DARKSIDE

Evolution

HELLSPAWN / Belgium

Nico De Vreese

After their bit disappointing second full length album „Shadowfields“ the Austrian quartet Darkside is
back with a third album. Even after listening once it soon becomes clear that the predecessor is easily
passed by. Because besides a better production „Evolution“ also offers stronger songs. The songs are
still complex here and there, but still they're easy to listen to here. Mainly because of the cool, 
trashy grooves with which their music is enriched. And then I'd almost forget the great keyboard 
passages, because Darkside shows that this instrument can serve more purposes than just an atmospheric
instrument. On the crazy instrumental „Pink Frog – Cold Smoke“ you can witness Darkside goes Voivod.
Indeed, the men can't be underestimated technically. But they have proven this live on more occasions.
Also the grunt of guitarist/vocalist Peter Durst comes out better on „Evolution“. Whoever gets a kick
from a extremely successfull combination of thrash/death with a doomy atmosphere here and there, 
shouldn't let „Evolution“ pass them by. I hope „Evolution“ is just a preview of what can/will come and 
maybe the next album will become a merciless bomb. I hope it is.