On Friday, October 17, we found ourselves at the always welcoming and impressive Manos Backline Services studios for the preview of Darklon’s third album, entitled “Mind Reaper.” Friends and colleagues from various media outlets had gathered early at the studio, and the “chats” naturally focused on the upcoming work of the Athenian band, who had changed singers during the year, so there was obvious interest and curiosity about how he would “fit in” with the band.
Although we will be presenting a detailed review of the album in the coming weeks, let’s briefly highlight some key points to give you a first, indicative impression. First of all, “Mind Reaper” has absolutely nothing to do with its predecessor. This is obvious from the first listen. Forget any epic references to Omen and add Vicious Rumors, Oliver Magnum, and Metal Church to the equation, as “Mind Reaper” is a celebration of US Power Metal. Secondly, singer Bill Chrepas is amazing, he has bonded perfectly with the rest of the band and clearly raises the level of the compositions. Finally, if the album wasn’t called “Mind Reaper”, it could easily have been titled “Guitars From Hell,” since we are talking about a guitar orgasm that pins you to the wall and Kostas Krasonis pulling every riff you can imagine out of his pocket.
After listening to the album, the band answered questions from journalists, explaining in detail how the album was created, while producer Stathis Pavlantis, who was also present, analyzed some of the recording’s characteristics, emphasizing the band’s desire for an analog approach. We would say that “Mind Reaper” will pleasantly surprise all metal fans, and this is precisely this element of surprise that is so lacking in our beloved music… and Darklon offers it to us generously with “Mind Reaper.”
“Mind Reaper” will be released on November 28 by No Remorse Records, while the first official live presentation of the new material will take place on January 23, when Darklon will appear on stage at the Piraeus Academy alongside Leatherhead and Stygian Path.
Sakis Nikas
Σάκης Νίκας
