With the bombardment of metalcore bands that have saturated the landscape of heavy metal, it becomes more of a challenge for any band to come up with something solid yet refreshing at the same time. From the opening chords of Darkest Hour’s latest release Deliver Us (Victory Records), they manage to elevate themselves above the many emulators.
With the psychotic production talents of Devin Townsend (of Strapping Young Lad fame) again at the helm, the somber acoustic introduction gives you only false security as it immediately goes into a spastic and potent mix of heavy metal and hard core. "Doomsayer (The Beginning Of The End)” goes the way of In Flames facing off with any of the D.C hardcore bands in a street fight. It’s an immediate welcome into their world of desperation and chaos.
“Demon(s)” immediately brings to mind As I Lay Dying loosely. While AILD can begin to sound slick and manufactured at times, this track maintains their rawness with precision. I can immediately see this becoming a great sing along at their live shows. “A Paradox of Flies” delves into an energetic barrage of old school thrash and presents their guitarwork with more of an anthemic feel. It will surely keep you attentive and having you humming along in no time.
Upon hearing “Tunguska”, you can hear DH definitely gives nods to both Iron Maiden and Metallica circa Master of Puppets without plagiarizing the sound. Darkest Hour bring their record to a close with the title track “Deliver Us” that displays an immense amount of musicianship with both Mike Schleibaum and Kris Norris going into a double-guitar attack that can hold its own among any of the metal heavyweights.
While they do find themselves occasionally at the crossroads of the sing/scream combos that have plagued other bands, vocalist John Henry provides plenty of punch throughout the whole record and accomplishes not having his vocals blend into each other.
Bottom Line: This is definitely one of the best heavy records thus far in 2007. Darkest Hour have constructed 39 minutes of profound metallic bliss. A definite must for any heavy music fan.
Article comments
1 - Kody
Over-produced, way too many solos that tend to ruin the flow of the song, the clean vox bring it down to the level of all this new age metalcore screamo garbage.
Who's writing the songs now? Kris? Definitely not the original Darkest Hour I used to like and respect. I've tried hard to like the new album but I am constantly wondering if Townsend came up with most of it and the boys with the instruments are out of ideas.
Undoing Ruin teetered on the edge of streamlined new age metal, but Deliver Us definitely crossed the line. It's too bad, honestly. I love you guys, but you need to hear the truth.
Sincerely,
Kody
Canada
2 - Kevin
well Kody that is based off of your own opinion and after reading your opinion you are a disappointment after listening to this whole albumn i didnt care for much but 2 songs but if you get into what they are singing and playing it comes together, sounds better, and deffinately has to be one of the best albumns out yet.
and the solos this is fucking metal not pussy gridcore cock ball bullshit and it isnt new age screamo bullshit review what genres your mixing up
your just a gay ass pussy in my opinion but what do you care your all about opinions not the truth this isnt for other people to read im hoping you read it and no one gives a shit about your opinion because it sucks.
3 - Christopher Rose
What's a gay ass pussy?