1THIRTY8 started as a side project created to combine hard-hitting metal with sweet melodies that can both energise and soothe. The project gave 1THIRTY8 the opportunity to experiment with songwriting ideas that did not fit with Karl Szulik’s other bands and projects, including Divine Ascension, Living Through Mirrors and UNKNWN. The aim was to create songs that are accessible and relatable while still offering interesting melodies, lyrics, time signatures and layers that reward repeated listens. Recording from studios on opposite sides of the world initially presented a significant challenge, particularly when it came to conveying ideas and capturing the essence of each track while maintaining consistency across the album. With the professionalism and expertise of Emo and James, however, 1THIRTY8 was able to bring the original vision to life. Each song on A Reckless Game tells its own story, with lyrics built around common situations and experiences that people encounter in their everyday lives. The songs explore feelings of frustration, relief and sadness, while Simone of Domination Studio’s production brings these ideas together into a polished, cohesive listening experience. Having long admired Simone’s work with DGM, 1THIRTY8 found that his vision and creative expertise transformed the initial ideas into the finished sound heard on the album. As an old-school music fan, 1THIRTY8 also places great importance on the complete album experience, including its visual presentation. Quality artwork was therefore an essential part of the release. The goal was to create something unique yet simple, centred around the idea of someone doing something reckless. Jonathan brought this concept to life through a series of images spanning the album cover, booklet and CD, creating a visual identity that complements the music. Although A Reckless Game can be heavy, soft, hard-hitting, soaring or occasionally a little strange, 1THIRTY8 hopes the album maintains a groove that gets under the listener’s skin, moves the body and rocks the mind. 1THIRTY8 on signing with Wormholedeath:
"I am excited to announce the signing of 1THIRTY8’s debut album ‘A Reckless Game’ with Wormholedeath. Carlo and the team were extremely supportive and showed a genuine interest in the music I had written and produced on A Reckless Game when I sent it to them for review. It was quite humbling to read the kind words they sent back to me after listening to the album. I am eager to work with them on this release and hope we can give all the fans of progressive music something to rock out to and enjoy." | 
