Doomriders - Darkness Come Alive

Given their storied pedigree, it’s no surprise that Doomriders revel in the metal. Comprised of equal parts Converge, Disappearer, Cave In and Cast Iron Hike, the band continues the New England tradition of sharpening hardcore’s metal edge. Darkness Come Alive (Deathwish, Inc., 2009) demonstrates how impressive the band has become at molding rock and metal influences into its own sound.

Come Alive
Crooked Path

There’s a reason few bands match the brilliance of their forbears: most guitarists can’t write their way out of a flight case. Doomriders, however, manage a few memorable riff monsters. “Crooked Path” and “Heavy Lies the Crown” dazzle with repeating lines anchored in mid-tempo rhythms and gruff shouting. Dueling riffs slither and interwine perfectly. The band takes notes from Blue Cheer and Grand Funk Railroad, lathering a rough though melodic sheen on its songs. “Come Alive” could be a hit in the hands of Queens of the Stone Age. Its bludgeoning song lends itself to sing-alongs, while “Lions” and “Jealous God” howlingly go for the jugular.

Darkness Come Alive is a staggering album that measures up to anything Doomriders’ members have done before. It could use some editing; it’s a lot to swallow in 46 minutes. The final quarter of the album could have been shed without much effect. Still, Doomriders remind us of the forgotten power of the big riff.

– Casey Boland

Buy:
Amazon (CD)
Amazon (MP3)
eMusic (MP3)
Relapse (CD)
Interpunk (CD, LP)
Deathwish, Inc. (CD, LP)