While it's great to have many bands that don't take themselves too seriously, we also desperately need those that do take themselves and their craft very seriously. Anything dark and heavy like this kind of demands artistic attention. Not getting the sound or performance just right can really mess things up. Ashton Nyte and his South African band, The Awakening probably know how to have a good time and crack a good joke backstage, but once they step onstage (or in this case, the studio), things tend to get serious. Not missing a step from their Roadside Heretics or The Fountain sessions, The Awakening are as heavy and doomy as ever, impressive mostly for dipping into the same inkwell and yet managing to write something new. Recommended if you like: Manson, Type O, HIM.
Editors' ratings — Doug 4/5, David 4/5
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2004Reviewed by Marco PovervestI remember when I reviewed the previous album, Roadside Heretics, and said that The Awakening will never become a gothic metal band. Listening to Darker Than Silence proves I need to add some nuances. Since the release of the debut album Risen in 1997, electronic and distorted guitar sounds have increased in importance. The majority of the songs on Darker Than Silence has heavy guitars. Songs…Similar sounding releases
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