So Sedated So Secure
In the eight years since Darkest Hour formed, the metal gods have molded them into an extremely fierce band incorporating elements of Death Metal, Thrash and Punk. They have honed their sound into a high octane frenzy of mayhem and chaotic melody ‚ with homicidal vocals, a machine gun bass drum and guitars that are technical yet reckless, embodying the ferocity that lies in their hearts. Darkest Hour has prevailed over countless setbacks, from line up changes to the label problems that preceded their signing to Victory. This is a band that will survive and thrive no matter what obstacles they face. Fans and press received Darkest Hour's first Victory release, "So Sedated, So Secure," with unadulterated elation, and the band proceeded to tour non-stop to spread their brutal message.Darkest Hour is back, with a strong foundation of Gothenburg-style Swedish death metal, hardcore song structures, and punk rock attitude to conjure up "Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation." Recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg Sweden by legendary producer Fredrick Nordstrom (At the Gates, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir) Darkest Hour delivers their most mature and extreme material to date. If traveling to Gothenburg wasn't enough, Darkest Hour invited their friends to join them. "Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation" includes performances by some of Sweden's darkest metal wizards. Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates), Peter Wichers (Soilwork), Anders Bjorler (The Haunted), and Marcus Suneson (The Crown) cast horned spells throughout the record."Basically, it was intimidating to walk into the studio where so many of our favorite albums were recorded, but it was great to work with Fredrick on defining the Darkest Hour sound, rather than having a producer work on making us sound like anyone else. He had a lot of input in getting the right kind of sounds, which was really great," explains guitarist Mike Schleibaum. "We took the band full circle in a lot of ways, from creating music based on our influences back to the source of those inspirations." There were challenges involved with recording so far away from home, from the hour long walk to the studio and back daily to the hunt for lodging, but the band were extremely happy with the outcome. "It was all worth it, because we are really proud of the album," commented Mike.Musically faster, more intense, and more melodic than any previous release, "Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation" is the next gospel in the new religion that is Darkest Hour. Lyrically, the record focuses on many issues, from aspects of American culture to personal relationships, to a song about the whole band being locked up by the Feds in Oklahoma. "Sadist Nation" is an indictment of America's culture of guns and violence while "Marching To The Killing Rhythm" and "The Patriot Virus" condemn blind patriotism and military arrogance equally.Over the past year Darkest Hour has spread the circle pit sickness to the US, Canada, Iceland, and Europe. They have partied and played with bands including: Drowningman, Zao, Six Feet Under, God Forbid, Lamb of God, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Crown and Shadows Fall.They will heed the wizard and set into motion a new tour onslaught with the release of "Hidden Hands of A Sadist Nation" on May 20th. Look for Darkest Hour to be destroying a club near you!