The Dark - Hostile Gospel
Released; 31st October 2020
Review by; DeeDee
I recently had the pleasure of seeing The Dark perform in Southampton at the 1865. Not knowing much about them beforehand, I was taken aback by their incredible stage presence and theatrical approach. Fronted by former L.A resident Brandon Ashley, they portray themselves very much in the same vein as Marilyn Manson, The Damned and those of the Goth horror genre. Although it was a short set of only about 6 songs, I watched stricken in absolute awe. So it didn’t take much convincing to review the new album, Hostile Gospel, which came out on October 31st.
The album cracks open with ‘Where’s Your God?’ a spine chilling and majestic piece. With Brandon’s evocative vocals purring away and the low guitar giving it a sense of morbid charm, it’s an inspiring start. The next track ‘Hollywood Grindhouse’ is the nearest I’ve heard to ‘Manson’ for a while. It certainly does grind as it pumps along in all its glory and it’s so addictive with its ghoulish vocals and choppy rhythm. ’Superficial Love’ is more penetrating, the tempo is slower and you can’t help but adore the way it slithers along like a devilish snake. The same with ’Savior’ it teases you, dragging you down a descending and winding path, until the uplifting guitar riff enters and eats into your flesh. The oddly titled ‘My Best Friend Killed Me’ must be spoken by a spectre, describing the past event that ended its time among the living. Deep lyrics add more subtle evilness and you get a taste of how Brandon’s range can sink to the most bottomless of pits, absolutely entrancing.
The eponymous track is a haunting of immense tension. Strident and having a forceful pace, it eventually breaks into a sombre masquerade, hiding the true feeling of despair beneath levels of almost orchestral magnitude. ‘Devils Appeal’ lightens the mood slightly before ‘Berlin’ fires up. More rapid and upbeat, it takes us out of the mire, to cavort with fresh hope. The band make full use of added commentary to introduce ‘They Stole My Anarchy’ to give it some lasting grace. An angry lament of a song, only veering off-course with the shrieking of a distant guitar. ‘Last Laugh’ carries on with the exceptional soul breaking and despondent theme, then the last number ‘Dead Politics’ rises out of its grave, to bring ‘Hostile Gospel’ to a rewarding finish. Loads of sleek and torturous edginess, the finale is definite and precise.
One of the most engaging bands to emerge out of this year’s pestilence, The Dark may not be totally unique in their style, but the overall finish and pristine level of their repertoire is certainly worth waiting for when society awakes. So in the meantime grab a copy of Hostile Gospel and delve into the underworld of Brighton’s most beguiling band.
4/5
Find out more about THE DARK on the links below;
https://www.thedarkofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/thedarkofficial
https://www.instagram.com/thedark.official/
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