Italian band DARK PASSAGE has a history that goes back to 2012. The four musicians that formed the band had a past in various underground metal bands, and had a joint desire to have their own take on metal with more of a retro-oriented spirit to it. Following an initial EP in 2015 Dark Passage released their full length debut album “The Legacy of Blood” through Rockshots Records in the early spring of 2020.
One key element that merits mentioning about this album is that it’s a conceptual one. A single story told from the start to the finish, and I guess the best general description of it is that the story and concept are grounded somewhere inside historical fantasy, and the the setting is on the British Isles. For those with an interest in such topics, these are important facts.
The music itself is mainly a leap back to the glorious age of the 1980’s. We get some teutonic style massive, majestic riffs, the more free flowing riffs and galloping bass that was a cornerstone in NWoBHM as well as early power metal and the occasional sections that has something of a speed metal feel to them. A full on 80’s metal party, and one also flavored with epic style classic metal, some ballad-oriented sections and, due to the conceptual nature of this production, atmospheric laden interludes.
The best aspects of this production by far are the guitars. Not always the guitar sound or the various riff constructions, but the use of guitar overlays on vocal parts as well as instrumental parts are some of the best functioning constructions of this album. On quite a few songs this is the small element that elevates the total experience on to a slightly higher level. Not always perfect, but for me that is the main selling point of this album. In addition to the styles of metal that is explored, which is a selling point in itself of course.
Other aspects of this production isn’t quite at the level I would expect. The somewhat basic, primitive mood and atmosphere provided by mix and production will be an acquired taste, but it is a good match to both the concept and the styles of metal explored. It does give the album an early 80’s vibe at times though, which will be for better or worse depending on personal point of view. Vocalist Lauria appears to struggle with the confines of his voice as well, and besides the good, old accent not doing him any favors he isn’t really able to use his voice as efficient as he should in my opinion. At least that is an impression I get, that he is struggling against limitations both when delivering delicate and when providing more powerful vocals. Two details also worth mentioning are the voice acting sections at the start and at the end of the album. Voice acting is a profession. Theater script is a profession. When created and / or performed by non-professionals the end result may well be a bit cringe-worthy.
It is rather typical of this day and age that many albums released are neither fish nor fowl, neither good or bad. For the right audience this debut album by Dark Passage will perhaps be regarded as a charming but flawed affair, a rough jewel with some flaws if you like, and as such this is an album I’d gather will have more of a limited reach. Those with a strong affection for mid 80’s metal would be my recommended key audience for this album, and those with a special interest in underground bands from that era in particular.
My rating: 60/100
Links:
https://www.darkpassageband.com/
https://www.rockshots.eu/
