RISING DARK – Apocalyptic

Metal has often been associated with a strong sense of pessimism that incorporates humanity’s destruction is so many creative ways that even cross the boundaries of imagination. In the case of Rising Dark, there was a shared belief that due to their musical nature and attitude doom will come again and again to haunt and slay. However, as this album comes near to its end, it’s as if the storm’s over and the time to rise from the ashes once again is just around the corner. That was the difference that partly gave this release its altitude.

As for the music, it’s very much like the change of seasons around the themes. Following a quiet intro (yet with an evil shadow), the nightmare begins with a hard-breaking Thrash Metal onslaught — fierce with the similar inner strength of Old School masters such as Kreator, Sepultura, Slayer, and Metallica. Even with an updated production set, Rising Dark set the stage of being harsh, yet in their way, still abiding by the codes that went through the spirits of the young Thrashers of the ’80s.

Coming as one of the greatest hits, “Armageddon” was the first to lead the assault and created havoc with a powerful chorus that led the name of the song with conviction. The main riffs seemed modern in approach, but it was rather easy to feel the Slayer vs. Kreator fragments that tore the scene. Equally were the solos that proved these boys were well-schooled in the Metal. You can also say this track broke the normal song structures as it went with a display of an impressive long bridge section. “Your Blood Is On My Hands” continued the war-like hazard with a different battle cry that went on with a more Traditional kind of Thrash than the modernized former track. Rising Dark were breathing Metallica and not just in the vocal section. The riffs were simple and to the point, yet crushed with anger. Even with the solos section being rather weak, this one took a long, yet fruitful drive into Old School land.

“Yog Sothoth” and “Lurker At The Threshold” exemplified Rising Dark as more than just a Thrash Metal band. Right from the first notes of this song, extremity rose to the levels of semi-melodic Death Metal in its modern version. The story itself was kind of interesting while the music thundered with low tuned heaviness that merely presented the band in a different light. “Phoenix” was the other way around from the former. The closing track sent the message out that everything is going to be ok. That amazing ballad, and not a Thrash ballad as Testament’s “The Legacy”, was why Apocalyptic was special.

Even at a young age where many bands like to Thrash their way into full time aggression, Rising Dark seems different. Other than playing an impressive form of Thrash Metal, they made sure they would sound a little different than others, and Apocalyptic, even with its vexed name, has a shred of optimism showing their true way of thinking.

Tracklist

1. Apocalyptic
2. Armageddon
3. This Is War
4. The Bofoid
5. Yog Sothoth
6. Your Blood Is My Hands
7. Phoenix

Lineup

Michael Crimson – Vocals / Guitars
Stanley Bleese – Guitars
Hassan – Bass
Balzael – Drums