DARKNESS REMAINS „Lamia”

I first heard this group last year when they released “To touch the depths of sorrow”. This was impressive enough, but nothing prepared me for the brilliance of this new album. On the front cover it states “for fans of Opeth, Metallica, Death and Emperor” and I would agree with the Opeth and Death comparisons but not the other two. For me Darkness Remains sound nothing like Death yet the influence is undeniable especially in the guitar work which is faultless and veers off into a new direction at the drop of a hat and keeps the music sounding fresh. Sometimes, you would be forgiven for thinking that three or four songs have passed, when in fact you are listening to the same one.

The songs are all mid paced with fast bits thrown in to give them a new dimension, but they are so perfect, so frightening that nobody else can even come close. The melodies carry a distinct Opeth vibe, but for my money, are better, the acoustic passages are haunting and the vocals complement the music effectively

It would be useless trying to pick out the best tracks as there are five tracks ranging from 2 to 13 minutes in length and two short keyboard instrumentals, but if I had to choose one it would have to be the fantastic “Aura of Despair” with an opening riff that you will have kicked yourself for not writing. All you need to know is that this is the album you have been looking for, for so long and never found, the album that will restore your faith in metal. Albums like this don't appear very often (the last one for me being Deaths “Symbolic”) and it's one you need to get before everyone starts talking about them. I don't know much about the band, but that only makes the music more satisfying and mystifying. The only problem I had was getting hold of a copy as it isn't readily available in the UK. However, don't let this put you off as the effort and wait will be worth it. When December comes, I'll be seriously considering this album as the year's best. It's that good.

note: 10/10