« Inferno »
Wolfblood Productions
2013
Beginning their career with their “Depression” demo in 1992, Austria’s DARKSIDE have steadily released albums straddling the thin line between melodic and symphonic Death Metal culminating in this year’s “Inferno”! Focused on the true events concerning Madeleine de la Palud, a seventeenth century nun accused of witchcraft and demonic possession during France’s own “Inquisition”, the album is steeped in dramatic flair, both conceptually and musically.
“Black Halls of Infancy” secures the album’s overall leanings towards mid-paced rhythms and also encapsulates unique flamenco flourishes, which nicely show the band’s willingness to expand their sound beyond the borders of typical Death Metal standards. Even though DARKSIDE dance around mid-90’s Swedish crunch, songs like “Baptized in Fire”, “Blood of Golgotha” and the title track, “Inferno”, all reveal added predilections to outside influences. Instrumental, “Madeleine”, for instance, begins with a beautifully eerie acoustic intro. awash with background keys before heading into Yngwie Malmsteen type solo territory.
DARKSIDE certainly know how to construct soulful tunes that tell a story all the while creating a certain mood. “Inferno” isn’t fast or “blasting”, save for “Aix 666” which is properly harrowing in its fury. In fact, the tempo doesn’t necessarily change all that much throughout, which could be considered detrimental to the album as it boasts a lengthy playtime (there are total of 19 songs and one bonus track). However, occasional instrumentals (some orchestral) are sprinkled throughout and break the pace allowing for a very cinematic experience to be had. Retelling a detailed story can be a challenge when set to music, but “Inferno” does a good job of pacing the drama. Dreary, threatening numbers abound here, complete with hooky guitar solos that cascade over crunchy riffs as the narrative is explored, particularly through “Malleus Maleficarum” and “Where No Life Dwells”.
Indeed, one may need ample time and patience to appreciate the album’s length and subtle nuances, but like an epic historical film, DARKSIDE’s, “Inferno” should act as an ambassador for epic storytelling. Though, not overly caustic or furious, the cuts herein do find appreciation in their knack for catchy rhythms and infectious leads. The ugly truth about history can sometimes inspire an artist to interpret events accordingly or find the beauty in its darkness, which is what the Austrians have done here…
Standout Tracks: “Madeleine”, “Inferno”, “Blood of Golgotha”, “Aix 666”, “Malleus Maleficarum”, “The Burning II”, “Where No Life Dwells”
8.5/10
Chris
