Dark Empire - From Refuge To Ruin

So.. Psyched.. For.. This..!

The best power metal stuff of the year so far

Thought I was listening to a Helloween album, that vocalist sounds very similar to Deris.

Lol, he really does sound like Deris. First, they had Jens Carlsson who was at times reminiscent of Hansi Kürsch, and now their new singer resembles Helloween's frontman. Funny coincidence.^^

Was so excited about this album. Finally obtained it and a bit disappointed. Not much in common with 2 great previous albums. Too much death vocals to my liking. I guess I keep on listening to it and see if I can get into to more. But so far not so strong vs older albums.

I don´t know why you not enjoy the album, I already listen the intire album and I love them.
Best album for me was the first, "Distant Tides" and From Refuge To Ruin is for me the second.
Matt is a great guitarrist and in this album he has amazing riffs and solos.
Best songs for me: From Refuge To Ruin,The Crimson Portrait,A Plague In The Throne Room,Dreaming In Vengeance
I also like The Cleansing Fires its different.

Honestly, I do enjoy album musically, but Death vocals don't do much for me. I prefer original vocals from Distant Tides. Musically it's a great album but vocals spoilt it for me

Written by diamondblack on 28.03.2012 at 12:42

Honestly, I do enjoy album musically, but Death vocals don't do much for me. I prefer original vocals from Distant Tides. Musically it's a great album but vocals spoilt it for me

I' ve made an interview with Matt few years ago for one of the best polish webpages about metal - unfortunately powermetal.pl isn't active anymore.
He was telling, that he is going to improve more thrash and death sound of DE music and together with a lot of Symphony X influences ("The Odyssey", "Iconoclast") he made very good stuff.
Besides, death vocal was always integrated element of DE sound, so you shouldn't be surpriced to hear it once again

Production could be a bit better though

Jens was a much better vocalist

These guys are one of those bands... Start out great, just to fall and fall..

The songwriting is still very good but listening to Larkin after Jens is a real, real pain.