Darkest Hour's fourth album on the Victory Records label marks my introduction to the melodic metalcore outfit. In the ever deepening waters of metalcore, Deliver Us attempts to push Darkest Hour ahead of the pack.
While the album is definitely catchy and addictive, there is a scent of familiarity throughout the whole. Just when you think they are going to step up and deliver something really worth grabbing onto, that hint of the familiar rears its ugly head and brings you crashing down to Earth. The end result is an album that is easy to get into and rock out to, but you will be hard pressed to think of them as the next big thing. Or maybe I've just listened to bands in the wrong order, don't think that thought hasn't crossed my mind.
It is weird when you listen to a band that reminds you of another act you like, then find out they both started around the same time. What would have happened if you had discovered them in the opposite order? It is definitely an interesting question and has crossed my mind a couple of times as I listened to Deliver Us. I do not yet have an answer.
The album starts off promisingly with a somber acoustic opening to "Doomsayer (The Beginning of the End)." It effectively sets you up for the outburst of distorted guitars, driving drums, and raw vocals. It truly is an explosive opening with a blast of speed, double bass, and some nice lead melodies. This leads directly into "Sanctuary" which is a bit weaker than the opener, but keeps the momentum moving forward into "Demon(s)" which is one of the stronger songs.
Throughout the album there is a nice balance between raw aggression and melody. Tracks such as "An Ethereal Drain," "A Paradox of Flies," "Tunguska," and "Fire in the Skies" all highlight both the bands strengths and weaknesses while remaining at the top of the song pool.
I guess I should get the negative out of the way first. The biggest problem is that familiarity that rears its ugly head across many of the songs. The first couple of passes I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I knew it reminded me of another band. Then it hit me. When John Henry steps out from behind the raw throated vocals, which are his bread and butter through much of Deliver Us, he sounds suspiciously like Brian Fair of Shadows Fall. Not exactly alike, mind you, but there is a definite similarity. Likewise, these parts of the songs have a Shadows Fall-like feel, which is not a bad thing. Funny to find out that both bands were starting up around the same time. Perhaps this marked the changing point when metalcore began to develop. Whatever the case, I had a hard time shaking that feeling through those clean singing portions.
Article comments
1 - Wesley Richards
[Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor]
It couldn't be more evident this is your first time to pick up a Darkest Hour album, you're fucking retarded ass shit is too good. First of all, you def don't know shit about the guitarists. Mike's rhythms and Kris' leads absolutely drive this CD, something you somehow missed. Also, John Henry couldn't sound less like Brian Fair [Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor]. The songwriting on this CD is so above the rest [Repeated personal attacks deleted by Comments Editor].
2 - Chris Beaumont
Angry much? Looks like I struck a nerve, I guess it's a good thing I like the album. Hate to see your reaction to somethin I didn't like....
3 - Jordan "Boss" Richardson
Looks like young Master Wesley has some issues.
4 - al
I don't think Darkest hour and Shadows fall should be compared at all....look at the new shadows fall album and how drastically they are changing there sound, at least darkest hour has kept strong with there roots.