In recent years, Cruz Del Sur Records has acquired some good talent when it comes to traditional heavy metal bands.  Bands like Widow, Slough Feg (before signing to Profound Lore Records), and Twisted Tower Dire have put the label on the map.  Twisted Tower Dire has been at their craft for a decade and a half, yet they haven’t gotten the attention they’ve deserved.  That doesn’t stop them from putting out solid albums, and Make it Dark is no exception.

Unlike their past album, Make it Dark comes across as a bare bones romp through the music, as “Mystera” kicks things off right away.  Twisted Tower Dire lets it all go on this song, with guitars that take charge and vocals that capture the listener’s attention immediately.  They slow it down a little for “Snow Leopard,” but in tempo only, as the Twisted Tower Dire sound remains evident.  This straight-forward approach to traditional metal, which shows hints of punk in just the way the music is played, lends itself well to some rather anthemic songs.  The vocals of Johnny Aune are a good fit with the music on Make it Dark, and are easy to get into while maintaining its identity.  The guitar solos aren’t spectacular by any means, but they do work well within the confines of the songs.  The eight tracks carry considerable punch in its short running time, with “Snow Leopard” and “Beyond the Gate” being the only songs with a running time over five minutes, and with a running time of just under 37 minutes, there had better be some memorable songs.  Twisted Tower Dire delivers, with “Snow Leopard,” “Mystera,” and “Torture Torture” providing some of the best songs on the album; however, there isn’t a bad song on the album, which will earn multiple spins.

Twisted Tower Dire doesn’t get the press that some of their contemporaries get, yet they continue to be one of the more consistent bands in their genre.  Make it Dark is the band’s most accessible yet, but it also maintains a no nonsense approach that they have refined over the years.  If you haven’t gotten around to listening to Twisted Tower Dire yet, Make it Dark is a good starting point.  After you’re done listening to it, you may find yourself looking into the band’s other albums, which is a good thing.

TRACK LISTING

*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:

1.  Mystera
2.  Snow Leopard
3.  The Stone
4.  Make it Dark
5.  White Shadow
6.  The Only Way
7.  Torture Torture
8.  Beyond the Gate

Total playing time:  36:36

Release Date: May 13, 2011
Label: Cruz Del Sur Records

Twisted Tower Dire - Make it Dark

Reviewer: Peter

May 8, 2011