DARKEND (formerly known as Dark End) are a symphonic black metal band from Italy.

I witnessed them live last year, once touring in support of Rotting Christ and a couple of months later opening for SAMAEL and Melechesh: I was hooked by the theatrical performance (they introduce themselves through the 'Theatre of Horror' concept, both visually and lyrically) and last but not least by their epic orchestral arrangements and grandiose guitar riffs.

DARKEND have been around since 2006 and released 3 concept albums, dwelling mainly on topics such as esoterism, death, spirits, history and mystery: "Damned Woman And A Carcass" (2007, inspired by Charles Baudelaire's "Les Fleurs du Mal"), "Assassine" (2010, based on the horror of actual crimes committed by women only) and "Grand Guignol - Book I" (2012).

A first special limited edition of "Grand Guignol - Book I" came out on February 29. Among other treats, the package includes an original Magic Certificate crafted by the Ars Secretum esoteric circle, 9 grains of ceremonial incense and a 24 page artistic booklet.

Below you can listen to the three tracks streamed by the band as a pre-taste of the new opus:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emc2w5wCeiM&feature=plcp&context=C383a9a1UDOEgsToPDskIUponOQjmZGr3Mhbm7lurf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AALiYPRpqXs&feature=BFa&list=PLB2257617F06351D3&lf=plcp

Grand Guignol - Book I Tracklist
1. Descent/Ascent (II Movement)
2. Æinsoph: Flashforward To Obscurity
3. Doom: And Then Death Scythed
4. Spiritism: The Transmigration Passage
5. Bereavement - A Multitude In Martyrized Flesh
6. Grief: Along Our Divine Pathway
7. Bleakness: Of Secrecy, Haste And Shattered Crystals
8. Pest: Fierce Massive Slaying Grandeur
9. Decrepitude: One Last Laugh Beside Your Agonies
10. Dawn: Black Sun Rises


More information is available here:
http://www.darkend.it/
http://www.facebook.com/darkendofficial?sk=info