At long last, the mighty FORCE OF DARKNESS makes a triumphant return with a highly anticipated new studio album. Brace yourself for a furious and raging storm of pure South American wrath delivered in the band's signature style. The Chilean Masters have returned!
Chile has firmly established itself as a hub for blackened death thrash madness, and Force of Darkness stands out as a shining example of this thriving scene. Initially drawing inspiration from Sarcófago, the band has evolved while continuing to unleash chaotic sonic mayhem.
The distinctive vocals, echoing the style of Wagner Antichrist, range from raspy snarls to comical high-pitched yells. The drums maintain intensity without devolving into relentless blasting, and the riffs pay homage to the best of extreme metal's first wave. Tracks like 'Retribution of Crowned Chaos' exemplify this, delivering an unholy onslaught of technicality reminiscent of early Destruction and Sarcófago. The Fago-ism allows for a vigorous performance, combining spiked metal riffs and occasional efficient blasting.
Force of Darkness doesn't shy away from experimentation, revealing their versatility while staying true to their metallic core. In 'Genesis of Evil,' a razor-sharp main riff evokes pre-Kisser era Sepultura, later transforming into an intense experience of drum kicks and Sarcófago-inspired riff madness. 'Templi Serpens' exhibits a melodic thrash attack before embarking on a diverse journey, featuring influences from melodic black metal to hefty doses of death metal, creating yet another standout track.
However, there are instances where Force of Darkness ventures too far from their comfort zone. 'Choronzon's Desire' slows down, but the results are less than stellar, lacking vitality and ending on an uninspired note. 'Darkness Shall Prevail,' nearly eight minutes long, starts promisingly but falters with a melodic approach that feels out of place, detracting from the band's signature sound.
While the songwriting and production on "Twilight of Dark Illumination" mark a departure for Force of Darkness, presenting their most modernized and clean production to date, some may argue that a dirtier production would better suit their first-wave extremity. Nevertheless, the album remains an interesting slab of black/thrash metal, showcasing the band's evolving style. As we await their next record, hopefully arriving sooner than later, it's clear that Force of Darkness continues to deliver riff-oriented chaos that fans of the genre can appreciate.
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