Metal Reviews

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Good review Zad, it seems as you describe it there is a lot of different activity in Darken's sound arrangements. This would make for something to look forward too, as I've heard very little of this band.

Yes, I will be checking this out.
Darken rarely disappoints, and I find the new blood and iron material to be far superior to his earlier work, as good as that is.

Yeah, much more varied than his usual fare. I must review some old Graveland, so me and COTB can have a discussion about why it is/isn't better than this new stuff, because I really don't follow you on that.

It's more evolved and I think Darken's musical vision is better matched with the Sturm und Drung of the newer material, i.e. Nationalism, blood and glory.
The drum work makes a big difference, as well.

Have you heard Will Stronger Than Death?

Perhaps. Does he actually play the drums on his Pagan stuff, then? I thought they were programmed until I heard this EP, they're far too organic-sounding. And not for a while, can't remember it at all - will stick it on next in the playlist.

I'm not sure.
There is nothing stating drum machine usage, that I recall, but it kind of sounds like it.
If not, then Darken is not too bad a skinsman.

Anyway, Graveland's newer stuff is just more epic to these ears.
Though the older material is prime, too.

According to MA's album bio (Will Stronger Than Death), Darken plays the drums as well as everything else.