Lena Vey – Lead Female Soprano Vocals, Violin
Ari Vale – Alto Vocals, Synths, Electric Piano
Toby S. Reeves – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals, Direction
Kai Mercer – Electric Guitar, Sound Design
Noah Ellington – Bass Guitar, Harmonic Vocals, Primal Scream in Bridge
Daniela Roane – Additional Background Vocals, Choir Layers
Production: Arranged and produced by Dark Matter Rhapsody
Mixed by: T. S. Reeves & Kai Mercer
Mastered by: Indie Heritage Studios, Indianapolis
So let’s have a listen …
After listening, I had to delay this review because I requested that the artist send us the musicians and producers on this track because I think the song is truly outstanding and I wanted to thank the musicians who performed. Primary thanks go to Toby S. Reeves, aka Rex Narratus, the main artist, creative force, and songwriter. The editing, mixing, and mastering on the track are superb. All of the musicians played their roles masterfully. Well done!
The track starts with a driving bass and drum line, reinforced by the vocals. It’s immediately infectious and makes you want to dance. There are so many hidden treasures in this mix that you’ll have to listen for yourself, but I will try to describe some of what I hear like the vocal upswell that kicks off the song, followed by a female vocalist singing the verse. The vocal melody is very catchy and should get you up and dancing.
The song is about the masks we all where. There are 3 or 4 main vocals interweaving and then coming together in the verse, creating quite a reinforced sound. The voices dance to the music, you’ll have to hear it. Then, about 1:45 into the song, everything stops, there’s a killer drum fill and a primal scream, and enter the heavy guitars pounding out a dark rhythm, then a keyboard solo. Then a female vocal by herself and then all the voices join in singing the main bass line. It’s really a fantastic track.
SCORE/Outstanding: Dark Matter Rhapsody hits it out of the park with their new single Masks Are Mandatory. The song, musical performances, mix, and mastering interweave over a very catchy bass groove to make your feet move. The song is very infectious! Do yourself a favor and give it a listen – you’ll thank yourself. Much love, Beth
[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]
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