"Spiral into Oblivion" is an original composition by Arcoiris Sandoval from her 2018 album First Voyage. Performed at an aggressive tempo of approximately 294 beats per minute in C minor with a swing feel, this track is one of the most intense performances on the album. The title suggests a descent into chaos, and the music delivers on that promise with relentless forward momentum and escalating energy. Sandoval's piano solo is virtuosic and fearless, pushing into dissonant territory while maintaining a coherent musical thread. The fast tempo demands exceptional technique, but Sandoval never sacrifices musical substance for speed. Following her solo, drummer Allan Mednard takes a featured solo that shifts the key center to B minor, adding another layer of harmonic complexity to the performance. Mednard's drumming is both powerful and musical, treating the drum kit as a melodic instrument rather than a purely rhythmic one. The inclusion of a drum solo underscores the democratic nature of the trio, where each member is given space to express themselves fully. "Spiral into Oblivion" represents the more adventurous end of the album's spectrum, pushing the boundaries of the piano trio format with its combination of extreme tempo, dark tonality, and fearless improvisation.
