In 2022, when I reviewed the last album by BARK, “Rambler Of Aeons”, I was just about idolising the music these Belgians from Antwerp were playing. Their mix of the Death ‘n’ Roll they played during those well written songs was a proper revelation back then. And yes, when I listen to that album it still is. Now, some three years later they have returned with a vengeance, presenting us one hell of an aggressive piece of slab called “The Time Has Come”. On this, their fifth studio album, BARK have opted to change the way they play their music. The question now is if they are able to impress me as much as they did three years ago.

What I can say is that the connection with old ENTOMBED is still there, but instead of monopolising the Death And Roll era of their peers, they have opted to add their earlier Death Metal beginnings as well. It give us a much wider scope in which BARK can place their brand of Heavy Music, and it gives the ultra-heavy notes an extra ingress of pure aggression, making sure that the sound on this “The Time Has Come” album will blow you off your socks a lot easier than “Rambler Of Aeons”. Just think of it like this: BARK has mixed an ENTOMBED atmosphere with SLAYER riffing and intensity and made it their own. If you play this louder than hell you will have to open the windows of the room, you’re in, as they will be blown away if you don’t.

So, the way the music is played and the accompanying way it exits my speakers is very much acceptable and enjoyable. I like what I hear. But that is as far as I go, as although I feel that the songs on “The Time Has Come” range from good to rather splendid, they are missing that little touch of extra exuberance or if you will exceptionality that raises them above the masses. Yes, BARK is still able to write, play and record bloody good Heavy music, but it’s not setting my senses (or hair) alight. And that is fine, as you can’t be perfect every time you create something new. But you do need to be very good, and in that respect, they have certainly come up trumps. BARK is living proof that even if you can’t reach the absolute top every time, if you try hard enough you still can make a very good record. The proof is in “The Time Has Come”.