Album Review: Hail Darkness – Death Divine (Vatican Records)

Hail Darkness, the US-based occult rock trio who blend doom and psychedelia into a unique sound, will release their much-anticipated debut album, ‘Death Divine’, on August 15th, 2024, via their own Vatican Records label.

It’s time to feel a bit wicked, to feel like you’re doing something naughty, and to feel that Hail Darkness are the instigators. Death Divine is delightfully old-school when it comes to occult rock and so much of the impact of this album comes via the fuzzy psyched-up guitars and commanding vocals. Yet, it’s the infusions of hefty doom and trippy groove that helps make this more than just another retro-tribute record. Hail Darkness have their own sound, even if it is made up of many-a-familiar style.

Offering up an expansive soundscape that bristles with trippy intensity, infectious rhythm, and a lovable layer of darkness, the band set the bar high with opening track, Luciferan Dawn. Yet, as enjoyable as this opener is, Hail Darkness surpass it immediately with a level of creative mischief that needs to be heard to be believed. It’s Cult of the Serpent Risen and it’s the perfect summation of what this band can do.

Happily, even if this is an early high point, there are plenty more across the remainder of the album. Tracks with a striking instrumental structure like Hour of the Silent Rite, tracks that push the psych aspects in even wilder directions like Goat of Mendes…Raise the Glass, tracks that are downright dangerous sounding as is the case with Azarak, and tracks that prove unmistakably, that Hail Darkness know how to make this music sound fun, as Eyes White Black Soul shows.

A collection of erratic and electric tracks that showcase the wonderfully evangelical appreciation that Hail Darkness have for the malevolent side of rock and metal. Showcasing plenty of diversity, proving to be incredibly talented, and ensuring every listener comes away with admiration for their creative ways. Death Divine is a really good debut record.

Hail Darkness – Death Divine Track Listing:

1. Luciferan Dawn
2. Cult of the Serpent Risen
3. Hour of the Silent Rite
4. With Horns of a Beast
5. Hail Darkness
6. Goat Of Mendes…Raise the Glass!
7. Coven of the Blackened One
8. Azarak!
9. Eyes White Black Soul
10. See You in Hell

Links

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