Description
Darkest Hour have progressed once again with their latest offering, and this album sees them rise to forefront of American Metal with the likes of The Black Dahlia Murder. This album is a journey and definately has a more epic feeling, thanks to Devin Townsend's influence. The melodic passages are interlaced seemlessley between a technically astute and emotionally-charged brand of metal, deriving its inspiration from the At the Gates mold. I am also hearing a sort of Dark Tranquility influence (do not confuse the two though) - the sweeping atmosphere in the form of background synth and justmore… more musical "space," all of which is nod in Devin's direction. Kris Norris, the lead guitarist, is a big fan of Dark Tranquility, and I am sure he along with Mike (the second guitarist), have written material to coincide with a broader, more complete, understanding of metal.Do not be confused though - this is, on the whole, a brutal brand of modern thrash metal, totally irresistable and undeniably moving. Aggression can be beautiful, just listen to the last track Tranquil for proof. But here is the master class trick that elevates Darkest Hour above many peers: they have managed to weld a smooth, contemplative form of metal, with the catchy thrash of old. Some have criticised this shift away from the catharsis which characterised the older albums, as being too "soft." I disagree, but definately the hardcore influences are being left behind. Technically speaking, the band has moved up another gear. Kris Norris is an inspiration to me as a guitarist (check out his website for his own lessons on DVD). His and Mike Schleimbaum's soloing and leads are jaw dropping in moments. Other American "metal" bands need to take a hint and LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR! Another raising of the horns must be enacted for the drummer, Ryan Parrish. You can sense Devin Townsend has pushed him all the way on this album (admitted in interviews I have read) - intricate double bass and sleek skin work now occupy what would have been, in comparison, voids of inactivity a few years ago. Buy this if you want to understand accessible, modern American metal. To see how major genre influences such as At The Gates have manifested themselves in today's leading bands is intriguing, and definately exciting when you are a part of it!
| 1 |
With A Thousand Words To Say But One |
| 2 |
Convalescence |
| 3 |
This Will Outlive Us |
| 4 |
Sound The Surrender |
| 5 |
Pathos |
| 6 |
Low |
| 7 |
Ethos |
| 8 |
District Divided |
| 9 |
These Fevered Times |
| 10 |
Paradise |
| 11 |
Tranquil |
Info:
- Category:
- Music > Albums
- Case Type:
- CD
- Release Type:
- Retail
- Comments:
- 1 read add
Cover Info:
- Title:
- Darkest Hour - Undoing Ruin (2005) Retail CD
- Part:
- Back
- Dimensions:
- 1263 x 918 px
- Size:
- 372 KB
- Downloads:
- 222 (0 today)
- Uploaded:
- 04/11/07 by Sarge!
- Quality Rating:
-
- Currently /5 Stars.
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Other Available Parts:
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