Cruz Del Sur Music [Release date – out now]
I caught Darkest Era live last year as support to Gloryhammer in Glasgow and, whilst they put on a good show, I did mark them down for playing quite a few unfamiliar new numbers which saw a lull in proceedings. The new tracks have now emerged on Severance and I can guarantee that many are destined to become live favourites.
The album starts in quiet fashion with an acoustic intro to ‘Sorrow’s Boundless Realm’ and then all hell breaks loose! Thunderous drumming and huge riffs are the band’s bread and butter and it is all held together with their Celtic influenced melodies which show the band’s love of Thin Lizzy and Irish folk music.
‘Songs Of God and Men’ follows in a similar vein before ‘The Serpent And The Shadow’ shows the band’s other big influence, featuring great twin guitar work, early Iron Maiden.
The pace slows for ‘Beyond The Grey Veil’ which gives Krum on vocals a chance to shine. His melancholic voice is well suited to the doomy nature of the band’s music. We are soon back to full throttle for ‘Trapped In The Hourglass’ which again brings the twin guitar work of Ade Mulgrew and Sarah Weighell to the fore.
The track of the album for me is the epic closing track ‘Blood, Sand and Stone’ which clocks in at over eight minutes and ebbs and flows like a turbulent river. This track gives all players a chance to shine, which they all grab with both hands, and shows off the band’s songwriting prowess.
This is Darkest Era’s second album and shows what a talent they are, great songs coupled with great playing throughout. There is little doubt in my mind that the next time our paths cross in a live setting the crowd will be bigger, more enthusiastic and singing along with every word. ****
Review by David Wilson
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Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025
THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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