Darkseed - Poison Awaits

Release Date: July 27, 2010
Label: Massacre Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Roads
2.  Incinerate
3.  Poison Awaits
4.  Seeds of Sorrow
5.  All is Vanity
6.  Black Throne
7.  A Dual Pact
8.  Torn to Shatters
9.  No Promise in the Heavens
10.  Striving for Fire
11.  Timeless Skies
12.  King in the Sun

Total playing time:  56:12

July 29, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

Darkseed has long been synonymous with vocalist Stefan Hertrich.  From the band’s inception up until 2006, when the band originally broke up, the two have been inseparable.  When the band reformed in 2008, Darkseed brought in a new vocalist in Harald Winkler.  Winkler is no stranger to the band though, as he was the band’s first original drummer.  With all of that in mind, longtime Darkseed fans will find the new album Poison Awaits to be an interesting listen, to say the least.

New listeners to Darkseed will likely be turned off by the electronic Gothic metal style that the band uses on Poison Awaits.  Those familiar with the band will notice many similarities to the band’s 2003 album Astral Adventures.  For one, Winkler sounds similar to Hertrich, which is nice for continuity in any setting that the band plays.  However, Winkler doesn’t get the same chance to show off the range in vocals that Hertrich did, particularly in Hertrich’s early days and even on the Atargatis album Wasteland.  Another similarity would be the rather liberal use of electronics, almost in the same vein as modern day-Samael and to a lesser extent, Host-era Paradise Lost.  As is the case with many bands that alter their sound, older Darkseed fans may find themselves alienated by the change while the newer fans will find something to embrace.  Songs such as “Incinerate” and “All is Vanity” have more of an electro-pop vibe, which unless the listener can tolerate Deathstars worship, will likely see people hitting the eject button on the disc player (or delete button if one happens to download the album).  For me, this style of music is alright on first listen, but with each listen, it becomes more of a chore to get through, as the music sounds more like it should be on mainstream radio than on any metal music playlist.  Yes, there is a guitar solo here and there, but it is merely window dressing for what amounts to a soundtrack to a rave.

It has been five years since Darkseed released an album and their first album since the reformation in 2008 Poison Awaits falls short.  On first listen, it isn’t too bad, but like a head stuck in a vise, it tends to get more painful with each listen.  Soulless and sterile are the best words to describe Poison Awaits, and the album title is appropriate if you plan on giving it multiple plays.

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: