DARRELL is the spiritual successor of DEATHGAZE and are wonderful!

 

Sometimes good things are born out of bad occurrences. The subject of this blog post is one of those good things. Out of the ashes of a tremendous, unfortunate Nagoya Kei band that I loved, known as DEATHGAZE, a new, slick and talented band in the same genre emerged. That band is known as DARRELL! 

As previously mentioned, the Nagoya Kei band known as DEATHGAZE went on indefinite hiatus back in 2014. Following the announcement of the hiatus, vocalist AI went on to start a solo project. He released three singles, a venue-limited single and one full-length album. After enjoying his solo project and working with the supporting members, it was announced that AI had formed a band with them. AI was joined guitarist Jun, bassist JOKER and drummer Makoto in the newly formed DARRELL in 2017. 

The original line-up released 4 singles and a single full-length album, DARXNESS, before guitarist Jun left the group in late 2019. Following Jun's departure, the group released a full-length album that featured covers of DEATHGAZE songs as well as a single, Brilliant Death, as a trio. In 2021, former Megido guitarist, MIYA joined the band following the disbandment of the aforementioned Megido. With MIYA onboard, the band released 2 singles and an EP. 

For any fans that miss DEATHGAZE, DARRELL can certainly fill the void that DEATHGAZE's indefinite hiatus left behind. Just take one look at BRILLIANT DEATH and you'll find 10 familiar songs on there. Sure, they're not exactly the same as they've been re-recorded and only AI from DEATHGAZE is present on them, but they sound stupendous nonetheless. It's strange to call them covers when AI is the one singing them again, but it's worth it to get to hear them once again. 

The heaviness of DEATHGAZE is also pleasantly present. Look no further than the band's very first single, DEAD INSIDE. From the title, you can see that AI's love and fascination of death hasn't changed. The song itself features a thrash metal like beat with some solid, rhythmic drumming and great guitar riffs. AI makes great use of his signature, powerful screaming technique in the verses and the bridge before utilising his charismatic, clean, deep vocals in the chorus. 

The powerful single, HADES, sounds like what DEATHGAZE could have potentially morphed into. The crunchy, solid riffs along with the steady, drumming are quite sublime and the fast tempo gives it a neat sound. I love the melodic chorus as AI is at his best with the clean vocals. 

The band can do heavy, swift tempo metal goodness full of AI's powerful screaming and also softer, soothing slow tempo ballads such as CALLING, FROZEN DAYS and TOO LATE TO CRY. FROZEN DAYS still has a metal sound at points, but is soft when compared to DEAD INSIDE and HADES, and comes close to being alternative rock as opposed to metal. AI's voice is sublime during ballads such as this and it really has a calming effect I feel. The guitar work in CALLING is tremendous and the simple riff that is repeated throughout the song is catchy and creates a peaceful atmosphere within the tune. TOO LATE TO CRY features a terrific guitar solo from AI as well as some piano/keyboard work in the background that gives it a unique flavour. 

I also feel like the production quality is an improvement over AI's time in DEATHGAZE. That may be due to having access to better equipment or perhaps working with better producers. The compositions can be clearly heard and seem smoother overall. 

If you're a fan of heavy stuff full of crunchy, yet catchy guitar riffs, fast paced drumming and a blend of powerful screaming and slick, melodic clean vocals, then DARRELL just might be for you. I'd also recommend that fans of DEATHGAZE give them a listen as like I mentioned previously, they really do make up for the void left by their hiatus.