Album Review: Decyfer Down's The Other Side of Darkness

Decyfer Down has had an interesting history. The only original members since the band first form are the two guitarist and everyone has changed since their first Album, End of Grey (Which is a fantastic album). Their album before this one, Scarecrow, was not really impressive to me and it felt like the band lost what made them stand out. Their new album, The Other Side of Darkness, that released earlier in this month reminds me of what makes them stand out and that they haven't lost that element. I was almost in tears when hearing this album for the first time.

The guitar work is the best part of this album. It is the low tuning and heavy riffs that really made their first album stand out to me. It gives me a new sense of headbanging music that I could not sit still while listening, but still was not afraid to soften itself in songs where it needed it.

The singer has finally found his element. Scarecrow felt weak because it felt like the vocalist was trying too hard to be someone else, and not use his own vocal talent. He learned his lesson! His voice now adds kind of a smooth, Southern Rock style to go with the heavy guitars and it surprisingly complements it in the best way possible.

Bass and Drums also stand out and make the rhythm just as important to the mix. So many young bands forget that a bassist and drummer (or lack thereof) can make or break a band. These new members know what they are doing and they truly stand out on their own.

As an added bonus: They did an acoustic version of one of my favorite song from their first album for this one at the very end. It felt like a beautiful tribute to members that left the band over the years.

Final Verdict: 9/10! The reason it isn't perfect is because the Christian message the band shares may not appeal to everyone, but I can't pick a song I didn't like. Definitely check it out!