However, operatic modernism's use of atonality also sparked a backlash in the form of neoclassicism. Its "progressive" features were replete with dissonance, atonality, and brash effects. Perhaps the most obvious stylistic manifestation of modernism in opera is the development of atonality. In the years before his death his style drifted towards atonality and modernism. Sections of atonality are superimposed with tonal and expressionist sections. Shostakovich uses a montage of different styles, including folk music, popular song and atonality. It may be described as a metanarrative to justify atonality. The VSS was known for their use of synthesizers "vying with post-hardcore's rabid atonality". This may be representative of Schoenberg entering the "new world" of atonality . Other influences on him in this period were jazz and atonality. The harmony is traditional; no influences of atonality or polytonality can be found. Opera News" noted that Ching uses "a more modern musical mode, yet avoiding excessive atonality. The term "atonality" itself has been controversial. He is known for his innovative lines and use of atonality. Atonality and polytonality are among the techniques used in his later works.