“Calling The Earth To Witness” is the debut album from Swedish rockers ‘Darkwater’. Promotional information for the band describes them as “melodic metal” but after a couple of listens to the album I think someone needs to add “progressive” to that description. To put this into context and try and give a potential buyer a handle on what ‘Darkwater’ sound like I would say think of Dream Theater during their “Change Of Seasons” and “Awake” period and you will be fairly close to Darkwater’s style.

The band were formed in western Sweden during late 2003.They have played a few selected shows in Sweden but have mainly been working on the material for their debut album which they recorded and mixed during summer and fall 2006.The album caught the ears of Swedish label Ultenium and the band were signed 2007.

Calling The Earth To Witness was mixed by Peter Seather and mastered by none other than Goran Finnberg (In Flames, The Haunted). It’s safe to say using these guys was worth the effort, as sonically the album sounds superb. It’s crisp and punchy and the guitars sound particularly fat and fruity.

Opening track”2534167” is a soundscape using tracks from the album segued together. It’s not a song but more a tune that makes you sit up and primes you for the music to come.

“All Eyes On Me” charges out of the blocks with a swirling synth' sound before taking the listener on a magic ride of guitar and keyboard interplay. The engine room on this song is Tobias Enberg's drums and he drives the music down fast and furious roads and around tricky corners. Another feature is the superb guitar soloing and without a doubt Darkwater appear to be progressive metal with guitar heroes in waiting.

“Again” maintains the high standards of “All Eyes On Me” but also has some superb melodic guitar and unusual sounds on the rhythm guitar. The chorus is catchy and the song's arrangement is well paced.

“Habit” contains some crazy time signatures and will have “air rock” drummers in heaven. Unusual chords give this song a mildly menacing feel and Darkwater use light and shade to great effect as they go from full on guitar passages to gentle keyboard sections. There’s a wonderful change of tempo midway through this track which pulls the listener along and into a world of guitar and keyboard excess. Overall this is confident and creative song writing of the highest order.

“The Play (Part 1)” is a melodic song featuring keyboards and orchestral accompaniment. It shows off Henrik Bath’s vocals to great effect and at times I could hear a bit of the amazing Goran Edman in his phrasing. Then comes “The Play (Part2)”, which is intricate, and intriguing, progressive rock. There’s a lot going on within this track and at times I felt the arrangement was going to overload my senses, but the more you let it get under your skin the better it gets.

“Shattered” is a song that surges and flows relentlessly. It has some amazing instrumental moments, which show Darkwater are seriously good musicians. “Tallest Tree” is a big and bold track with larger than life guitar riffing. The whole arrangement is tight and focused and once again I found myself thinking, “These guys are damned good musicians”. “In My Dreams” shows the band has kept a little back for the final track and as a result go out in style. The word “dramatic” comes to mind whilst listening to the song.

With “Calling The Earth To Witness” Darkwater have delivered an exceptional album. The arrangements are intriguing and sophisticated, yet very accessible. My lasting impression was amazement as I kept reminding myself that this was a debut release. The last time I heard a debut that was so confident sounding was when Circus Maximus came on the scene and, in saying that, I think Darkwater's effort has impressed me more. If this band can cut it live one feels they could go on and do great things. Impressive stuff and highly recommended.

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Track Listing

2534167 (Intro)
All Eyes On Me
Again
Habit
Play I, The
Play II, The
Shattered
Tallest Tree
In My Dreams

Line Up

Henrik Båth - Vocals/Guitars
Tobias Enbert - Drums
Magnus Holmberg - Keyboards
Markus Sigfridsson - Guitars
Karl Wassholm - Bass