Metal Underground.com

There’s “epic,” and then there’s “Darkane.” This 5-piece Swedish titan of a band hails from Helsingborg and sports a distinctly Swedish melodic sound. However, this identification with the Swedish melodic metal front does anything but limit the scope of their songwriting. Deriving at times from the intensity of Testament, Megadeth, and classical overtures, Darkane’s latest offering, “Demonic Art,” is an unholy portrait of ferocity, refinement, technicality, and melody.

Right from the onset, “Variations of an Eye Crush” sets up a grand scope for the album, soaring into symphonics. If hell had a soundtrack, “Variations” would be Satan’s entrance music. The string and brass sections laid over melodic lead guitar and powerfully grand drumming make this an unforgettable album intro, much like an orchestral theme to a major motion picture. If “Demonic Art” were a motion picture, it would rank among the epics. Electric guitars end the intro and flow into the frantic drumming of Peter Wildoer to bring in “Leaving Existence,” recalling Darkane’s well-established progressive melodic thrash style.

Throughout the album, a careful attention has been paid to song structure, much like their previous release, “Layers of Lies”. The dual guitarwork of Klas Ideberg and Christofer Malmström creates an oppressively heavy and technical wave of music for Jens Broman’s vocals to ride atop of. Those familiar with prior Darkane lineups will recognize the common stylistic elements of the vocal work and will be surprised at the variation that Broman brings to the fold, as well as the ease with which he pulls off these variations. Broman’s vocal talent, in terms of screams, growls, and fiery melodic singing is very well pronounced, recalling the talents of others like fellow Swedes Christian Älvestam (Scar Symmetry, Miseration, Unmoored) and Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork, Coldseed, Inferior Breed).

Musically, “Demonic Art” both covers and paves much ground, boasting memorable melodic choruses, furious bursts of death and thrash metal, and heavy-as-balls passages, personified well in the seventh song, “Demigod.” This recalls the heaviness of Pantera and Behemoth, while adding grand technicality and an epic classical feel. Lyrically, much of the album is geared toward the introspective mind, aspects of character, and the human psyche.