Artist: Clan Of Xymox Album: Darkest Hour

Year: 2011
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Look at Clan Of Xymox's Darkest Hour Album

When it comes to darkwave music, few bands have left their mark quite like Clan Of Xymox. Established in 1981, this Dutch group has created a unique sound that incorporates elements of goth, post-punk, and electro into a dark and brooding atmosphere. And among their many albums, perhaps none fit this description better than Darkest Hour. Released in 2011, this record displays the band's signature sound and instrumentation, while also exploring new territory in terms of production and songwriting. Here, we'll take a closer look at what makes Darkest Hour both a standout in Clan Of Xymox's catalog and a significant entry in the darkwave scene as a whole.

First, a little history on Clan Of Xymox. Originally labeled as Xymox, the band has gone through various lineup changes and album releases over their 40-year career. However, the core sound has always been centered around moody lyrics, hypnotic basslines, and ethereal synths. Their early work in the '80s was particularly influential to the post-punk scene, but it wasn't until their 1985 self-titled debut album that they really found their niche in gothic rock. In the '90s, they shifted towards more industrial-influenced sounds before returning to their original style in the 2000s. This brings us to Darkest Hour, which many consider to be one of the group's most successful and impactful albums.

The genre of Darkest Hour can best be described as darkwave, which is a subgenre of gothic rock. Darkwave music has a particularly atmospheric and moody feel, often incorporating electronic elements alongside traditional rock instrumentation. The genre is known for its introspective and melancholic themes, exploring topics such as death, love, and loss. Clan Of Xymox is a band that has always been associated with this style, and Darkest Hour is no exception. The album contains plenty of haunting lyrics and brooding melodies, with a particular emphasis on unsettling synths and effects.

What makes Darkest Hour so special is the blend of new and old. Listeners familiar with Clan Of Xymox's sound will immediately recognize the familiar hallmarks of their music, such as Ronny Moorings' distinctive vocals and the driving rhythms of Delete. However, there are also new elements introduced throughout the album, such as the cinematic strings of Catherine, or the pulsating beat of Wake Up. These additions help to keep the music fresh and interesting, while still staying true to the band's established sound.

The best songs on the album are Delete, Emily and My Reality. These tracks represent some of the strongest moments on the album, showcasing the band's knack for catchy hooks and memorable choruses. Delete is a particularly standout song, with its infectious guitar riff and driving rhythm. However, it's the more introspective tracks like Emily and My Reality that really showcase Moorings' songwriting skills and emotional depth.

Of course, no review would be complete without some critique. One criticism of Darkest Hour is that, while the album maintains a consistently moody and atmospheric tone, it can also come across as somewhat one-note. There are times when the songs blend together into a wash of synths and drums, lacking the distinctiveness found on Clan Of Xymox's earlier work. It's also worth noting that some of the production choices can be a bit questionable, such as the unnecessary distortion on Your Own Way. These flaws aren't enough to sink the album, but they do detract from its overall impact.

Clan Of Xymox's Darkest Hour is an example of a band willing to experiment and push the boundaries of their established sound. While not without flaws, the album is a strong entry in the darkwave genre, with standout tracks like Delete and Emily showcasing the band's signature melancholy and introspection. Fans of Clan Of Xymox and darkwave in general will find much to enjoy here, while those new to the genre will find a haunting and immersive experience.

Clan Of Xymox's Darkest Hour is an example of a band willing to experiment and push the boundaries of their established sound. While not without flaws, the album is a strong entry in the darkwave genre, with standout tracks like Delete and Emily showcasing the band's signature melancholy and introspection. Fans of Clan Of Xymox and darkwave in general will find much to enjoy here, while those new to the genre will find a haunting and immersive experience.