As music lovers and metalheads, we have a characteristic trait… we never miss an opportunity to meet and behave towards each other as if we have been friends for years, even though we have often just met someone for the first time. “Music unites,” they say, and we experienced this once again at the prelistening gathering of DARKLON’s new album, “Mind Reaper.”
The meeting took place at the amazing Manos Backline Studios, where on Friday afternoon, DARKLON welcomed representatives from many music media zines to proudly present their new album and the band’s new lineup with Bill Chrepas and Geor Kana (on vocals and drums, respectively) participating in a DARKLON album for the first time.
After the necessary introductions and socializing over beers and snacks, we gathered in the specially designed recording studio to listen to the album. I won’t go into detail about the album, as a review will follow a few days before its official release, but what I can say is that we experienced 40 minutes of relentless musical mayhem and madness. DARKLON have strayed from the epic paths of the excellent “Redeemer” and focused more on the U.S. Power Metal side of their musical identity. Bill Chrepas on vocals immediately became part of DARKLON’s war machine and provided the intensity and energy required. After all, this energy is easily discernible once you get to know him. Giorgos is a beast on the drums, and I would love to see how he performs the songs live. He assured me that they keep him fed, so we have nothing to worry about. And since I mentioned live performances… the first live presentation of the album will take place on January 23 at the new Piraeus Academy, together with LEATHERHEAD and STYGIAN PATH.
The producer of “Mind Reaper”, Stathis Pavlantis, was also present and mentioned that the album’s production was chosen to be as simple as possible, using analog equipment to capture the essence of DARKLON’s music.
What I keep from the evening is the confidence the guys exuded that the songs they presented to us is what they wanted, their eagerness to release their music to the public and the big and honest smile on the face of Kras, the band’s mastermind, who can’t wait for the next chapter of DARKLON’s history to begin.
Good luck, guys!
P.S.: You can get a pretty good idea of what will follow from the first lyric video below…
