Darko – Greyscale
Release Date: 17th May 2024
Lockjaw Records
Veterans of the UK punk scene, Darko, have come together to the highest degree, poised and proud to show you a reimagined, powerful and determined version of the band with new EP Greyscale via Lockjaw Records.
With this release the band presents an urgent frenzy of hi-octane melodic hard-core punk, beginning immediately in the opening track ‘What I Cannot Be’ as soon as the bass introduces the rest of the ensemble. In the vocals we hear a vast range of ability, from charged yells to gritty, metallic screaming. This quickly piques the interest of any heavy music fan unfamiliar with Darko.
Delving further into this release we can hear more of the technical prowess of the band shining through with meandering guitar lines woven amidst soaring vocals on the second track ‘Built On Broken Backs’. It’s clear to see the politically charged intent behind this release in this track and the merging of the melodic hardcore into the wider punk sound audiences may associate acts like this with.
Surprisingly the band takes a turn with their next track ‘Aggro’, which in part sounds like it mixes thrash elements and some blackened chords in alongside the Rise Against style vocals and Protest The Hero influenced lead lines. This easily catches the listener off guard and adds a great field of depth to the sound being created.
This release continues to be unrelenting through most of the remaining track list, seeming to never drop the pace for more than a few seconds until the brief reprieve at the end of ‘AUX II’ which transitions beautifully into the playful intro notes on final track ‘Lowest Hanging Fruit’. It’s easy to see that Greyscale is a dynamic fusion of vibrant and intricate guitars, a heart-racing, versa-tile rhythm section, and bold lyrics delivered with urgency and conviction, acting as a crown jewel in Darko’s long history.
Favourite track Aggro
For Fans Of Protest the Hero, Rise Against, Counterparts