Album Review: Darkcell - Darkcell

This dastardly act have been around for quite some time now, and their new, self-titled record proves they definitely know what they’re doing and where they’re going. As if that needed proving.

This is a band absolutely set in their direction. They just get on with pursuing it - with infectious gusto and great skill. They take what Rob Zombie was doing, especially with White Zombie, twist it, expand on it and make it just a touch more raucous and bludgeoning. Then they deliver it like a slap to the face from Freddie Kruger.

The songs are wall to wall strength. From the orchestral instrumental intro La Chambre Des Cauchemars//The Room Of Nightmares and blistering opening track The Great Big Nothing, right through to the experimental, horror movie soundtrack-esque Midnite - which closes proceedings beautifully - there are no weak links here.

They have really nailed the production too, striking a fine balance between human realness and the robotic assembly line sounds required from industrial heavy music. There is a relentless blast and grind to the tracks, but it still sounds like people playing music. Great to hear the appearance of a sax in Carnevil as well.

Aussie heavy music is alive, well and kicking heads, and this is yet another fine example.