Darke Complex
Widow
(Spinefarm Records)
Against the wishes of music elitists everywhere, a new microgenre has emerged recently: nu-metalcore. Yes, since everything in the history of always is continually cyclical, nu-metal sensibilities have latched onto the (supposedly) dying carcass of metalcore. The problem for elitists is that they actually like the smell of their own farts, so it’s tough to truly find their opinion important in the grand scheme of things. Just mention deafheaven and your favorite IPA, and they’ll be assuaged. Here in the land of semi-serious music criticism, the two most important aspects of an album are thus: is your music generally pleasing to my ears, and, regardless, do you perform your style well? Texas-based band Darke Complex (such edge…) is releasing its debut EP, Widow, which answers both questions in the affirmative.
Look, if you don’t like Sworn In, Villains, or Gift Giver, you’re likely not going to give Darke Complex the time of day, and while I can’t run your life (this is America!), that’s bit of shame. While Darke Complex does dabble in the groove-oriented, angst-filled metalcore realm, there’s actually quite a bit that separates this Texas band from its contemporaries. Fortunately and unfortunately, this offers the band a step forward and a step backword. On a positive note, Darke Complex absolutely has the atmosphere down. This is a harrowing listen that only gets darke and darke-r (pun intended) the further into the EP the listener gets. The EP loosely seems to tell a tale of a gradual darke-ness and depression, where the music flows quite well with the story. Interestingly, there is quite a bit of clean singing, and while it’s a tad rough, it is really well executed. I hesitate to call it catchy, but without question, the clean melodies are suitably haunting; they suit the music impeccably.
What doesn’t suit the music as well is the rapping. I can see it’s point within the EP, but, man, does it derail what is otherwise some nice momentum. Not only is it poorly executed, it’s just not good hip hop. Aside from a few poorly placed instances, thankfully it’s not a large portion of the album. It’s definitely a side of Darke Complex that, hopefully, is left on the cutting room floor on follow up releases. In fact, aside from general complaints that feel standard to metalcore (breakdowns/chugging/lyrics), Widow suggests that Darke Complex is definitely a band on the rise. They are certainly playing into a fad microgenre, but songs like “Slime” and “Invertebrate” are honest-to-goodness excellent songs.
Purchase Widow here: iTunes | Amazon
