Feast of Hate & Fear

Darsombra is simply (or more fittingly: 'complexly') Brian Daniloski of Baltimore's thunderous Meatjack. Leaving Meatjack's sonic persona behind, Darsombra create not a metal, but an ether. Though at times harsh and bleak, the music is ambient over hardcore - well crafted noise, over well crafted metal. Crushing hums or lullful drones of the guitar provide the backbone, as Brian fiddles with ethereal soundscapes, feedback or field recordings. "The Place Where There Is No Darkness" has a Coil How to Destroy Angels feel, while "Dies Irae" was almost dub illbient (ala Paul D. Miller). "My House" is the closest thing to a metal track on this CD. Its rhythm and beat, along with the only vocals throughout, were all doom, but the sitar helped fit the flow of this release. Not what I expected, but held me well by the ears. The artwork and photo design were done by the wonderfully dark Stephen Kasner to boot. Dark on the ears and eyes makes darkness for the soul. Well, at least Hell has a decent soundtrack and art collection.