Hailing from Sydney Darker Half are a traditional heavy metal band with their influences clearly rooted in 80s power metal and NWOBHM.
Having released 2 full length albums with their debut released in 2009 as well as making their presence felt across the local metal scene with supporting acts like Queensryche, Edguy, Paul DiAnno (ex Iron Maiden), Sabaton, Nightwish and Alestorm just to name a few. The band has now released their 3 full length album “Never Surrender”
The album is wonderfully melodic piece of power metal that almost verges into thrashier territory on songs like the intro track “Nemesis”. Front man Vo Simpson has an amazing vocal range really reminiscent of Rob Halford in spots where he can really just wail and reach for those high notes.
The musicianship is second to none with the with showing some fantastic technical chops on the guitar without it getting to wanky. The solos are really masterful and really fits with all the tracks. The drummer is fast and pounding, really reminds me of Scott Travis’ drumming on the last few Priest albums.
Stand out tracks include the intro track as mentioned, the title track “Never Surrender”. The plodding and very evil sounding “Stranger” and the powerful “Blinded by Darkness”
This album is great and really shows these guys are all incredibly versatile and talented and able bring the fast and brutal metal without losing any of the melody or the technical prowess.
Check this album our if your a huge fan of power metal or if you just love classic NWOBHM acts like Iron Maiden, early Def Leppard and even Judas Priest
“Never Surrender” is available now
http://www.darkerhalf.com/
https://www.facebook.com/darkerhalf
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/never-surrender/id886441943
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/darkerhalf2
