I was as surprised as anyone when I head that not only were Darkseed still going, but there was a new album on the way. Quite a few things have changed in the world of these German gothic metallers since my last encounter with them back on 1999’s ‘Give Me Light’, but the numerous line-up changes, including the departure of singer and guitarist Stefan Hertrich, have proven little more than obstacles to be overcome, and overcome them they have. After disbanding in 2006, they reformed in 2008 with former drummer and backing vocalist Harald Winkler taking up mic duties, and ‘Poison Awaits’, Darkseed’s 7th full length album is finally here.
Having long since moved on from their doom origins, Darkseed continue where they left off, traversing the potential minefield of Gothic metal with confidence and aplomb. Opening track ‘Roads’ features some heaving, chugging guitars and Winkler’s assured and powerful vocal puts to rest any concerns over the vocal change. ‘Incinerate’ has a lighter and bouncier feel to it, with a pop metal feel in places, but it is undeniably catchy, with a chorus that tends to stick in the brain for weeks, as I’ve discovered to my delight and frustration. Darkseed use the electronic element in their music to good effect, never overshadowing the heavier aspects, but maintaining good background rhythms and atmosphere, bringing to mind the likes of Gothminister and occasionally The Foreshadowing. It’s on the slower more romantic and ballad heavy tracks such as ‘Seeds of Sorrow’ and ‘Torn To Shatters’, that this album falls down a little, with the almost inevitable and inescapable HIM factor creeping in, which I guess is fine if you like that sort of thing, but if not, be warned…
The likes of ‘All Is Vanity’ and ‘Black Throne’ conjure up memories of London After Midnight and Vendemmian with their 90’s Goth feel, mainly through Harald Winkler’s delivery, and for the most part it’s like a trip down memory lane with songs you’ve never heard before. It’s all good harmless rocking fun while it lasts, but it does get quite samey after a while. I’d say the album is probably 2 tracks too long to completely hold my interest. That being said, there are some outstanding tracks on here, like the energetic and catchy ‘No Promise In The Heavens’ and ‘King In the Sun’, both surely set for future club popularity, and ‘Timeless Skies;’ a slow and brooding track that sounds almost out of place here and instead belonging on a late 90’s Paradise Lost release.
So, has the reunion and the wait been worth it? Well on the strength of ‘Poison Awaits’, I’d say the answer is a resounding yes. It ticks all the boxes, being catchy, memorable, danceable and everything else this kind of music should be, and most of all it remains recognisably Darkseed. Harald Winkler does an excellent job on vocals, better than his predecessor in my opinion, and despite a couple of average tracks it’s a very good listen from start to finish. I think it’s a little overlong for what it is, but for those who disagree, the digipack release features 2 bonus tracks. Welcome back Darkseed, ‘Poison Awaits’ was worth the wait.
http://www.myspace.com/darkseedband
