Darkest Hour [Import]

Darkest Hour [Import]

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Cursed

2. Need to Kill

3. Wolverine

4. I'm Paralysed

5. Crucified

6. Into the Fire

7. Riddle of Steel

8. Shadow King

9. Kissing the Beast

10. Even in Heaven

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Angel Dust

2. Hell Bent for Leather [Live]

3. Teacher's Pet [Live]

4. Prime Evil

5. Harder Than Ever

6. In Nomine Satanas

7. Black Metal

8. Flatline

9. Blackened Are the Priests [Live]

10. Carnivorous [Live]

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
This 29 track album contains tracks from the different stages of their ongoing career. Eagle Records. 2002.

Tracks:

Doomsayer (The Beginning Of The End)
Sanctuary
Demon(s)
An Ethereal Drain
A Paradox With Flies
The Light At The Edge Of The World
Stand And Receive Your Judgement
Tunguska
Fire In The Skies
Full Imperial Collapse
Deliver Us

Customer Reviews:

Good overall CD, with some issues.......2007-07-29

After 2005's astonishing Undoing Ruin, Darkest Hour had a lot to live up to with this album. Rather than doing a rehash of UR, it seems as though they tried out some new stuff on this album in an effort to expand their sound. Overall, they come out ahead, but there are also a few missteps present.

My main problem with the album is the usage of clean vocals. While clean were used (albeit more sparingly) on Undoing Ruin, they aren't done nearly as tastefully on this album. An example of this is on the second track, "Sanctuary," where clean vocals are used in a very random part of the song. This isn't to say all usage of clean vocals is bad (the choruses of lead single "Demon(s)" and "A Paradox With Flies" are actually quite catchy) it's just that it feels like they use clean vocals randomly, without regard for the effect they have on the song. "Tunguska," in particular, would have been a better song if they had just screamed the chorus.

Another qualm I have with this album is that it lacks the frantic, heavy edge previous albums had. It feels like John Henry slowed down his vocal pace in this album. While this does make the lyrics more coherent, few of these songs feel as fast or thrashy as songs on previous albums. Because of this, this album lacks the quick, memorable guitar riffs of past CDs. There are exceptions, however, as the title track illustrates, which starts off with a great riff and just builds into an amazing song from there.

With all the negatives out of the way, I must say that this is still a pretty good CD. Despite the changes, there are still plenty of songs on here that are sure to please fans of the previous albums, such as the opener "Doomsayer", "Fire In The Skies", and the closing title track, which in my opinion is one of the best songs they have ever done. Songs like "Demon(s)" and "A Paradox With Flies" use the clean vocals quite well, while others like "Tunguska" seem to perfectly blend their old and new styles, with a quick pace and an epic feel. The guitar riffs may not be as memorable, but the guitars just feel a lot more epic on this album. In addition, the solos have improved quite a bit.

Overall, this isn't a bad album at all. It feels like with Deliver Us, Darkest Hour was trying to appeal to more people, while still pleasing their hardcore fans. In that respect, they succeed, as there are some truly killer tracks here. However, I just can't shake the feeling that for every good song on here, there's one I don't really care for. If you're just getting into this band, this would be a good place to start, and if you're a returning fan, I doubt you'll be dissapointed.

Believe Me, It's Still Darkest Hour.......2007-07-25

Darkest Hour's fifth full-length, "Deliver Us", is yet another strong album by this band. Devin Townsend did a nice job producing this album, I must say, but let's get to the music.

"Deliver Us" is a melodic metal album that shows definite progression for the band. The guitars give out more of an epic feel, but are still very similar in the vein of their previous days. John Henry still stands out as a vocalist, and even with singing vocals (which he uses sparingly), he's still intense and stands out well. The best element of "Deliver Us" is the guitar work. Tracks such as "An Ethereal Drain" and "Doomsayer" demonstrate the excellence of guitarists Kris Norris and Mike Scheliebaum that they still carry on. "Stand and Receive Your Judgment" and "Sanctuary" are songs that won't disappoint for those who liked their more speed-oriented "Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation" days. "Demon(s)", the first single, has a catchy chorus and guitar riff. "Tunguska" is a perfect example of a more "epic" track. This CD is able to keep its variety, yet it doesn't disappoint.

Check this out if you're into melodic metal. If you're a Darkest Hour fan, you may notice the change, but listen to it a few times and it'll grow on you. Darkest Hour has progressed well during their years as a band, and "Deliver Us" is proof.

DH has yet to dissapoint me........2007-07-24

I commend Darkest Hour for growing on every album while still maintaining a signature sound of harsh screams and thrashy-melodic guitar work. Some more clean vocals have been added to the mix, less as an experiment this time around than on Undoing Ruin. While some reviewers here complain about this new addition, I feel that they are blended seamlessly into the mix and actually add more intensity to the overall effect. While some bands seem to be making huge changes on their latest albums (Poison The Well, Slipknot), DH has managed to change just enough to keep each album unique without disappointing their fans with a complete overhaul. I feel that this is probably the best album to date (although Mark of Judas will probably always be my favorite). In fact, this is one of the better metal albums I've heard this year.

Horrible........2007-07-24

This CD is horrible, it sickens me to witness people enjoying it. If you were expecting the guitar genius of Sound the Surrender, turn the other way.

The watered-down, generalized singing makes the CD almost unbearable, while the EXTREMELY predictable guitar solos and breakdowns make it downright disappointing.

Also, Darkest Hour sucks live. Sorry guys.

Listen to some Sleep Terror instead. The word most accurately describing this album is "predictable."

Another strong album. Definitely worth buying........2007-07-16

This is Darkest Hour's second album produced by Devin Townsend. He did an amazing job with the experimentation of "Undoing Ruin". What they learned working together on that album really comes out in "Deliver Us". Its almost a masterpiece. The guitar playing stands out the most. Townsend really focused on Kris Norris and Mike Scheliebaum. Amazing solos are all over the place. The drumming and bass is as expected of Darkest Hour -excellent time changes. Together they pulled off an atmosphere that will make this a classic metal album.
Now here is where musicianship comes in. Darkest Hour has grown a lot since "So Sedated.." and they are able to pull off a more epic sound. John Henry had to EVOLVE his vocals to fit. His screams and growls still dominate the album. He has only added another element to his vocals. Kinda like what Matt Heafy had to do with Trivium when they put out the Crusade, except not nearly as extreme.
__________________________________
IN RESPONSE TO OTHER REVIEWS:

There are always those "original" fans that cling on to the old school and reject the new. Yet they fail to make any comparisons between the two sounds. Darkest Hour has been playing this style of metal since they were kids. "Deliver Us" is a progression of that style -the band did not take on a new sound. If I did not follow this band I would assume that "Deliver Us" came before "Undoing Ruin", as it actually ties "..Sadist Nation" and "Undoing Ruin" together. If you loved either one of those albums then you will like this one.

When I first listened to the album and the song Demons came on i thought "what? is john trying to sing?". I was really bored by the chorus on that track. The assumption by the so-called old schoolers is that Darkest Hour is selling out, going main stream, blah blah whine poop mommy whyyyy -But if they were a little more opened minded about the new album instead of expecting the band cover something that was already done ten years ago, they would realize that John is only syncing himself in with the atmosphere Townsend was trying to create. And despite watering down the track Demons, he did an excellent job on the rest of the album. There are parts where growling just would not work. The track A Paradox With Flies is a good example of this.
__________________________________

Stand And Receive Your Judgment is the strongest track on this album for those who like the earlier stuff.
Tungusta is the best example of their evolution for those who were more in to their last two albums.
Five stars. Buy this album. See you at Sounds of the Underground.

Average customer rating:

remaster
Nox Arcana keeps getting better
A Stunning Debut!
Nox Arcana: The project that truly represents Halloween and for people who simply love classical-oriented Gothic instrumentals
A well-woven dark tale

Darklore Manor
Nox Arcana
Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Halloween | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Necronomicon
Transylvania
Winter's Knight
The 13th Hour
Carnival Of Lost Souls

ASIN: B0006OHMRY
Release Date: 2004-03-20

Tracks:

Legend
Darklore Manor
Threshold Of The Dead
Trespassers
Veil Of Darkness
Sanctuary Of Shadows
The Grande Hall
Remnants
Phantom Procession
Belladonna
Nursery Rhyme
Music Box
The Forgotten
Nightmare
No Rest For The Wicked
Omen
Seance
Beyond Midnight
Darkness Immortal
Incantation
Resurrected

Album Description

Enter Darklore Manor, where creatures of the night lurk in shadows and ghostly sounds echo through unhallowed halls. Nox Arcana invites you to embark on a musical journey throughout a legendary haunted mansion with a dark and sinister history. This gothic soundscape contains 21 tracks of haunting melodies, eerie voices, Latin chants, and foreboding orchestrations to create a perfect dark and moody atmosphere.

Customer Reviews:

remaster.......2007-05-25

the remastered version is were its at. it actualy sounds eerie.

Nox Arcana keeps getting better.......2007-05-12

They are the best at what they do and this CD is just one more example. You cannot go wrong with any Nox Arcana CD

A Stunning Debut!.......2007-04-17

Nox Arcana's debut CD Darklore Manor is a stunning, chilling instrumental concept album that could easily serve as the soundtrack for a classic haunted house film. Very few debut CDs have the amazing musicianship and technical virtuosity that Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski exhibit on this album. There are unforgettable, elegant piano-dominated melodies like "Veil of Darkness," as well as sinister organ pieces, moody harpsichord songs and elaborate, stirring orchestral set pieces that demonstrate an instinctive mastery of composition and melody. The entire gamut of Gothic music is presented here, and woven throughout the CD's 21 tracks are ghostly sound effects, chilling choirs and eerie narrations, all of which contribute to a mesmerizing musical tapestry. The CD's highlight may be "The Forgotten" - a beautiful, moving piano elegy that you will never forget. Many musicians strive their whole careers for an album this accomplished. The beautifully designed CD booklet by Joseph Vargo and Christine Filipak is another delight - this is an album that shows a rare attention to detail, from the packaging to the mixing. Highly recommended.

Nox Arcana: The project that truly represents Halloween and for people who simply love classical-oriented Gothic instrumentals.......2007-04-09

I was told, by a mysterious voice in the night, that I should seek Nox Arcana and await further instructions. But it all began years ago with the discovery of the Midnight Syndicate. So, I did the obvious and entered "Midnight Syndicate" in my computer search engine, and the lone website introduced itself to me. All went dark and quiet, and the room got cold, and I could see my breath as I panted in fear, and I heard laughter amongst terrifying screams, but yet, I was alone. This was only my introduction to the Midnight Syndicate and soon to follow was the birth of something even better, the nightmareish apparitions of Nox Arcana. I was compelled to bring Nox Arcana into my world, and so I've been in the dark ever since. But, then again, it became a blissful absence from the norm. Although, Halloween is never really mentioned with any of the Nox Arcana CD's, it does seem that everyday is Halloween in my world, and for the past four years, I've always feared that I've sold my soul somehow. I believe that I sacrificed my soul the day I got out my credit card and asked the cyber spirits to bring my first Nox Arcana CD into my home. It was this CD: "Darklore Manor"

Something became different about me. My very presence wasn't acknowledged in any normal way anymore. Was I being ignored, or am I even in the room at all? Something just wasn't right. I've had days that I've stared into the mirror, but somehow, I wasn't there. When I speak to strangers in the street, I don't think that they even acknowledge me. I speak with just a small hiss of words, and people respond as if they've just been pushed by a cold wind. My loved ones speak of me, as if I've departed from this world, but yet, I am in the room. Only when I laugh, do people respond as if they've heard something. They cuddle together, in fear of their safety, and cry out my name, in a past tense, as if I am torturing them. This wasn't fun anymore. It wasn't fun, THEN, anyway.

I wander aimlessly, finally coming to terms with this apparition that I have become. My only consolation, deep into the night, is to take some of my Nox Arcana CD's and my mini-CD player, to the cemetery and lay against a tombstone, and watch the wind swirl up the leaves in a satanic dance before my eyes, while the music plays and eats away at my scruples of logic. I feel a cold embrace of many condemned angels who've cast off all their inhibitions and indulged in lustful passion upon my defenseless mortal flesh. I am consumed into their ritual with reckless abandon. Returning to reality is all nonsense now. My only fear, is that the batteries in my CD player will weaken and diminish this clash of passion of my psychological pleasure and terror.

I am so glad that Nox Arcana has entered my once typical, pop culture world. However, I feel now, that if I should ever die, I may not know the difference. I've been enjoying this nocturnal bliss for a couple of years now and there's no going back. I walk this world in a cold absence where I question if my presence is perceived at all.

If you'd like to share in this experience with me, start off with this CD of "Darklore Manor". Then get "Necronomicon", "Winter's Knight", "Transylvania", "Carnival of Lost Souls", and their latest (as of 2007) called "Blood of the Dragon".

This music is not heavy metal. It's not satanic music. It's just a mix of classically-influenced instrumentals with various snippets of dark poetry and ghastly effects. You'll hear tormented screams, deathly bell tolls, sinister laughter, grandfather clocks, howling winds, and other little clever effects with piano, organ, and harpsichord, supported by rich strings and a mellotron sound, that promote a uniquely beautiful, but yet, horrifying terror that may claim your soul. It's a small sacrifice for the sake of a dark happiness.

Alas, here's one more way that I have benefited from the music of Nox Arcana. By listening to these CD's through headphones at the cemetery, alone, late at night, in the cold dark, there is a terror that I've experienced that has actually helped me lose weight. To be so terrified that my heart pulsated so intensely that I feared my heart would just burst! That, and the accidental soiling of myself, helped me lose about three pounds. Who would have thought that terror could promote weight loss?

So, if it's dark and disturbing, it has a place in my heart.

A well-woven dark tale.......2007-02-22

Though a bit more specific and talky than the Midnight Syndicate CDs (which was my first venture into this kind of atmospheric music), I found Nox Arcana's Darklore Manor to be quite creepy. It tells a story of an house under a curse, and the strange happenings therein. While it leaves less to the imagination than Midnight Syndicate's 13th Hour, it has plenty of frightening tracks for your next horror gaming session or Halloween party.

Average customer rating:

Sissy gothencore
Easily one of the best metal albums of 2005
The perfect band for the metalcore/hardcore genre.
Ok album, WAY overhyped.
Darkest Hour's finest (hour)

Undoing Ruin
Darkest Hour
Manufacturer: Victory Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Miasma
Alaska
The Oncoming Storm
This Darkened Heart
Shadows Are Security

ASIN: B0009OUAIE
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

With a Thousand Words to Say But One
Convalescence
This Will Outlive Us
Sound The Surrender
Pathos
Low
Ethos
District Divided
These Fevered Times
Paradise
Tranquil

Customer Reviews:

Sissy gothencore.......2007-07-05

Dont get this confused with good melodeath. You'll never find good melodeath from America, EVER (except Arsis). It always ends up sounding too much like Killswitch Engage. And that holds true to this.

ZOMG THIS AWESUM STUFF D00D!!!11 The guy said in the record store. But, I already knew who these guys were. So I got to sample the clerks copy. Man, was this stuff generic. And I know, melodeath isnt exactly the most groundbreaking stuff, but play 20 diffrent songs from 20 diffrent good melodeath bands and I could tell you who they were. I had to ask the clerk ten times to make sure I wasnt listening to Unearth, Killswitch Engage, All that Remains, or the Black Dahlia. And to be frank, who cares.

This is audio feces.

Easily one of the best metal albums of 2005.......2006-08-11

Get this album along with Black Dahlia Murder's "Miasma", and you've got the best one-two punch of 2005. Undoing Ruin is flippin' sweet. Darkest Hour decided to let the metal fly, and scaled back their punk and Gothenburg influences just enough to create the perfect cocktail of epic sounds. Instead of dwelling too long on their ideas, they get in, do their job, and get out (their last album was twice as long). The melody finally shines through enough to give their songs room to breathe. And by the way, "These Fevered Times" is worth the price alone. And dude's vocals are sick, one of the most demonic voices in metal today.

The perfect band for the metalcore/hardcore genre........2006-07-31

This is just perfect metalcore that flat out rocks. The metal bands who are in the victory records act (Between The Buried And Me, Atreyu, A Perfect Murder, Bury Your Dead, Darkest Hour and more) help show what metal and hardcore is. Darkest Hour being one of them they prove themselves to be useful in the metalcore part of music. What proves this is their album. The one reviewed. "With A Thousand Words to Say but One," "Convelescence," "Sound the Surrender," "Low." With songs like these and the rest of the album Darkest Hour has been proven perfect for metalcore/hardcore scene along with their other metal labelmates. A breathtaking album that is a must have for any metalcore/hardcore fan.

Ok album, WAY overhyped........2006-06-16

Cannot believe how badly this album and this band is hyped by the metalcore kids. I listened to the album, and admittedly, they have some talent and the solos are nice, but the riffing is standard metalcore. "Sound the Surrender" is the perfect example. The main riff has been used in 10+ songs by other bands I kid you not, As I Lay Dying being one of them. I don't understand why metalcore bands all use the same 5 notes for every riff. There are more notes than those on the neck guys, diversify a bit.

Vocals are also a bit of a turn off. Sounds like Thrice vocals, feels more punk than metal. Darkest Hour basically feels like Thrice tuned down a notch with solos. The drums snare is too weak sounding as well, not enough strength in them, also adding to the punk sound.

The positives far outweigh the negatives so I rate this a 3.5, and NO this is not the best release of 2005. There are countless better albums, and those saying this is the album of the decade need to listen to more music because it is not even close.

Darkest Hour's finest (hour).......2006-05-12

Even though Darkest Hour are one of now many bands to play hardcore influenced thrash, don't get them confused with the legions of imitators in the current New Wave Of American Heavy Metal genre. For one, Darkest Hour artfully blend in some death metal which is akin to legendary groups like At The Gates and In Flames. Secondly, and most importantly, DH are one of metalcore's originals and true innovators. Sure, John Henry's vocals now sound a bit familiar (they may remind you of the last Chimaira album), but Darkest Hour debuted in 1996, so they were one of the first bands on the metalcore scene.

The band's fourth full length record, "Undoing Ruin," which was produced by Strapping Young Lad's Devin Townsend in 2005, continues on the band's growing legacy. The aforementioned imitators (you know who you are!) should definitely take notes when listening to this disc because, simply put, this is metalcore done right! It's surely one of 2005's best metal releases.

Darkest Hour also stand above most of the playing field because they're efficient at incorporating two other things (aside from Swedish death metal). Guitarists Mike Schleibaum and Kris Norris are more than capable of unleashing a few memorable, infectious solos (tracks two and three wail and ascend gently, and "Sound The Surrender" features a solo which sounds like it could be from an arpeggio guitar or a keyboard.) Next, Darkest Hour also have the musical abilities, knowhow, and songwriting skills to fuse melody into the mix without resorting to predictable, cliche, soaring choruses.. "Pathos," which is a pretty, Killswitch Engage-esque acoustic interlude, and the slower, instrumental "Ethos," are both very tuneful songs, but they don't water down the album's overall momentum or sonic fury.

However, on the flip side, Darkest Hour prove they can still very much compete with the heavyweights. And this is one of the few modern metal bands which is capable of being intense without filling every song with boatloads of breakdowns, Cookie Monster vocals, and double bass drumming. Rather, "Undoing Ruin" is a very satisfying listen which flows as smoothly and consistently as milk. John's visceral, blood-stained yells spill like venom over fiery, blistering riffs, strong, propulsive leads, and quick, thumping drums on such catchy slabs of aggression as "This Will Outlive Us," "Sound The Surrender," "Low," and "District Divided."

So, whether opting for either end of the heavy scale, "Undoing Ruin" proves that this Washington-based five-piece are not only a notch above the competition, they are (and should be) one of the standards for which nearly every other modern metal band is judged. Thus, if you're a fan of hardcore and/or heavy metal, don't forget about Darkest Hour. This isn't just another metalcore band; this is the real deal.

Average customer rating:

Metal!!!

So Sedated So Secure (Reis)
Darkest Hour
Manufacturer: Victory Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Undoing Ruin
The Mark of the Judas
Archives
Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation
Darkest Hour: Prophecy Fulfilled

ASIN: B000EBCEFO
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Tracks:

An Epitaph
So Sedated, So Secure
The Holow
Another Reason
No Closer Than A Stranger
A Cold Kiss
Treason In Trust
The Last Dance Massacre
Police Brutality
Be Forewarned
Go Back To The Gym

Customer Reviews:

Metal!!!.......2006-09-01

For those who dont know this album has bonus tracks.

Track Listing:
01. An Epitaph
02. So Sedated, So Secure
03. The Hollow
04. Another Reason
05. No Closer Than A Stranger
06. A Cold Kiss
07. Treason In Trust
08. The Last Dance Massacre

Bonus Tracks:
09. Be Forwarned (Pentagram Cover)
10. Go Back To The Gym (Battery Cover)
11. Bear Hunting USA (2001 Version)
12. Bear Hunting USA (2006 Version)
13. My Guitar, Estaban

Ok, so if your cd does not have 13 tracks on the cd (the cover only shows 10 tracks) when playing it i would ask for a refund or exchange. For those who are selling the cd make sure its the reissue & not the original one.

Now on to the review, this cd is awesome!! Its better then most hardcore out there today & if your looking for something similar to Unearth or Dead To Fall this is the band! I really got into them when they debuted thier album 'Undoing Ruin' so i knew i had to get the other albums. They're probablly not as great as Undoin Ruin but these albums definatly deliver the sound you want! And this reissue of the original 2001 album has bonus tracks as well.. most of the time they're not that great but getting the bonus stuff on this cd is worth it.

Average customer rating:

it's ok....
Golden
Amazing
I dont know why
I've been punched in the face.......

Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation
Darkest Hour
Manufacturer: Victory Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Undoing Ruin
So Sedated, So Secure
So Sedated So Secure (Reis)
The Mark of the Judas
Darkest Hour Party Scars and Prison Bars

ASIN: B000095J2D
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

The Sadist Nation
Pay Phones And Pills
Oklahoma
Marching To The Killing Rhythm
The Misinformation Age
Seven Day Life
Accesible Losses
The Patriot Virus
Veritas, Aequitas

Album Description

Hailing from Washington, DC, DARKEST HOUR are ready to grab the metal world by the throat with their sophomore effort for Victory Records,?Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation?. DARKEST HOUR have always written Swedish-influenced thrash metal - this time around, DARKEST HOUR headed straight to the source, Studio Fredman (Gothenburg, Sweden). DARKEST HOUR mix aggressive, brutal hardcore and conventional power/Swedish metal song structures influenced by bands such as At the Gates, In Flames, Dismember and Iron Maiden. DARKEST HOUR prove that they are one of the most brilliant and distinct bands in the extreme hard rock genre. THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT U.S. METAL ALBUMS OF THE YEAR.

Customer Reviews:

it's ok...........2006-12-28

this is a pretty good record. i play guitar and i heard these guys have "crazy guitar work" so i picked it up. i gave it a few listens, and although it's really fast it's not that technical. the songs are all good songs though for just like straight up "thrash metal" i guess you could call it. it's like killswitch engage but actually good, and they keep it heavy throughout the cd. if you were into city of the catepillar, and you think because these guys have members that they'll sound like cotc you're wrong, but if you're into slayer, maiden, or just fast metal in general you'll probably be into this band/album.

Golden.......2006-07-12

Darkest Hour is great Gothenburg-influenced melodic metal that gets the blood rushing and leaves the listener pleased. They're not like every other metalcore band these days. Hell, they really ain't "metalcore". They tend to lay off the breakdowns and focus more on speed and melody. More thrash, less "core".

Recommended.

Amazing.......2006-01-06

Wow...what can I say. This album is amazing. The first Darkest Hour CD that I bought was Undoing Ruin, which I thought was pretty damn good. So then I went and bought their older CD, Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation. Holy crap do I love this CD. It really doesn't sound much like Undoing Ruin actually, but I like it better.
Hidden Hands is a WHOLE HOUR of pure thrashcore energy. I was amazed that each song is four or more minutes long -- none of it is filler either. Each and every song has so much energy behind it, I don't know how the band memebers are able to pull it off without dying of exhaustion. I die of exhaustion every time I hear "Oklahoma". Whenever I hear that song, I can't help but just bang my head to the full four minutes of it.
While Undoing Ruin is great on record, Hidden Hands also captures the essence of a live show.

I dont know why.......2005-06-26

I just cant seem to want to listen to it. Its good music and all but I never want to listen to it. If you like darkest hours other stuff you should get this.

I've been punched in the face..............2005-06-18

.... by the metal gods Darkest Hour. And I love every minute of it!!! This has instantly vaulted its way right up the list of my favorite melodic death albums and has a permanent position behind At The Gates SOTS. Hell, this is the closest sounding thing I've probably ever heard to that album anyway. Some people had originally told me that this is a metalcore band, but unless the other Gothenburg bands are metalcore, then these people are dead wrong. This album is so punishing, it is difficult to listen to without flipping out. The drums are beyond insane, blindingly fast and precise. The vocals are brutal, very acidic, and just plain awesome. The guitar riffs shred mercilessly, but have a gentle touch due to the melodic tones. Every song is a winner, but the epic Accessible Losses and Pay Phones & Pills stand out the most. Go buy, a must have for any melodeath collection.

Average customer rating:

Darkest Hour rules
Essential elements!
One of the best by far
Uh huh.
rock!

So Sedated, So Secure
Darkest Hour
Manufacturer: Victory Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

The Mark of the Judas
Undoing Ruin
Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation
Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation
Darkest Hour: Prophecy Fulfilled

ASIN: B00005MLVS
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

An Epitaph
So Sedated, So Secure
The Hollow
Another Reason
No Closer Than A Stranger
A Cold Kiss
Treason In Trust
The Last Dance Massacre

Album Description

“So Sedated, So Secure” is DARKEST HOUR's third and most destructive album continuing in their spirit of misery and frustration. For over 6 years, DARKEST HOUR has proven that they are one of the most brilliant and distinct bands in the extreme hard rock genre. They are unafraid to use a variety of musical weapons to paint their sordid stories including death/thrash guitar riffing, rumbling bass and ballistic styled percussion. The ferocious blend of brutal riffs and exorcising screams has an underlying hint of melodic brutality that stays undeniably extreme yet memorably listenable. Conventional power metal song structures ala classic Iron Maiden and Judas Priest constitute a subtle, permeating influence in many of their songs without leaving behind the band's aggressive hardcore upbringings.

Hailing from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, DARKEST HOUR brings back memories of the Gothenberg sound of the mid-90's. The band plans to be on the road non-stop throughout 2001 and 2002. This will be one of the most talked about US Metal albums of the year.

Customer Reviews:

Darkest Hour rules.......2005-05-10

These guys play an excellent type of metalcore, minus the wimpy emo vocals and the breakdowns. This is more like total full on Swedish metal a-la At the Gates. If you haven't heard Darkest Hour you dont know what you're missing. Anyways, this is their second best CD behind Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation. If you like melodic death metal, or if you want a real quality metalcore band you can't go wrong here. Also, be sure to check out there new album out in the summer of 2005, it promises to be one of the best in the genre, and genre defining.

Essential elements!.......2004-09-01

I got this cd for my birthday a while back, and OH MAN is it awsome, DH is a excellent combination of punk/thrash/hardcore/and death metal.You must buy this album no matter what it takes, everything on this album is amazing. A very unique hxc band, awsome underground

One of the best by far.......2003-09-13

ok here it goes Darkest Hour straight up destroys hardcore in every way and makes it so much more than it used to be...i bought So Sedated, So Secure before the other 2 and i havent been the same since...the vocals are awesome the double bass drums make you think you are going to war with demons and the breakdowns leave you wondering how music evolved into something so beautiful and yet so very brutal...buy this cd and their other 2 its definitely worth it

Uh huh........2003-04-04

Darkest hour's "so sedated so secure" is an intense yet calm album that i have ever heard! I realy do enjoy every track here and they are all original and the vocals are so good ! I love picking personal fav tracks and that is ? The title track "so sedated so secure" realy awsome melodic/brutal riffs all together... It works realy great! All i can say is... Buy it! C ya !

rock!.......2003-01-26

This cd is amazing. Darkest Hour blows my mind. It is one of my favorite bands by far. Just a great CD.

Average customer rating:

Good hardcore music

Archives
Darkest Hour
Manufacturer: A-F Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Undoing Ruin
So Sedated So Secure (Reis)
Darkest Hour Party Scars and Prison Bars
The Failure In Drowning
Deliver Us

ASIN: B000HKDEEM
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Choir of the Propechy Fulfilled
Reflections of Ruin
Broken Wings, Pt. 1
This Side of the Nightmare
This Curse
Coad XIII
This Side of the Nightmare [Alternate Version]
Reflections of Ruin [Alternate Version]
This Curse [Alternate Version]
Faith Like Suicide
Vise
Looking Forward (To the End)
Misanthrope
Fathom
Keepsake 23
Crossroads

Customer Reviews:

Good hardcore music.......2006-10-12

Darkest Hour is one of my favorite metalcore bands. I picked this up because I have always wanted to hear their early stuff. I was surprised but not really disappointed. Just a fair warning, this is NOT the darkest hour you may be used to. It sounds more like hardcore music than it does metalcore. If you dont really like hardcore, then you may want to stay away from this CD. Also, even though it was re-mastered, it still is lacking in sound quality. If you can get past these two points, then give it a try. The most of the songs are great , the alternative mixes just seem like filler to me though because I cant hear much of a difference between them and the original mixes.If you are a fan of darkest hour, pick this up just so you can see how far they have progressed musically. If you are not a fan but want to give them a chance, i would say listen to Undoing Ruin or The Sadist Nation first, then come back to this.

Average customer rating:

Not bad, not their best.

Through the Darkest Hour
Solitude Aeturnus
Manufacturer: Crash Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Downfall
Adagio
Alone +1 (Limited Edition Digi-Pak)
Into the Depths of Sorrow

ASIN: B00008BRC5
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

Falling
Haunting the Obscure
8th Day: Mourning
9th Day: Awakening
Pain
Pawns of Anger
Eternal (Dreams, Pt. 2)
Perfect Insanity
Shattered My Spirit

Customer Reviews:

Not bad, not their best........2007-02-15

3.5 stars. After their masterpiece "Beyond the Crimson Horizon" a letdown was inevitable. Many times during this album the band sounds as if they are struggling to put together their ideas into a cohesive product. To their credit, or downfall, they are not trying to replicate their previous release and in trying to branch out in different directions the road sounds difficult. The only constant here is Robert Lowe's voice which he varies into trance-like Stoner Doom on occassion as well as soaring vocals though they are not nearly as prevalent here as on "Beyond the Crimson Horizon." I very nearly gave up on this band after hearing this album before any of their others. This would be a mistake for newcomers as this is nowhere near the pinnacle of their work. There are certainly moments on this release that are noteworthy but it should not be considered a first purchase. "Beyond the Crimson Horizon" is exciting from start to finish as is their most recent album "Alone" which rose from the ashes after an eight year hiatus from the band to show all Doom Metallers just how it should be done. Buy either or both of those albums first before filling out your Solitude Aeturnus catalog as they are far superior to "Through the Darkest Hour."

Average customer rating:

Mediocre, but catchy.
Quality Darkest Hour album
The best Darkest Hour album so far...
This sux
Darkest Hour=Good Times

The Mark of the Judas
Darkest Hour
Manufacturer: Art Monk Construct.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Darkest Hour: Prophecy Fulfilled
So Sedated, So Secure
So Sedated So Secure (Reis)
Undoing Ruin
Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation

ASIN: B00005QZFT
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

For The Soul Of The Savior
A Blessing In Tragedy
The Legacy
Part II
Eclipse
The Mark Of The Judas
Escape Artist
Messiah Complex
How The Beautiful Decay

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre, but catchy. .......2005-07-01

OK. Decent record. Vocals are boring (but how many hardcore bands have good vocalists). Another problem is the drummer. He's one of those guys that is a decent drummer, but makes the mistake of thinking he's stellar. This makes him sloppy and incredibly inconsistent due to attempting things he can't do (like At The Gates style fills). And no, I won't sit here and compare them to At The Gates all day...but what I will do is emplore you to listen to Eclipse on this record and then listen to Misanthropic on the Dismember Misnthropic EP. A blatant and pathetic rip off...but how many hardcore kids know who Dismember is? Overall...this is a fun and catchy record, but worth buying...not really. Download it and go buy some Dark Tranquillity records.

Quality Darkest Hour album.......2005-05-10

It is true that all Darkest Hour albums sound similar, but it cannot be denied that all of their albums are flawless. All the riffs, vocals and overall sound structures on this album are excellent, even if they aren't the most original. I'm a huge At the Gates fan, and I must say that what Darkest Hour is doing is simply carrying on the torch. With At the Gates being defunct, a simple metal band like Darkest Hour is what the world of metal and hardcore needs. Darkest Hour absolutely blows away bands like Atreyu, Killswitch Engage, and Bleeding Through, sure those bands may have heavier breakdowns, but the emo parts in some of the songs absolutely ruin it. Darkest Hour is one of the first bands to use swedish death metal riffs in metalcore, and quite frankly they do it the best. Darkest Hour does this style better than all the rest.

The best Darkest Hour album so far..........2005-03-09

This is Darkest Hour's first full length and the band's best effort. The riffs are emotional and make the songs upbeat as well as thrashy. The drummer, Ryan shines so much on this album, it feels like he played and then passed out after every song. John is also a kick ass vocalist which actually makes the band sound darker. The bass is also good, although the guitars overtake it. These tracks are really "fun", thrashy, and kick ass and it never gets boring. This album is DH's best because the songs are unforgetfull and behold catchy ass hell choruses. Buy this now!!! Keep Shreaddin'.

This sux.......2004-06-03

This album's name is even based on an at the gates tune- Unto Others
The riffs, drumming, bass sounds exactly like a poorer version of
At The Gates, and the vocals are the only "ok" part of it
This is not in-flames like cause at the gates plays a big role
in making in flames what it is today
Try something like At The Gates, dream garden, opeth if u want goteborg metal or kse, shadows fall or something less "atg" like

Darkest Hour=Good Times.......2003-10-11

Darkest Hour is so metal. The guitar, the drums, vocals, everything about this cd is amazing. They take the best of gothenburg metal, and hardcore and blend it into an amazing album. Get this and you won't be sorry.

Average customer rating: