What you get on The Journey Through Damnation, besides some iffy artwork, is four tracks of pure Celtic metal from Northern Irish band Darkest Era, who previously went under the name of Nemesis. They cite Primordial in their press release as an influence, and from the start with ‘The Morrigan’ the comparison is there for all to see. Whilst the song is not as polished as Primordial, and cannot rival tracks like ‘Empire Falls’, it is nonetheless something that will be appreciated by those into Celtic metal. 

‘Visions Of The Dawn’ is the track that stands out with the band musically managing to give an epic song where the seven plus minutes is warranted with the progression throughout the song feeling natural and unforced, all helped by some great memorable moments. As you would expect there are folk sounding elements to the music, albeit not at the forefront of the songs, but certainly noticeable especially on ‘Another World Awaits’.  A NWOBHM influence is also heard throughout the CD but comes through most strongly with ‘On The Crest Of Doom’, where right from the opening riffs the music gives that NWOBHM feel mixed in with that Celtic metal sound. 

Darkest Era may not be able to match more experienced bands like Primordial, and they may be let down by some below par production, but they are at the early stage of their career.  Based on these four songs the band certainly have some potential to start forging themselves a following before the market is flooded with Celtic metal bands.

Darren Brushneen