Demonic Resurrection - The Return to Darkness

India’s Demonic Resurrection is back with its third full-length titled The Return to Darkness. I was not familiar with the band before this release, so I familiarized myself with the band’s sound. While too many bands claim symphonic black metal these days, Demonic Resurrection is a cut above the norm.

I was impressed with the band’s 2005 release A Darkness Descends and found myself enthralled by the sound they create. The disc is a healthy mixing of pounding blackish metal that has moments of incredible, seemingly effortless alterations throughout the tracks that are pregnant with both substance and charisma. I was very impressed to hear the intelligence with which this band creates its musical mindscapes. As is probably well-known, I’m not a fan of keyboards in metal music unless it’s pertinent to the overall sound of the band, not just that release or one or two songs. In the track “The Warriors Return” the keys can symbolize a majestic ride a la Gladiator or the upcoming Robin Hood if you are so inclined to visualize; this music can create some of the best visuals I’ve heard in some time.

Standouts on this are the entire CD, hands down. Still, for me the tracks “The Warriors Return” and “Omega, I” seem to cast this looming atmosphere over the room when I listen to them. This same ambiance lends itself to the entire production, creating one of the most visually-encompassing musical efforts I’ve ever heard out of a metal band. While some bands create an atmosphere of evil and darkness a la Vinterland or Emperor, Demonic Resurrection achieves a similar feel, but with the unusual shifts and changes more suited for Dream Theater or Neil Merryweather; the categorization of such brilliant music can’t be wiped down with mere comparisons. The Return to Darkness stands alone, as well it should. “Bound by Blood, Fire and Stone” is one of the most amazing metal tunes I’ve ever heard, without question and in all truthfulness! I sincerely mean it when I say you absolutely need to hear this recording. 

To say I’m impressed with this band is an understatement. It never ceases to amaze me just how long I’ve been into metal and how much there is yet to discover. As a fan of four decades already, the scene was considerably smaller than it is today, but the word-of-mouth factor is still in play today. While my friends consider me a walking encyclopedia, I’m thankful that new bands pop up every day to challenge me and add to my arsenal of knowledge and favorites. When they’re amazingly brilliant, as Demonic Resurrection is, it’s all the better. The Return to Darkness is an album that could quite possibly become an instant classic for its genre given the right promotion and word-of-mouth.    

Please, hear me on this one and find this CD - it’s a lesson in metal in which we all can use a refresher course from time to time. Consider it a cerebral tune-up if you will, but find The Return to Darkness yesterday.

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*Comments:

April 14, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Release Date: January 15, 2010
Label: Demonstealer Records 

TRACK LISTING

1.  Between Infinity and Oblivion
2.  Where Dreams and
     Darkness Unite
3.  The Warriors Return
4.  A Tragedy Befallen
5.  The Unrelenting Surge
     of Vengeance
6.  Bound by Blood, Fire and Stone
7.  Lord of Pestilence
8.  Dismembering the Fallen
9.  The Final Stand
10.  Omega, I

Total playing time:  1:04:08