AUDITORY ARMORY initially began as the solo project of April Rose. Starting in 2011, the project became a full band with members Oscar (drums), Dennis (Guitar), and Justice (bass). "I didn't want to be limited to just being an acoustic act...They help me realize even more the potential of my songs," says April. April also hopes to touch on a personal nerve with her listeners: "I want to be honest with my lyrics. Some might say my music is dark, but a lot of people are hurting right now. Music saved my life; I want to do that for others." Hailing from central Florida, USA, they self-describe as "Alternative Metal" with elements of Hard Rock and Progressive Rock. "Dark Matter" contains seven tracks.

"Transcendence" is a brief, mood-setting opening piece, with organ notes and soft, vocal calls, leading into "Tyrant," which opens peacefully, with acoustic guitar and more of those vocal calls/moans. The main riff kicks in just before the half way mark, a low collection of notes with a dark sound. I like the suspenseful elements they build in this track, but some of the vocals are a bit pitchy. "The Light that was Lost" sports a solid Metal sound with some vocal melodies that are close to the mark but don't quite make it. Dynamism is what is missing. You can hear the potential for sure and it seems like they just need a bit more to get there. "Cry Little Sister" has a good chorus but meanders in the verses to the point of not being able to follow a linear pattern for me.

"A Path Unknown" is more pleasing to me. This six minute song has a nice, melodious opening from the acoustic guitars, lead guitar notes, and sultry vocals from April Rose. When the main riff kicks in, there is some power and might to the sound. The instrumental passage at the end is pretty strong as well, sounding like something in the IRON MAIDEN realm. "Love you to Death" is like a sinister love tale gone wrong...or right? It has a sexy sound, beckoning you into a place that you know you should probably not visit but do anyway. Then comes the closing song, a ten minute affair titled "Dark Matter." Though the gloomy haze is a nice feature here, there are some oddly connected melodies that take away from the eerie sound. The ambient passage at the half-way mark is nice however. Anytime you can retreat into the deafening silence of a quiet place it makes you feel a certain way that is hard to describe.

Overall, I find some potential in the album but it never really made a mark for me. The dark and brooding elements are what I enjoyed most, but it lacked punch and dynamism and at times I felt lost in the chord progressions, unsure where they would ultimately end up. There were snippets of connections here and there but they didn't last long enough to really stir up emotions. It was not a total loss however and there is no reason that their next outing could be really great.