EP Review: The Dark – The Dark (Arising Empire)

This is The Dark. Where Craig Johns JR joined forces with Alan Ashby (better known as the six string maestro from RIAA Gold certified Californian metal stalwarts Of Mice & Men) to start a project that truly reflected life in modern LA. Influenced by 90’s bands like Nine Inch Nails, White Zombie, Fudge Tunnel and Filter, the line up is completed by drummer Derek Vautrinot and bassist Nick Goins. The Dark will release their debut self-titled EP on 21st February via Arising Empire.

Five tracks, five creative rock-focused, industrial-tinged bangers, and five reasons to be very excited about the future of this band, The Dark are here, and they’ve got some great ideas. Beginning with one that has alternative anthemic aspects (notably the chorus) but is really memorable for its sleazy industrial touches and blast of ‘core’ style heaviness near the end. This is Chemicals, and it’s one hell of an introduction to this band.

Bar set, but bar met by the following Slip Away and Head of the Snake. Both tracks feature an array of vibrant electronica, dramatic melody, and bursts of heaviness. Showcasing the band’s ability to switch up their sound in an instant (more notable in the latter of the two tracks). It’s not quite one thing or another, but for all their genre-bending, the one undeniable aspect is their ability to be so anthemic. As the brilliant Circles continues to showcase.

Every band wants to make an impression with their debut release, and without a shadow of a doubt, The Dark have done so here. Wrapping up their banger EP with one last strong reason to throw down, shake those hips, and bang the head. It’s In Heaven There’s Nothing to See and it’s The Dark at their most brash sounding. Mighty fine stuff.

The Dark – The Dark Track Listing:

1. Chemicals
2. Slip Away
3. Head of the Snake
4. Circles
5. In Heaven There’s Nothing to See

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