Darkane
Demonic Art Nuclear Blast

by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer

Comments: Formed in 1998 in Sweden from the ashes in Agretator, Darkane is a thrash metal outfit. They write and perform songs about life and its inherent inner struggles.

On Demonic Art the band's fifth full length album the outstanding layered, exceptionally clean and wildly spirited guitar play throughout from Klas Ideberg, is almost ruined by the horridly unsuccessful vocals of Jens Broman. In fact on the first several songs they are the worst vocals in the history of metal. They sound like Sam Kinison with his balls caught in his zipper.

A combination of the words dark and arcane (mysterious) form this bands name, but the only thing that's mysterious here is why this band chose a singer with a gravelly throat infection to work with this excellent instrumentation.

Ideberg's playing in fact is so damn good that in spite of the atrocious vocals the guitar head in you may actually continue to listen, and for that diligence you are certainly rewarded. Guitar leads jump out and kick your ass around every corner with one being better than the last throughout this record. This is not just an average performance folks this is one that gets the attention of guitar magazines and guitar geeks worldwide. Klas uses tight technique combines with unique note choices in his soloing.

Another fault of the album is the immature lyrics. A great example is"Life's Too Short To Walk Around Pissed" one of the many analytical gems on Demonic Art.

This one comes at you on the cut "Still in Progress" and true to the album's main dichotomy a fantastic guitar leads rips and tears you up right after the lyrical nonsense.

After 10+ years as a band and many line-up changes it is sad that Darkane still have several glaring weaknesses.

Unless you are a serious guitar geek this album is not recommended for purchase; Nuclear Blast deserves better than this boys.

Band Members:
Jens Broman -Vocals
Klas Ideberg -Guitar
Jörgen Löfberg -Bass
Christofer Malmström -Guitar
Peter Wildoer -Drums

Track Listing:
1. Variations of an Eye Crush (instrumental)
2. Leaving Existence
3. Demonic Art
4. Absolution
5. Execution 44
6. Impetious Constant Chaos
7. Demigod
8. Soul Survivor
9. The Killing of I
10. Wrong Grave (instrumental)
11. Still in Progress
12. Wrath Connection

Hardrock Haven rating: 5.2/10