Dark Haunters – To Persevere Is Diabolical

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Listening to Dark Haunters’ new release, To Persevere Is Diabolical, reminds me of the first time I heard a symphonic black metal album. It was a split between Dimmu Borgir and Old Man’s Child, and I was blown away by the mix of heavy blackened riffs and melodic keyboards. Everything sounded so epic, almost like the soundtrack to some dark, fantasy-based movie full of demons and wizards. Dark Haunters have that same mix of brutality and beauty, which leaves me wondering why I haven’t heard about them before.

The keyboards on To Persevere Is Diabolical permeate every nook and cranny of the album, giving the songs a slightly gothic tone, similar to Dimmu Borgir or Cradle Of Filth. The guitar work, however, keeps things pretty brutal, ranging from speedy black metal to crunchy melodic death metal influenced riffs. Vocalist Aramor has a pretty impressive range, seamlessly going from deep death growls to ear piercing shrieks, which helps to add even more atmosphere to an already thoroughly atmospheric record. “In My Fortress” is a particular high-point, showcasing the full range of the band’s sound in one song; symphonic keys, fast riffs, layered vocals, and pounding drums rip come blasting out at the very beginning of the song, and don’t let up. Even when the pace slows down, Dark Haunters attack their instruments with jaw-dropping intensity, as can be heard on the Old Man’s Child-esque riff midway through “In My Fortress.”

The production on this kind of album is very important; making it too clean would really take the venom out of the music, but too raw would muddy up the symphonics. Thankfully, Dark Haunters absolutely nailed it, and give many of the major-label acts a run for their money. Everything is loud and clear in the mix, while still maintaining a very layered sound that reveals something new upon each listen.

If you like epic-sounding black metal, Dark Haunters will certainly be right up your alley, so go pick up a copy of To Persevere Is Diabolical stat!

Dark Haunters – To Persevere Is Diabolical
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Bradley
Born and raised in Central Texas, audiophile from a very early age. I've been a longtime fan of all things heavy, starting from hardcore and working my way up into nearly all sub-genres of metal. My Dad gave me an appreciation of metal, blasting Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Pantera, and everything between while I was a kid. I play in a band right now, and listen to an almost unhealthy amount of music daily. Favorite genres: Doom, sludge, drone, black metal, grindcore.
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