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Keepforest Evolution: Devastator Deathmatch Review

Keepforest Evolution: Devastator Deathmatch is a premium sound design toolkit aimed at professional composers and sound designers working in film, TV, and game audio. This Kontakt-based library is the second installment in the Evolution: Devastator series, focusing on dark, gritty, and industrial-inspired sounds. The collection features a vast array of meticulously crafted signature sound effects, including trailer braams, brasses, signals, distorted basses, playable pads, atmospheres, cinematic loops, and artist stems. With its emphasis on aggressive, dystopian tones, Devastator Deathmatch caters to projects requiring a harsh, futuristic edge. The library boasts high-quality 48kHz/24bit samples and a user-friendly interface designed for quick sound manipulation and layering. Its extensive content spans various categories, from one-shot hits and drones to complex, evolving textures and rhythmic elements, providing composers with a comprehensive toolkit for creating intense, impactful soundscapes.

Pros:

• Extensive collection of high-quality, professionally designed sounds
• Versatile range of dark, industrial-inspired elements for modern productions
• Intuitive interface with powerful sound-shaping capabilities
• Includes both Kontakt instruments and WAV files for flexible workflow options
• Regular updates and additions from Keepforest enhance long-term value

Cons:

• Requires full version of Kontakt, not compatible with free Kontakt Player
• Steep learning curve to fully utilize all features and content
• Large file size may be challenging for users with limited storage

Evolution: Devastator Deathmatch offers a comprehensive suite of sound design tools and content. The library is divided into several categories, each focusing on specific sonic elements crucial for modern trailer music and cinematic sound design. The Playable Oneshots section includes a diverse range of instant-impact sounds. With 14 trailer hits, 11 far hits, and 38 gritty hits, users can quickly add punchy, attention-grabbing elements to their compositions. The 59 trailer brass samples provide that classic, powerful trailer sound, while 36 Devastator distortions and 57 distorted bass and noise samples cater to more aggressive, industrial-style productions. The library also features 93 signature one-shots and 41 delayed variations, offering unique, recognizable sounds for branding or recurring motifs.

For atmospheric elements, Devastator Deathmatch includes 27 downers, 135 pads and atmospheres, and 18 noises and ambiences. These provide the perfect backdrop for building tension and creating immersive soundscapes. The 27 liquid noises add an element of organic texture, while 10 reversed and suckback effects offer creative transition options. The inclusion of 110 “tik tok” shots provides rhythmic elements for building momentum and drive in compositions.

The Playable Instruments section expands the library’s functionality with a range of performable sounds. It features an extensive collection of loops, including trailer drums at various tempos, tik-tok rhythms, dirty and classic percussion, and tonal loops. The 32 trailer plucks and 9 trailer low brass and megahorn samples offer instant cinematic impact. With 34 braams and pads, composers can easily create those iconic trailer rises and swells.

The library excels in its signature sounds, with 55 signature bass and signal samples, 37 signature synth and scream effects, and 40 signature delayed sounds. These provide unique, recognizable elements that can define a project’s sonic identity. The distorted and noise-based instruments (35 Devastator distortions, 54 distorted bass and noises) cater to the growing demand for harsh, industrial textures in modern media.

Devastator Deathmatch also provides a comprehensive WAV folder, allowing users to access and manipulate raw samples outside of Kontakt. This includes categories like trailer brass, hits, liquid hits, signatures, noises and ambiences, distorted elements, downers, pads and atmospheres, reversed effects, and various loop types.

The Kontakt interface offers powerful sound-shaping capabilities, allowing users to layer, mix, and process sounds with ease. Features like pitch control, envelope shaping, and effects processing enable deep customization of the library’s content. The inclusion of both rhythmic and tonal elements provides flexibility for creating full compositions or focusing on specific sonic aspects of a project.

In the realm of cinematic sound design tools, Evolution: Devastator Deathmatch stands out for its focus on dark, industrial-inspired sounds. While libraries like Native Instruments’ Action Strikes or Audio Imperia’s Nucleus offer broader cinematic palettes, Devastator Deathmatch hones in on a specific, gritty aesthetic. Compared to other Keepforest products like AizerX, Devastator Deathmatch leans more heavily into distorted, aggressive tones. In terms of functionality, it shares similarities with libraries like Heavyocity’s Damage 2, offering both one-shot samples and playable instruments. However, Devastator Deathmatch places a stronger emphasis on synthetic and processed sounds, whereas Damage 2 focuses more on percussive elements. The library’s extensive collection of signature sounds and effects sets it apart from more general-purpose cinematic toolkits, making it particularly suited for projects requiring a distinct, edgy sonic character. When compared to other trailer-focused libraries like Audiomachine’s Percussions or Hybrid Two’s Project Alpha, Devastator Deathmatch offers a more specialized sound palette. Its strength lies in its cohesive aesthetic, providing a comprehensive toolkit for creating dark, futuristic soundscapes that may require less additional processing to fit into modern trailer and game audio productions.

This plugin is best for:

• Trailer music composers seeking aggressive, industrial-inspired sounds
• Sound designers working on dystopian or sci-fi projects
• Game audio professionals needing impactful, futuristic sound elements
• Film and TV composers looking to add edgy, modern textures to their scores
• Electronic music producers interested in incorporating cinematic elements into their tracks

Evolution: Devastator Deathmatch represents a significant addition to the modern composer’s toolkit, especially for those working in genres that demand a dark, aggressive sonic palette. Its vast collection of meticulously crafted sounds, ranging from impactful one-shots to complex, evolving textures, provides ample material for creating intense, immersive soundscapes. The library’s strength lies in its cohesive aesthetic, offering a comprehensive set of tools for projects requiring a dystopian or industrial edge. While the learning curve may be steep for some users, the potential for sound creation and manipulation is extensive, making it a valuable investment for professionals in the field. The inclusion of both Kontakt instruments and WAV files enhances workflow flexibility, allowing for seamless integration into various production setups. Despite its focus on a specific sonic character, the library’s versatility enables its use across multiple genres, from trailer music and film scores to game audio and electronic music production. Keepforest’s attention to detail in sample quality and processing is evident throughout the library, ensuring that each sound can stand on its own or be easily layered to create complex textures. The regular updates and additions from Keepforest also add long-term value, keeping the library relevant in the fast-paced world of sound design. For composers and sound designers seeking to push the boundaries of modern, aggressive sound design, Evolution: Devastator Deathmatch offers a powerful, comprehensive solution.