Long before MTV was drowning in metalcore bands, the metal gods that be endowed Darkest Hour’s members with a vision. It was to meld the intensity of thrash, the melody of Swedish death metal and punk’s angst-fuelled attitude, unleashing the ferocity that lay dormant in their hearts.

Nine brutal years later and Darkest Hour’s quest to spread this horned message has seen them tour with everyone from Thrice to Killswitch Engage and rise to Ozzfest fame. Finally it’s guiding them across the seas, back to Australian shores.

Their last record, Undoing Ruin was proclaimed an “instant metal classic” by Alternative Press. On the verge of letting their follow-up loose, Darkest Hour returns to bombard fans with their trademark mesh of metal-hardcore circle-pit sickness. Known for their blistering performances, they’re fresh out of the studio with legendary metal producer Devin Townsend (*Soilwork* and Lamb of God), with a highly anticipated new record and a lot of pent up onstage-rage to show
for it.

Australian metal and hardcore will be among the first in line to take the full brunt this June.

Wednesday June 6 – Rosemount Hotel (Perth;18+)
Tickets available from 78 Records (08) 9322 6384, Mills Records (08)
9335 1945, Beat Karrinyup (08) 9446 5839.

Thursday June 7 – Fowlers Live (Adelaide; licensed all-ages)
With Psycrptic and Picture The End. Tickets available from Fowlers Live www.fowlerslive.com.au, Venuetix (08) 8225 8888, www.venuetix.com.au and CIB ticketing (08) 8231 0824.

Friday June 8 – The Arena (Brisbane; licensed all-ages)
With Norma Jean, Every Time I Die and A Secret Death. Tickets available from Skinnys (07) 3229 2389 www.skinnysmusic.com.au, Rockinghorse (07) 3229 5360, www.arenaonline.com.au 1300 762 545, Ticketek 132849 www.ticketek.com.au and Oztix www.oztix.com.au .

Saturday June 9 – Big Top Luna Park (Sydney; licensed all-ages)
Tickets available from www.cometogether.com.au, Big Top Box Office
(02) 9033 7600 or 1300 BIG TOP.

Sunday June 10 – Cambridge Hotel (Newcastle; 18+)
With Picture The End. Tickets available from Cambridge Hotel (02) 4962 2459, Moshtix outlets and www.moshtix.com.au .

Wednesday June 13 – Corner Hotel (Melbourne; 18+)
With Psycroptic and Picture the End. Tickets available from Missing Link Records (03) 9670 8208 and Corner Box Office (03) 9427 9198, www.cornerhotel.com .