Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Dark Black - The Barbarian's Hammer - 2005 - Hot Dog City Records

Track Listing1. Wizardman 2. Bracers Of The Eagle's Talon 3. The Warhammer 4. A Tale Of Vengeance 5. Axestorm

Dark Black comes to us from Pennsylvania, a very odd location for such an epic sounding band. This three piece goes completely
against the grain of what most of the US musicians are forming and playing. "The Barbarian's Hammer" is a fantastic cult piece that will cater to fans of Slough Feg and Manilla Road. They really have that old Greece sound, maybe with a little nod to Italy through these six cuts.

Tim handles the vocals and bass and really adds a different type of voice to what the traditional power metal register offers. His voice is very high and at times a bit edgy. He really contains the whole Hellvetica scene within his delivery, which will throw some listeners who are looking for a more clean and polished singer. Guitarist Ant just blazes through these songs, really going speedy for the most part with some melting solos throughout. Since most of the songs are epic in structure it gives Ant plenty of time to "showoff and showboat with huge leads and timing changes. The drum sound from Carl is a throwback to that old Swedish sound of bands like Heavy Load and Overdrive.

Favorite cuts for me are "Wizardman" and "A Tale Of Vengeance".


--EC 11.04.05