Without any shadow of a doubt, Darkane is THE most UNDERRATED metal band in Sweden. Hell, maybe even the world. You might laugh at the somewhat preposterous nature of that claim, but when you consider the current profile of some of their fellow countrymen (specifically Soilwork and In Flames) it isn't all that ridiculous a statement. Seriously, ever since the marvellous 1997 debut 'Rusted Angel' Darkane has always delivered a melodic thrash style that defied any attempts of the metal community to lump them in with their 'Gothenburg' contemporaries. And it is that word 'Thrash' that is the difference here. They don't play the usual Swedish metal game folks. Granted, you would have justification in pointing out the likes of 'The Haunted' and 'The Forsaken' as members of the same group. However, I would suggest that Darkane take their thrash element to a whole new modern and thoroughly technical level. With 'Layers of Lies' the long overdue recognition that this band deserves should now come to fruition.
'Layers of Lies' is album number four for Darkane and comes some three years after the slightly more melodic 'Expanding Senses' of 2001. Being three years in the making (prolonged further due to a serious wrist injury to drummer extraordinaire Peter Wildoer), you can be certain that much thought has been ploughed into the overall presentation of this disc. Take a glance at this thing - the artwork, the booklets accompanying lyrics/pictures - the whole box & dice just oozes professionalism and class. But of course, it's the music that counts huh? Be certain, that the fires are simply roaring on that front also.
The most out rightly pleasing aspect about 'Layers of Lies' is its take no prisoners, heads down intensity. It's harsh and evil sounding without a hint of commercial compromise in evidence. No question, this fucker rips; a simply blazing dynamic modern thrash album that captivates from top to bottom. Musically it's a technical take on the thrash aspect - lots are really jagged and assertive rhythmic breaks and dizzying solo passages that have a sort of 'odd-time' feel about them. Both Christofer Malmstr?m and Klas Ideberg display masterful dexterity of their instruments and with the just as incredible drumming of Peter Wildoer providing the backbone, the frenetic nature of 'Layers..' is magnified even further.
Having absorbed the way this new disc hits, one realises that it is actually nothing new. Darkane have always been this sort of band. But if it's just a modern thrash embellishment, then what's the big deal? What's the difference? 'Rusted Angel' had a signature thread running through it. A sinister melodic element wrapped up in a grandiose epic orchestration. It provided Darkane with a more dramatic edge to their sound and certainly made them standout from the pack. The following two albums tempered that feel slightly, however with 'Layers...' it has been given a major overhaul - particularly in the choruses where the band has employed a big, full sounding, 'layered' component that recalls material not unlike Devin Townsend's solo projects. And with one of this genre's more original vocalists (meaning he doesn't growl and he doesn't croon) in Andreas Sydow being given full reign in his execution, Darkane's composition come across with a magnificent air of superiority.
'Layers of Lies' is also an extremely cohesive effort. Rather than relying on a particular element of the bands style, Darkane have been able to keep a tight reign on their component parts, allowing each and every member to do his job without any one ever becoming overbearing. This is a major strength of this album. If you're simply sick and tired of what the Swedish melodic death scene is throwing at you in the current day (save for Dark Tranquillity) and the Slayer-isms of 'The Haunted' has you yawning just a tad, check this monster out. Darkane's time is now due!
- Krozza
(See reviewer's scoring method)
