Darkest Hour - Perpetual | Terminal

2024-02-18 08:00:04

Lasting for almost three decades Darkest Hour flying the flag of US metalcore and melodic death metal. Riding the wave of success for a long time and yet somewhat hidden in the second row, the quintet from Washington DC continued to develop and was recently more at home than ever in more classic, melodic death thrash realms. Lead guitarist Nico Santora, who joined in 2021, is introduced for the first time on their tenth studio album. „Perpetual | Terminal“also the first album for the new home MNRK, once again moves cleverly between core and metal.

The larger-than-life double punch at the beginning shows that you haven’t forgotten anything at all. In the title song “Perpetual | “Terminal”, which rises carefully from a kind of fanfare, it flexes muscles on the Gothenburg border between metal and modernity, roared with increasing enthusiasm by founding member John Henry. Several smaller skins, oversized suspense and thick hooks equip this epic. The comparatively short but crisp “Societal Bile” immediately moves forward with a high tempo and an angry death thrash dulcimer. The brisk, dirty presentation puts you in a good mood and is reminiscent of the wild early days in the best possible way.

In fact, this album has become one big triumph. The even shorter “My Only Regret” takes just over two minutes to tear it all down, but also finds room for a highly melodic solo. The murderous, martial groove of “The Nihilist Undone” pushes the kneecaps with increasing enthusiasm and yet opens up for anthemic magic at just the right moment. And then there is “Goddess Of War, Give Me Something To Die For”, the second epic, which, after a long acoustic intro, heads for the finale on majestic wings and skillfully alternates anthemic heaviness with brisk neck hits.

Confidently delivered and, even after the impressive seven-year wait since the last album, as fresh and dynamic as ever: Darkest Hour, like good wine, seems to be getting better and better and is scratching the mark of the absolute super-album. The sound and songwriting are right, the mixture of rough neck hits and oversized hymns puts you in a good mood. Although “Perpetual | Terminal” has one or two unspectacular lengths in the middle, but if everything fits, the Americans remain unmatched. Nevertheless, the quintet has rarely sounded so fresh and powerful – a powerful sign of life with enormous addictive potential.

Rating: 8/10

Available from: February 23, 2024
Available via: MNRK Heavy (SPV)

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