This review contains one minor contradiction.

Darkane’s “Demonic Art” begins with an intro instrumental called, ‘Variations of an Eye Crush’ (the title just evokes the “I’m crushing your head” guy from Kids in the Hall), a horror-movie-score-influenced tune that sets the listener up for theatrical metal, drawing heavily from roots in Dio and King Diamond. So you brace yourself for Warrel Dane (Nevermore) or Dream Theater-guy style vocals, then Track 2, ‘Leaving Existence’ begins and everything changes. This track sets the tone and the stage for rest of the speed/Swede thrash metal album. Your expectations are shattered.

Jens Broman is an excellent vocalist; there only a few moments of actual singing on the album, but it sounds like he could ably handle melodic departures. No matter, he delivers a smooth, powerful attack, utilizing well-timed Bobby Blitz (Overkill)-like screams and doomy growls as assets, rather than as wearisome constants. I’m unfamiliar with Darkane’s previous singers, but it would seem they should keep this guy on the mic.

That said, I think the album’s best moments are the ones where he shuts up (There's your minor contradiction). Aside from the vocals, the most prominent feature in the mixes tends to be Peter Wildoer’s double-bass drum, and for good reason. His creative, punchy rhythms are truly what sets this band apart from their peers. “Demonic Art” is pretty short on riffage; Wildoer and Darkane compensate beautifully with tight muted-low E measures. The rhythm guitar work deserves praise for such precision picking, choreographed perfectly with Wildoer's feet. Is there bass guitar on this album? It’s listed in the credits, but never heard.

With their rhythmic aptitude and highly skilled, versatile vocalist, I’d love to hear this incarnation of Darkane do some covers. I envision some kickass jams of old Slayer, Testament, or Anthrax - - or creative reinventions of non-metal tunes. Anyway. ‘Demonic Art’, ‘Execution 44’, and ‘Wrath Connection’ are the standout tracks on the album for me. ‘Wrath Connection’ is the album’s closer, and is probably the only juicy guitar riff on “Demonic Art”. This particular track has been getting a lot of return play on my mp3 player.