LA rockers The Dark released their self-titled debut EP through Arising Empire on February 21.
The EP opens with an oriental-sounding opening synth before an industrial drum and bass line comes in for lead single Chemicals. It has a djenty feel during the verses but i really enjoy the transition from smooth, calming vocals to the brutal screams.
Head of the Snake is the stand out for me. It’s the one that got me bopping along and the lyrics are genius, particularly “Not one to count my crows
Birds of a feather
Left me in the cold
Your word is a weapon
Destroy me”
I also love the delivery in Circles, particularly with “Tell me what you want
And let me go until I’m numb
I’ve been twisting up my tongue”.
The riff in In Heaven There’s Nothing to See is absolutely sick. I love the heaviness throughout the track too.
The EP creates an enthralling atmosphere with the synths and calming vocals and adds a layer with the harsher cleans and screams to accentuate the relevant lyrics. The 90s influences of the likes of Nine Inch Nails and White Zombie are clear in the EP but it’s also modernised to create a wholly new and in my opinion better sound.
I’m in love with Craig Johns Jr.’s vocal range throughout the EP and I think the bassline is the strongest part as it’s a slapper throughout.
It’s a really strong debut EP and I can’t wait to hear more.