Review Summary: "This is the end...the universe has brought you here to die!"
The Darkness was quite a force to be reckoned with when they appeared with "Permission to Land" in 2003. However, they seemed to fall off into the cheesiest and rubbish territory with "One Way Ticket". The band split, reunited, and returned with a return to form with 2012's "Hot Cakes". However, that return has come full circle now and gone beyond themselves with 2015's "Last of Our Kind".
Two of the three singles help build up a rock solid foundation for the album. "Barbarian" is absolutely killer, not only because it talks about vikings (which are metal!) and features Justin's banshee vocals in full force, it also has something that is very prominent in this album: killer guitar work. The guitars are awesome, but don't go too heavy into metal territory, which works for The Darkness because they are rock, and it would have killed its magic. "Open Fire" is (Darkness universe agrees) the "She Sells Sanctuary"/Cult song of the album. But it is really refreshing to hear, because it is so catchy, makes you feel like taking on the town in the 80's, and has Justin singing differently, which I love because its refreshing to hear something new. "Hammer and Tongs", is okay and a good rock song, but compared to the album and just The Darkness in general, it doesn't add anything new and seeps into filler territory.
The ballads of the album, while containing similar elements and formula to past Darkness ballads, just have a different feeling this time. "Wheels of the Machine" has a strong "Love is Only A Feeling" vibe, and coming after "Roaring Waters" and before "Mighty Wings" just adds a nice touch and break for the album. "Sarah O Sarah" is very "Friday Night"-ish (Permission to Land fans anyone?), but features really, really, really killer guitar work. Just those little differences makes it sound heavenly and wonderful, something like Led Zeppelin or Queen.
"Last of Our Kind" really seems like it would be the next Darkness single off this album. It has a strong "Nothing is Gonna Stop Us" (Hot Cakes fans anyone?) feeling to it, with obvious acoustic guitars added. This is more interesting than "Hammer and Tongs", but is not extremely different to the typical Darkness uptempo rock song, so it does add something to the album, but nothing drastic. Roaring Waters is very chugging and rocky at first, and sounds like it is with Angus and Malcom Young from AC/DC on guitars, as it sounds very AC/DC ish. And I mean that as a great compliment, as this song has most of its foundations built on the guitars, and is constantly changes to keep you on your toes. The song gets progressively better as it goes along, as shows their better rock side.
Before I get into the strongest tracks of the album, lastly is Conquerors. This is a very anthem-y track, and although is extremely anthem like, has an extremely strong element that really makes the song. That is Frankie. He has a great set of pipes on him, I truly love how his voice sounds, very rocky. I love Justin, but (just like Open Fire) it is refreshing to hear a different voice. He really puts his soul into the song, and it brings the song full circle, and should be their ending closer to their concerts.
Now for the two best songs on this album. First is Mudslide. Wow! What a track indeed. Now I honestly don't know what to say about the weird vocals Justin was doing at the beginning. However, remember I said they channeled AC/DC on here? Now lets bring that back, but get the two back in their younger days when they could play their fingers off. Bravo to the Hawkins brothers for absolutely ripping it through this track. And of course, Justin brings the house down with his vocals. I love the speed of the song, very quick, very pleasing to listen to.
However, the track of the album (for me at least) has got to be Mighty Wings. When I heard the synth, I expected it to sound a little different. But then when guitars from the depths of Hell come in, I was like wait what? (sounded a bit like if the Darkness was going to play a redo riff of Home by Dream Theater) Then it goes into this MONSTROUS sounding metal like riff with the hugest sound behind it, making it sound like...well you are flying. The way the song chugs gives it that epic feel. And of course, Justin had to go full banshee vocals on this song, singing and sounding his best in a long time. Parts of Justin's singing sounds like his inner Black Shuck is coming out (not only banshee, but demon sounding growly). I love how much the song changes, it just keeps you so interested. This song sounds very dark at times, including around the 4:12 mark, sounds like before you are about to fly out, gotta go through Hell first. It contains everything great about the Darkness, kick ass guitars, Justin's signature (and best) vocals, typical slow down sections like they do very often, and how much they can change (with their sound and style).
Thank you for reading my long and random review of the album. Overall this is the best album that The Darkness has made since Permission To Land, and shows that they are around and will be for a long time. Will be very interesting to see how they top this album.
Must Download Tracks: Mighty Wings, Open Fire, Barbarian, Mudslide, Roaring Waters
