Richard G.: Three years after the magnificent ‘Layers Of Lies’ album, Darkane is back to show the world how extremely tight technical progthrash should sound again. ‘Demonic Art’ is already the fifth album in ten years and on it we hear a few new elements in the characteristic sound that can only be described as ‘typically Darkane’.
When the over the top pompous/bombastic intro fades out it is finally time for the technical thrash feast to start with the fast and aggressive ‘Leaving Existence’. The riff structure that is used and the furious drumming (with fantastic cymbal stuff by Peter Wildoer) make this track into a typical Darkane thrash assault; the ideal way to introduce the fans to the new vocalist Jens Broman (Construcdead, The Defaced), who replaced Andreas Sydow.
On his Darkane debut, Jens sounds more varied than on other stuff I have heard from him and fortunately both the sound of his voice as well as the way he uses it fit perfectly within the Darkane sound. He is able to make use of the same vocal techniques as Andreas and on top of that he possesses a bigger vocal range and a deep grunt. The addition of Jens has certainly ensured Darkane’s recognisability, but it is also one of the newer refreshing elements.
The Swedes have not changed a lot since ‘Layers Of Lies’; the progression is mainly to be found in a few new sonic experiments that are tried out. Overall the sound is fuller because of some samples and more background keyboard stuff (note the industrial tinge of ‘Impetious Constant Chaos’). Also, in ‘Demigod’ we find the Darkane song with the lowest bpw ever (do I hear the word ballad!?!).
An element which remained is the room that is built in for more easy moments in the compositions, especially realised through big sing a long choruses (‘Absolution’, ‘The Killing Of I’), these parts make sure that the technical aggressive stuff does not lose its effect. And of course there are enough freaky solos provided by Chris Malmström to be detected (as in ; Still In Progress’).
All in all ‘Demonic Art’ is a fantastic record with that characteristic Darkane mark of high quality original metal. But apart from a number of successful experiments in sound, the musical progression is not that surprising, big or overwhelming as on the previous three records. With ‘Demonic Art’ Darkane very convincingly consolidate their special position within the metal scene.
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