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