I live for thrash / metalcore! It’s how I roll and this was one of the better metalcore gigs I’ve had the chance to trek to this year. It was also the first time I have seen Darkest Hour in the flesh and by no means at all was I dissatisfied. It was also great to bump into a couple of my long time chums which I seem to be running into quite often at similar venues of late.

I had a prime view this time at the Corner Hotel. Peering from the sticky steps in the back corner, I was able to visualise pretty much everything except through that damn pole in the middle of the Corner’s floor; my only obstacle.

For Darkest Hour, it’s been five EPs, many long days and nights of writing and recording, not to mention months on end of touring. But Darkest Hour managed to make it to Australia twice within the last twelve months, lastly playing in Melbourne at the Prince Of Wales bandroom. Maybe they just had that first taste of the Aussies and they couldn’t stay away?

Initially, Darkest Hour’s line-up was slightly different to what it is today. After the departure of a handful of their original members, the only two who are still long-standing are vocalist John Henry and rhythm guitarist Mike Schleibaum. They had also recruited an additional lead guitarist along their journey, Kris Norris, who has been a significant addition to the DH team, seemingly giving them more electronic brutality.

Ok, back to business. My phone flashed 10:30pm and Darkest Hour hit the stage right on time – just after second support, Psycroptic , who displayed a vicious performance. Then, it was time. Rampaging on stage with their semi business / casual attire, their dress code was no reflection on what was about to be unleashed. The set took a leap straight into a track they call ‘Convalescence’ which has been ripped straight from their last 2005 EP Undoing Ruin. The chaos continued – kids swung their limbs around in the centre while old school punters were throwing their fuzz-filled heads around up and over the front barrier. Even though there was so much energy from both parties, the venue seemed quite empty.Then again, it was a mid-week gig.
– œThe Hour’ soldiered on with a couple of new hits from their yet to be released EP Deliver Us, including a track they call ‘Demons’ which simply stunned the fans with its catchy riffs. Henry stumbled around the stage looking as punch drunk as Mike Tyson , but I can assure you he maintained full focus as he belted out some ridiculously powerful tones. There were a few more tracks to come including another goodie off their last EP, With A Thousand Words to Say But One , during which Henry broke out of his mildly unconscious state before gettin’ wild on top of the speaker stands. It was on for new and old! Before I knew it, a thunderous solo performance was had by axemen Norris and Schleibaum as they simultaneously tapped their fingers along their frets, thrashing from side to side.

As my phone clock hit 11:15pm, the set came to a closure which left us with the punishing beat of yet another beauty, The Sadist Nation. No encore was needed and pure appreciation was given. Personally, I thought the sound was spot on as was the overall interaction and performance by these five strapping young lads from Washington DC. Maybe these days you don’t have to be edge, or even sober for that matter, to have this amount of energy.