Dynazty: ‘The Dark Delight’
DYNAZTY
THE DARK DELIGHT
Released on April 3, 2020 (AFM Records)
Review:
Formed in 2008, Swedish melodic rockers Dynazty boast a stellar roster of well-known musicians on its seventh full-length album The Dark Delight (released April 3rd via AFM Records). Featuring powerhouse vocalist Nils Molin (Amaranthe), guitarist Mikael Lavér (Lindemann, Joe Lynn Turner), bassist Jonathan Olsson (Lindemann, Pain), guitarist Rob Love Magnusson and drummer Georg Härnsten Egg, the latter two who both frequently tour with singers such as Dee Snider and Joe Lynn Turner, the band has transformed into one powerful unit.
On Dynazty’s 2009 debut album Bring The Thunder, the band possessed an ’80s-influenced hard rock / metal sound. On its following releases, the band steadily developed and refined their music into the modern melodic power metal sound that we know of today.
Right from the get go of massive rocking opener “Presence of Mind,” the pompous swagger engulfs the listener, offering only a sample of what to expect throughout the 53-minute foray. It’s actually the perfect example of what this band does best — infectious harmonies, loads of blazing guitar solos, majestic vocals, hooky melodies and huge, singalong choruses, completed by a pristine production by the band themselves and mixed by the world renowned Jacob Hansen (Flotsam and Jetsam, Pyramaze, Anubis Gate).
Tracks such as “Paradise of The Architect,” “The Dark Delight” and the hard driving “Heartless Madness,” possess a strong Euro power metal vibe, while the arena rock ready “From Sound To Silence” is one of the heaviest tracks on the album. “The Road to Redemption” is a bluesy rocker, while the powerful metal ballad “Hologram” adds a different dynamic compared to the more rocking numbers. Touches of symphonic metal briefly pop up on tracks such as “Paradise of The Architect” and “Presence of Mind,” while the bouncy, Scottish / Celtic guitar melody of “The Man And The Elements” is a true highlight.
The Dark Delight is a wonderful, feel good, singalong album full of energy with engaging songs. However, some tracks, most notably “Waterfall,” “Apex” and “Threading The Needle” feel a bit bloated and inadequate compared to the more uptempo tracks. Also, the album seems a bit formulaic at times, almost predictable, especially with the lyrics. However, if you’re a massive fan of the band or the genre already, then it’s no trouble taking in the whole album in one sitting. The Dark Delight is a dazzling display of modern melodic hard rock, decorated with massive production values, hooky melodies and huge singalong choruses. It’s the ultimate amalgam of a band who is modern, melodic and edgy all at once.
Track List:
01. Presence of Mind
02. Paradise of The Architect
03. The Black
04. From Sound To Silence (feat. GG6)
05. Hologram
06. Heartless Madness
07. Waterfall
08. Threading The Needle
09. The Man And The Elements
10. Apex
11. The Road To Redemption
12. The Dark Delight
Bonus Track:
13. The Shoulder Devil
Band Members:
Nils Molin – lead vocals, backing vocals
Love Magnusson – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Mikael Lavér – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
George Egg – drums, backing vocals
Jonathan Olsson – bass, backing vocals
Additional Musicians:
Henrik “GG6” Englund – backing vocals
Linnéa Vikström Egg – backing vocals
Production:
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen
Band Websites:
Official Website
Facebook
Instagram
Reviewed by Kelley Simms for Sleaze Roxx, May 2020
Dynazty‘s “Waterfall” video:
Dynazty‘s “Presence of Mind” video:
Dynazty‘s “Heartless Madness” video: