Debut record from Italian metalheads
Rising Dark are an Italian thrash band formed in 2007 rather than 1987 so I guess that makes them re-thrash, or neo-thrash or something like that. Their debut album "Apocalyptic" doesn't stray too far from the thrash template laid down almost thirty years ago by bands like Testament; however, the band's adherence to this old style doesn't always hinder them.
The opening of this record is pitched just right. Starting slowly on the intro to "Apocalyptic" - a minute and half of stark acoustic guitar builds the tension before the inevitable avalanche of aggression begins. Rising Dark continue the metal blow-out on 'Armageddon' another blast of rasping vox, galloping rhythms and a meandering arrangement. The band barely takes a breath through 'This Is War' as well.
The old dependables of thrash: war, injustice and death all feature heavily on the first third of the record. To the point that there's no real insight into the personality of this band; of their thoughts and ideas as thrash's decades old cold war draping is hastily thrown up over new scaffolding. "Apocalyptic" is a facade: the riffs are heavy, numerous and complex, the drums are fast and Michael Crimson's voice is suitably robust but nothing particularly new is offered.
It's not until 'The Bofoid' and 'Yog Sothoth' that they try something different mixing a nasty death grind with blackened atmospherics. These songs work well - using Sodom's template as a guide. Unfortunately, Rising Dark chose this point to return to safer pastures on the slightly tired sounding 'Your Blood Is On My Hands' which is hampered by the introduction of Anthrax style gang vocal cliches. Being a European metal band it was perhaps inevitable that Rising Dark would include a power metal ballad with cheese infused lyrics at some point. 'Phoenix' is that song. You can guess the content from the title.
Most of thrash's originators are still touring and recording in 2011. Most have made their way back to something approaching old form - Testament and Exodus definitely have and Slayer's average has always been a cut above most other bands - making it hard to know who this album is going to ensnare. This a bit of a shame because there's potential on "Apocalyptic" and lest we forget that most new bands start out in awe of their influences but Rising Dark need to remember that the really good ones quickly transcend homage.