Dark Heart originated back in the mid-1980s seeking to make their mark in the New Wave of British Heavy metal days. Their one and only album from back then – Shadows of the Night – as superb as it is – didn’t kick them on and that was that.
Well, until 2021 when they came back out of the (forgive the pun) shadows with an excellent self-titled album – review here. Five years later we now have Evolution. And it’s another cracker.
Founder member Alan Clark puts in a powerful, energetic vocal and some nicely placed keyboards which enhance the sound rather than overpower it.
As with that previous self titled album the ferociously blazing guitar is provided by the talents of Nick Catterick. And the solid rhythm section is provided by the duo of Pete Newdeck and Josh Williams billed as “extra special guests.”
Whilst things have moved on from the 1980s, the style here on Evolution has the NWOBHM roots undercurrent merged with a soaring, powerfully heavy approach packed with energetic riffage, crisp chords and savage solos.
We have catchy melodies too and the production is clear which puts the power of the delivery over well.
Light the Flame and Cold Winter make a scorching opening salvo. Huge vocals from Clark, Catterick blazing away as Newdeck and Williams give them a solid platform. Monster stuff.
End of Tomorrow comes in with the atmospheric acoustic intro then builds and broods away before breaking out after a couple of minutes in to a slow burner with Catterick again letting lose over the keyboard swells. Has something of a 1970s Rainbow feel to it I think.
Hands of Fate and Spread Your Wings both have more of a heavy melodic rock slant. Very catchy with the keys more prominent and punchy chords and solos from Catterick.
Ride the Highway blazes away as it speeds and spits along at pace. And a truly spectacular solo at around the four minute mark. Have a listen:
You and I and Life to Crucify keep up the pace then Eyes of Light wanders in to almost “power ballad” territory. Almost…..
The closing pair of Mortality and Burned fit the bill very nicely. Mortality is a monster and Burned so powerful. And as throughout the album, Catterick’s guitar is on fire.
With Evolution, Dark Heart provide us with a majestic album of nicely measured hard-hitting heaviness merging the New Wave of British Heavy Metal pedigree with a modern, fresh feel.
Lots to recommend it – not least Nick Catterick’s spectacular fretwork. Marvellous stuff.
>> DARK HEART EVOLUTION ON AMAZON <<
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