Seit fast drei Jahrzehnten hat die Band Darkest Hour die Grenzen des melodischen Death Metal ausgelotet und dabei einen einzigartigen Sound geschaffen, der Elemente aus Death Metal, Thrash, Hardcore Punk und Melodie vereint. Mit ihrem aktuellen Album „Perpetual | Terminal“ setzen sie ihren evolutionären Prozess fort, der von Anfang an von kreativer Zusammenarbeit und unerschütterlicher Leidenschaft geprägt war. In diesem Interview mit mit der Band spricht Darkest Hour über ihre musikalische Reise, die Herausforderungen des Banddaseins und die tiefgründigen Themen, die sie auf ihrem neuesten Werk erforschen. Von den Anfängen in bescheidenen Jam-Sessions bis hin zu internationalen Auftritten auf renommierten Bühnen wie dem Ozzfest 2024, gewährt die Band Einblicke in ihre Erfahrungen und Einflüsse, die sie zu dem gemacht haben, was sie heute sind.
Fronstage Magazine: How would you describe the evolutionary process of your band from its beginnings to the upcoming album „Perpetual | Terminal“?
Darkest Hour: Man it has been just about three decades, and not only has our music and band evolved but so has our process. We went from recording jam room demos with a cassette recorder to having our own home studios and being able to demo whole albums before we can record them. All that being said we have stayed true to the process of collaboration which has helped us continue to push the over all sound of the band while staying true to its original sound. We’ve tried to navigate the changing music industry landscape by staying as authentic as we can and delivering as powerful performances as we can that will hopefully resonate with fellow lovers of melodic death metal!
Fronstage Magazine: What influences and experiences have helped you develop your unique sound that combines elements of Death Metal, Thrash, Hardcore Punk, and melody?
Darkest Hour: The evolution of Darkest Hour has been a journey, fom our early days, we’ve embraced a fusion of Death Metal, Thrash, Hardcore Punk, and melody, drawing inspiration from diverse influences that shaped our unique sound. Our band has been around long enough that we have been able to ride the wave of the changing sounds of metal as well as navigate the ever changing landscape that is running a band in 2024! So many influences but the highlights include; Ozzfest 2024, Recording at Studio Fredman in Sweden, working with Devin Townsend on two records, and finally the self production and self creation that was this final record. One wild ride for sure!
Fronstage Magazine: How have you managed to remain steadfast over almost three decades and build a loyal fan base despite the constantly changing music landscape?
Darkest Hour: Really it’s an insane mixture of love and addiction. We love this so much, it’s who we are non stop into melodic death metal! That joy has carried us through many a low point. Also we live to adventure, travel the world, try new foods, meet new people. So this drive to continue to feed the soul is what propels us to never stop trying.
Fronstage Magazine: Can you tell us more about the central theme of your new album „Perpetual | Terminal“ and the significance behind the title?
Darkest Hour: „Perpetual | Terminal“ explores themes of eternal struggle and the dichotomy of existence. The title reflects the perpetual nature of our journey and the terminal moments that define our lives. It’s an introspective exploration of the human experience. That might seem a little hard to unpack at first but the songs also hit on individual struggles and topics that also touch on that greater theme. This album is for survivors, those who carry on and endure yet still accept the tragedies and hardships that befall them.
Fronstage Magazine: What challenges have you faced as a band along the way, and how have they shaped your music and your relationship with each other?
Darkest Hour: Man, the invention of the internet, changing trends in metal, predatory record labels, managers, booking agents…it seems the list of challenges and hurdles is endless. Yet, it also seems that every time something is thrown at us that seems horrific it brings us together. Sort of a shared bond in the beatings haha, in the end some of the worst moments become the best stories and scars that once hurt are not trophies of battles one!
Fronstage Magazine: How do you manage to remain passionate and committed to your music despite the inevitable finiteness of relationships, tours, and other aspects of band life?
Darkest Hour: Again, we find inspiration from all over this crazy life, the transient nature of our relationships, tours. This band life has all the ups and downs you will ever need to draw from. The love for our music and the camaraderie within the each other keeps that fire burning, allowing us to evolve while staying true to our original sound, mission, and purpose.
Fotocredit: Mary Lou Larson
