Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.
A Gothic Rock Spectacle with Cinematic Heart
Jackson Colt’s latest single, Van Helsing, arrives like a thunderclap in the night—bold, theatrical, and drenched in gothic grandeur. Blending the sweeping drama of symphonic rock with the pulse of 80s metal, the track unfolds with the rich complexity of a dark fantasy film. From the first toll of the haunting bell to the final swell of choral harmonies, Van Helsing pulls you into a world where shadows speak and inner demons are confronted head-on.
Colt’s lifelong love of horror, fantasy, and the unseen world is unmistakable. The song’s atmosphere is thick with mystery: haunted organs breathe beneath the mix, choirs rise like ghostly armies, and fiery guitars carve their way through the darkness. Yet, beneath the theatrics lies a deeply human story. The central figure — a woman standing unbroken in the face of her own monsters — gives the song emotional weight. She is Van Helsing not as a character, but as a symbol: strength, purity, and a refusal to fall, no matter the odds.
The production, helmed by Mark Haze, elevates the track into a true cinematic experience. Layers of vocals, keys, and powerful rhythm work come together seamlessly, while the inclusion of a synth bass nods subtly to Colt’s 80s influences. The result is a sound that is both nostalgic and fiercely modern — polished enough for mainstream rock audiences, yet atmospheric enough to satisfy fans of darker, theatrical music.
Van Helsing is more than a song; it’s an immersive world. Jackson Colt proves once again why he’s one of South Africa’s most exciting visionaries in rock. This is gothic storytelling at its most vivid — an anthem for anyone who has ever battled their shadows and refused to surrender.
Social Media
All Links https://linktr.ee/jacksoncoltrock
Smart Streaming https://hypeddit.com/vanhelsing
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Bandcamp https://jacksoncolt.bandcamp.com
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