BEAST IN BLACK: DARK CONNECTION

   Bombastic, heavy, wild and fun, Dark Connection is everything that any obliging listener can expect to hear from Finnish whippersnappers Beast In Black.  

   Saturated with synths, electronics and plenty of twiddling guitars, the album has a very European (or more specifically Scandinavian) Pop vibe, more prevalent here than on Beast In Black's previous efforts. That said, there is no shortage of cracking riffs, slamming drums and impressive vocals. 

   Kicking off in dramatic fashion, "Blade Runner" offers up an seizure inducing blur of riffs and crazed keys. Sounding like a disco injected Judas Priest, "Bella Donna" is bizzare yet undeniably infectious and catchy. With a great sing-along chorus, crunchy Metallic riffs and an abundance of synths and keys, "Highway To Mars" is another groovy staple. Offering a little more heaviness, "Hardcore" pounds and thunders along like a softer Sabaton, before "One Night In Tokyo" dispenses with the Power Metal identity altogether, opting for a rather uncomfortable electro pop party tune instead. Luckily, "Moonlight Rendezvous" is a slightly more grounded Metal track, with decent heavy riffing, blinding solos and thumping bass. 

   Retro sci-fi intro, rapid-fire drumming and soaring vocals from powerhouse frontman Yannis Papadopoulos, "Revengeance Machine" packs a pretty punch. As one of Dark Connection's heavier moments, "Dark New World" is also a standout track; short, sharp and a fine song indeed. With some of the best vocal work of the album, "To The Last Drop Of Blood" is another clear highpoint, bolstered by some superb guitar work and perfectly accompanied by dazzling keys.

   Fusing Power Metal heaviness with an unnervingly cheesy pop disco sounding chorus and over flowing keys and synths, "Broken Survivors" is borderline uneasy listening. Closing the album in spectacular style, Beast In Black channel Wintersun for the beautifully atmospheric yet undeniably heavy "My Dystopia". A commandingly heavy Symphonic Power Metal gem, this closing number is also without a doubt the best track of Dark Connection.  

   In essence, Dark Connection is diverse enough to hold attention, just about heavy enough to warrant headbanging and fist-pumping, but is definitely not an album to be taken too seriously. Some existing fans may find Dark Connection a little too challenging due to its greater inclination towards the over-the-top pop sound, but any listener is certain to find a few moments here to justify the listen and satisfy their taste.

You can also watch the full review here on Youtube; 

NO NONSENSE METAL RATING: 6/10 

FOR FANS OF; SABATON, BATTLE BEAST, MICHAEL JACKSON 

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