Darkane - Demonic Art

April 28, 2008

Reviewer: Peter

Darkane has been around for about a decade and in that time, they, along with fellow Swedes Soilwork, have continued the melodic death metal scene in the same manner that Dark Tranquillity and In Flames had done when those bands had started out in the early 90’s.  Of course, that trek hasn’t been without its fair share of controversy, particularly with In Flames and Soilwork.  While Darkane has managed to avoid such controversy, they also haven’t really been as recognized as their contemporaries.  Part of that is due to the lack of activity from the band since their 2005 release of Layers of Lies.

Last year, the band reemerged from its slumber.  This time, there is a change in vocals, as Andreas Sydow, the vocalist for much of Darkane’s time, is out and in is Jens Broman.  Those fortunate enough to catch Darkane’s performance at Chicago Powerfest last year know first hand how he handled the band’s older material.  Now, with a new album in Demonic Art, everyone else gets to find out what he has to offer.  While the album displays Darkane in its element, it would have been nice to see the band extend its boundaries a little.

The opener “Variations of an Eye Crush” is a rather dramatic instrumental that is heavy on orchestral elements.  From there, it leads into an all out assault in the form of “Leaving Existence.”  Broman’s vocals don’t sound radically different from any of the previous vocalists Darkane had, but the differences are subtle enough to tell them apart.  If there is anything Darkane has been good at throughout their existence, it has been finding a vocalist that fits their style, and certainly, Broman is a good fit with the band.  For the most part, Demonic Art is a continuation of Layers of Lies, with the more melodic parts shining through on the album.  At the same time, it brings back elements of Rusted Angel with a more aggressive approach.  Even with such good ideas, it just doesn’t go outside the box.  Rather, the band seems contempt with going with what they are comfortable doing.  In fact, it sounds like they are holding back, as “Sloe Surviver” and the title track show.  Production values could be toned down just a little, as even on average levels, it comes out louder than usual, not that I’m complaining at all.

Demonic Art is everything you expect if you have followed Darkane for years.  Those who are just now finding out about the band would be better served looking into Rusted Angel and Expanding Senses first before hearing this album.  There’s nothing wrong with Demonic Art, it is just that I was expecting more than just another album.  Then again, when Andreas Sydow joined the band in time for Insanity, I thought the same thing.  Maybe Darkane will have more in store for their next album.

Release Date: June 11th, 2007
Label: Rock Space Korea Ent.

TRACK LISTING

1. Vice Ages
2. Destruction...Paralyze...Disrupt
3. Soul of God
4. Hollow Hearts
5. Tears of Daewongoon Part 1
6. Tears of Daewongoon Part 2
7. Bird (Play of Korean Tradition)
8. Bird (Instrumental)

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