DARKEST HOUR hidden hands of a sadist nation 

<img src="noimage.JPG">
The concept of blending hardcore punk and death metal is fine, but Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation is not likely to be held up as the very best of its subgenre. While the rhythm's precision is perfect, the final product emphasizes too much rawness over too little melody. This is characteristic of the genre, but there is room for more flashy guitar parts. The guitar that is already there is wild and technical enough, but it is drowned in drums and vocals. The much-needed guitar solo in "The Misinformation Age" shows that this would be a good route to take. This collection of songs is a stream of undifferentiated blasts with the focus on hitting hard. Giving each song the personality found in the clean guitar and lead parts of "Accessible Losses" could be a future goal. 

While their best years may be ahead of them, this album could prove influential to other bands that idolize death-metal acts. Experience says that repeated listenings to heavy music will bring out the intended melody, but the monotonous voice stands in the way. The result is an attempt to filter suggested melody through a wall of noise that is laden with dark meaning and perspective. 

This headache-inducing act is then soothed by the ninth and final track, "Veritas Aequitas". Pure melody and relaxed but heavy drumming give everything one could have wanted in the rest of the album, including proof of the potential this band has hinted at. Rich in guitar solos and marked by the addition of piano, this final track is reflective mood music that take all of the frustration of the preceding 8 tracks and put it to rest. What is initially perceived as a grand introduction to the final back-breaking song turns out to be the beginning of an epic instrumental lasting approximately 12 minutes. We couldn't ask for a more pleasant surprise ending. 

Darkest Hour did what they wanted to do, then showed us what they could do. While the first part of the disc showcases a talented rhythm section playing somewhat mediocre songs, the final track tells us that it is a success nonetheless. Those most likely to enjoy this album are hardcore and death-metal fans that are in it for the pounding.