I have pre-ordered this album. Can't wait. On the strength of what I've heard thus far i.e. "Wasteland" and "Rapture in Exile" I think this is going to be some very enjoyable stuff. Very excited. Hope they tour Australia again - I missed them last time.

Some mediocre, some solid, not much out of the ordinary or ground-breaking for Darkest Hour. A good solid album. I'd have to say that surprisingly, their last track is not only titled "Departure", but coincidentally (or not?) is a noticeable departure from what Darkest Hour is known for, and I love it. Primarily clean vocals, a lot of melodic elements in it with the symphonics, and without a doubt my favorite chorus of any of their songs, both rhythmically and lyrically. Other notable tracks for me were Futurist, Anti-Axis, By The Starlight, and Lunar Divide, in no particular order.

Written by ScottyM on 06.08.2014 at 21:10

Some mediocre, some solid, not much out of the ordinary or ground-breaking for Darkest Hour. A good solid album. I'd have to say that surprisingly, their last track is not only titled "Departure", but coincidentally (or not?) is a noticeable departure from what Darkest Hour is known for, and I love it. Primarily clean vocals, a lot of melodic elements in it with the symphonics, and without a doubt my favorite chorus of any of their songs, both rhythmically and lyrically. Other notable tracks for me were Futurist, Anti-Axis, By The Starlight, and Lunar Divide, in no particular order.

I'm quite stunned at this album. You say the final track is a noticeable departure from what Darkest Hour is known for - I'd say almost the whole album is! And I like it too. The use of clean vocals by John Henry is throughout the whole album. And there is even a duet! There are so many catchy songs and surely plenty of potential singles that could garner a whole new audience for the band. I reckon "Futurist" will be released as a single, with a video, for sure. I also like those other songs you've quoted, but my favourite song from the whole album is the one that sounds the most like their previous work - "Rapture in Exile".

Written by Ace Frawley on 11.08.2014 at 13:15

I'm quite stunned at this album. You say the final track is a noticeable departure from what Darkest Hour is known for - I'd say almost the whole album is! And I like it too. The use of clean vocals by John Henry is throughout the whole album. And there is even a duet! There are so many catchy songs and surely plenty of potential singles that could garner a whole new audience for the band. I reckon "Futurist" will be released as a single, with a video, for sure. I also like those other songs you've quoted, but my favourite song from the whole album is the one that sounds the most like their previous work - "Rapture in Exile".

No argument here. I was actually in concurrence with you after several more listen-through's, just too lazy to come back and edit my post. This is quite a departure from just about all of their previous stuff with John's extended use of clean vocals. You don't get hardly any of that in previous albums. The more I listen to this, the more I like it. I also want to see a single/video for Futurist, or Anti-Axis. I for one support Darkest Hour's new direction they're taking.

Written by ScottyM on 11.08.2014 at 18:10

No argument here. I was actually in concurrence with you after several more listen-through's, just too lazy to come back and edit my post. This is quite a departure from just about all of their previous stuff with John's extended use of clean vocals. You don't get hardly any of that in previous albums. The more I listen to this, the more I like it. I also want to see a single/video for Futurist, or Anti-Axis. I for one support Darkest Hour's new direction they're taking.

Yes, after an initial feeling of discomfort in the change, I've fully embraced it after repeated listens to the new album. It's just so damn enjoyable. So many songs I just love. I agree that "Anti-Axis" could be released as a single. Hope they play a stack of these new songs in their live set over the coming year and also that they tour Australia and come to Canberra!

One of my favorite bands and this new release did not dissapoint. I also hope for another Aussie tour soon.

Ya know, I gotta change my rating to a 9. I love this album. Can't get enough of it! Everything from the shift in vocals to the extremely complex guitar during the verses to the drumming just blows my hair back. This is my favorite album of theirs, no question.

Got mixed feelings about this album now. After initially giving this an 8, I've now reduced it to a 7 because the songs grew stale very quickly. Maybe it was the catchy, pop nature of the songs. The only songs that really stand out as memorable for me now are "Wasteland", "Rapture in Exile" and "Hypatia Rising". Good on them for going for a new sound and direction, and I think they really pulled it off, but for me it doesn't make for an album that stands the test of time.

They should not have been tied to the sumerian fanbase. I felt the melodeth circles never took them seriously because of the metalcore vibes which is sad. because they can and have written better quality of gothenburg material than a lot of the usual artists could match upto. This album maybe a result of all these factors, or thats what I believe to accept this departure from melodeth style. They're looking to be demographically accepted maybe. I noticed a jump in their fanbase by 50% since this album. It doesn't matter because the songwriting is quite mature albeit mostly metalcore with their signature gothenburg indulgence. The clean vocals surprised me, but he does not sound annoying. Everything is are catchy, but stuff like 'misery we make' are purely mass appeal. I still like that one as freaking guilty pleasure. lol

Written by Ace Frawley on 06.10.2014 at 00:28

Got mixed feelings about this album now. After initially giving this an 8, I've now reduced it to a 7 because the songs grew stale very quickly. Maybe it was the catchy, pop nature of the songs. The only songs that really stand out as memorable for me now are "Wasteland", "Rapture in Exile" and "Hypatia Rising". Good on them for going for a new sound and direction, and I think they really pulled it off, but for me it doesn't make for an album that stands the test of time.

Totally feel ya mate. But I thought wasteland was a drag. Rapture is killer. The Goddess Figure is sweet though. I find the dude's melodic screams quite unique. Also I'm addicted to the guitar lead melodies. beautiful as always. I'm just dissapointed with the watered down intensity, the melodic death attack that's just gone. Have you checked the new drummer out? Travis Orbin. The guy seems quite talented if you've checked his youtube, but the contribution on this record sounds average. I'm still hopeful for the next one.

Written by AssailantForce on 12.02.2015 at 14:40

Totally feel ya mate. But I thought wasteland was a drag. Rapture is killer. The Goddess Figure is sweet though. I find the dude's melodic screams quite unique. Also I'm addicted to the guitar lead melodies. beautiful as always. I'm just dissapointed with the watered down intensity, the melodic death attack that's just gone. Have you checked the new drummer out? Travis Orbin. The guy seems quite talented if you've checked his youtube, but the contribution on this record sounds average. I'm still hopeful for the next one.

Yeah, big fan of Travis Orbin and follow his YouTube channel to watch everything he uploads. Guy is a massive talent. I hope that for their next album they return to the gothernburg style/melodic death and forget the metalcore stuff.

uninspiring, kind of lifeless and extremely generic. yes they are trying things; a bit of clean and some catchy modern sound in between but still too much filler mdm stuff takes away the possibilty to enjoy a bit. notable songs to save your time (thank me later): rapture in exile, the great oppressor, anti-axis.