DARKFALL, which has been active for two decades, have achieved a true quantum leap in songwriting, sound and variety with their new work At The End Of Times. A firework of ideas unleashes one bullet after another – and despite the more complex orientation, the songs are always gripping and striking.
The symphonic additions enrich the highly melodic neck breakers such as the opener Ride Through The Sky, and DARKFALL also find the right mélange between fast parts and discreetly inserted massive grooves. The band also offers a more technically different approach (playful drums, phonetic riffs) and harsh, nasty singing. They show a different, uninhibited and scratchy, frantic, pulsating side of the music. In between, The Way Of Victory holds a catchy chorus and the rhythmic drums invite to raise the fists and to bang heads.
Deathcult Debauchery is an absolute highlight, with flamboyant guitars, an irresistible chorus, and the rhythm that everyone has to follow, forming an unholy alliance. In addition to surprisingly uncomfortable guitars, the unusual ending cares for a light-bulb-effect. Ashes Of Dead Gods strikes a little one-dimensionally, until a doomed break leads the mood into a more menacing direction; symphonic offshoots with deep growls and playful riffage vents result in an explosive but elusive mixture. The German track Blutgott with singing lead guitars is much catchier. Here, the quintet pounds its way to the again well-done refrain, before a female voice adds a so far unknown facet to the sound picture and the rhythm is already almost danceable. Afterwards, the musicians show up in experimental style at the sinister crusher Ash Nazg - One Ring, which does not completely ignite me, despite its good ideas. The conclusion with the new recording of the oldie Land Of No Return is however again fulminant: gripping rhythms, a loose-flaky keyboard melody and a refrain, which remains in my memory. DARKFALL hurt your neck muscles with violent riffs, so that there is nothing left to be desired.
DARKFALL oscillate between melodic grip and rhythmic tactility on their new album. They perform the feat of sounding technically demanding as well as enthrallingly catchy - At the End Of Times is a quality step forward!