Best 'new' band to come out of Oz in an age...brilliant!

The sheer quantity of new releases from established (or at least known) artists can in itself be overwhelming, so you can perhaps understand why people are increasingly reluctant to take a punt on something new or unfamiliar these days. Once in a while however it's worth dipping a toe in unfamiliar waters because in amongst the dross and wannabes (you know who you are) you'll occasionally strike gold... ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to Damnations Day, a svelte Progressive/Power Metal quartet from Victoria State in Australia.

Starting out as long ago as 2005 – they released a five track demo back in 2009 I believe – it wasn't until the arrival of Melbourne based lead guitarist Jon King in 2012 that word of their talents really began to spread to the rest of the world. Snapped up by the ever astute Lance King over at Nightmare Records in the States, they now unveil their full length debut album 'Invisible, The Dead', and boy will it send your senses reeling! Moody, brooding, atmospheric, sophisticated ... all relative adjectives that could be applied in equal measure to their full blooded sound and their take on high end Progressive/Power Metal, which is embellished with occasional elements of Neo-Classical, Thrash and Speed Metal.

Mark Kennedy (vocalist/guitarist) is the obvious focal point for the band, his soaring vocal roar at times reminiscent of a lower register Geoff Tate or John Patrick McDonald (the much missed Midnight of Crimson Glory fame) naturally commanding much of the moral and emotional high ground throughout. One man however doesn't make a team (although Suárez seems to be attempting to disprove this at Liverpool!) and ultimately it's their combined strengths as a band that mark Damnations Day out as something truly special ... that and a set of songs to die for of course!

Characterised by razor sharp riffs, fluid solos – King is an understated, but highly accomplished technician – soaring melodies and lush arrangements, 'Invisible, The Dead' brings to mind the direction we all wish Queensryche had followed post 'Empire' ... yep, it's that impressive! Of course, QR would probably have shied away from the thrashier or speedier elements, but rather than detracting they actually enhance the aural experience.

From haunting acoustic led workouts ('A Ghost In Me' and 'A World To Come') to sizzling fret burners ('Reaper') and a myriad of wonderfully addictive stopping off points in between ('Invisible, The Dead', 'The Meaning', 'Reflections', etc.), the complex patterns, precise tempo changes and alluring melodies just get better and better with every play.

Best 'new' band to come out of Oz in an age...brilliant!

Dave Cockett