Inhale Vol. II is a collection of eleven tracks by different artists, brought together to form one coherent album. The release is part of Breathing Records‘ Discovery Series. As the label describes the purpose of these collections:
Support the emerging underground, bringing together boundary-pushing artists through a shared exploration of sound, perspective, and creative expression.
The first volume was released last year, followed by this second release in 2026.
The eleven tracks are both remarkably different and surprisingly similar, which speaks to the quality of the curation and the thought that has gone into assembling this collection. Despite the diversity of artists and musical approaches, all the pieces share a consistently high standard of mixing and mastering. There is also a certain common ground in their sound design, allowing the tracks to sit comfortably alongside one another and form a cohesive listening experience.
Stylistically, Inhale Vol. II covers a remarkably broad spectrum. Although all eleven tracks can be placed under the umbrella of electronic music, their subgenres and influences vary considerably. From industrial and rock-infused electronics to punk, EDM, trance, and synth-pop, each artist brings a distinct musical identity to the collection.
Here is a closer look at the eleven tracks.
Inhale Vol. II Track by Track
1. “Liaison” by Houses of Heaven
The album opens with an industrial electronic piece infused with rock influences. The arrangement immediately reminded me of Les Friction, one of my favourite bands. It is a strong and effective opening that establishes the album’s darker electronic character.
2. “Millennial Dust” by Lavion
A heavy, rhythm-driven electronic composition built around an effective atmosphere and powerful beats. With its strong EDM influences, the track brings a more club-oriented energy to the collection.
3. “Pleasure to Yourself” by The New Division
This track leans towards Eurobeat, while also brought to my mind the musical style of Eurythmics. Somewhere between synth-pop and Eurobeat, it has a distinctly melodic character that sets it apart from the heavier tracks surrounding it.
4. “Killing the Fear” by Half Joy
A catchy bass riff introduces the piece, gradually joined by synths that expand its atmosphere. The way the arrangement develops, layer by layer, creates an engaging soundscape and makes this one of the more immediately memorable tracks on the album.
5. “Ghost in Wires” by UNTER STRØM
The electronic duo delivers a dark, heavy EDM composition. Strong beats provide the foundation, while the extensive use of minor and diminished harmonies gives the track its ominous character. The vocals are particularly effective, adding another layer of depth to an already atmospheric piece.
6. “Club Mania (Snap Your Neck)” by Pixel Grip and MVTANT
Another compelling electronic composition, but with a rather different approach to vocals. The vocal delivery sounds raw to my ears, not in the sense of being unrefined or out of place, but rather natural and direct. The vocal melody line itself is relatively static, with a phrasing that brings hip-hop to mind (except in chorus sections). Meanwhile, the atmospheric pads, synths, and instrumental layers take centre stage, shaping the overall character of the track.
7. “Heartbeat” by Local Suicide and Skelesys
An EDM-driven track with clear trance influences. Its electronic foundation and rhythmic energy bring a more familiar dance-floor sensibility to the album.
8. “Disengage” by Sleek Teeth
Sleek Teeth delivers another atmospheric electronic piece, combining the energy of EDM with an engaging soundscape. It is a particularly effective contribution to the album’s darker electronic side.
9. “Bahnsteigkante” by Zaatar
Opening with a heavy bass riff, this track takes a noticeably different direction. I would describe it as dark punk, built around heavy beats, an intense atmosphere, and a collection of effective electronic sounds. Its distinctive character makes it one of the more unusual contributions to the album.
10. “Set Me Free” by Void Palace
Imagine Rammstein meeting EDM, and you might get something close to this track. A heavy atmosphere is paired with a whispering vocal line, creating an interesting contrast between the vocal delivery and the instrumental intensity. It is a particularly moving piece, and one of my personal favourites on the album.
11. “Axe to Grind” by Snakes of Russia
The album closes with what I can only describe as battle music. Dark electronic harmonies and consistently heavy beats create an intense, almost confrontational atmosphere. It is an appropriate closing statement for a collection that has explored so many shades of darker electronic music.
Final Thoughts
For me, Inhale Vol. II is an excellent collection. While I particularly enjoy the arrangement of “Liaison” and the atmosphere of “Set Me Free,” I believe listeners with very different musical tastes and backgrounds will find something here that resonates with them.
And that, ultimately, is where the strength of this album lies. Bringing together eleven pieces each by a different artist with their own musical identity, and making them work as part of a coherent whole is no easy task. In my opinion, Breathing Records has accomplished this remarkably well.
I’ll certainly be looking forward to Volume III next year.
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