DARKENED were formed in 2018 with members from Sweden and Canada. The traditional Death Metal outfit released so far two EPs and two full-length albums. Their third EP "Lord Of Sickness And Bile" was mixed and mastered by Gord Olsen (ANGELBLAST; DEATHCOLLECTOR). It has a length of about xx minutes. The album was released via Norwegian Black Metal specialists Edged Circle Productions, and it is available as a 7'' vinyl format only. "Lord Of Sickness And Bile" is a very short EP and this may be related to the special vinyl format, which has been called single with an A and B side 30 years ago or so. I have been reviewing their latest album "The Dark Winter" (2022) and there has been one significant change since then. The departure of drummer and ex-BOLT THROWER member Andy Whale, who has been replaced by Perra Karlsson, may have caused a change in sound as well.

The songs on "The Dark Winter" album were largely influenced by traditional Death Metal and some of the songs clearly had the BOLT THROWER vibes written all over them. Listening to "Lord Of Sickness And Bile" is different. "Steal Kill Destroy" starts to me like atmospheric Black Metal inspired. It has a frantic start with a blast-beat attack and melancholy in the melodies. The track is a back and forth of the blast-beat driven parts at blistering pace and the mid-tempo parts driven by aggressive riffing. Vocalist Gord Olson leads perfectly through the track with his versatility. As time goes by, the track, which has some complexity in its textures, becomes more and more direct and aggressive whereas the melancholic melodies disappear. "Archaic Wounds" has a powerful start at fast pace with tight riffing and a lot of double-bass drumming. The verse parts are aggressive and crushing, while the chorus parts switch to a measured tempo with slight melancholy in the melodies. The break for the lead guitar solo is epic and the solo itself is very contributing to the epic atmosphere. The transition back to the verse part comes very abrupt. Altogether, "Archaic Wounds" is a more direct song, and it has been released as video with the YouTube link being provided below.

It is difficult to judge a release based on two songs. Both songs on "Lord Of Sickness And Bile" sound quite different, however, there is some indication that DARKENED move away from the traditional Death Metal approach and add some modern elements including the crossing of boundaries and a greater complexity in their songs. If DARKENED go that way, it would be great for their development as a band. The EP is well produced. If "Lord Of Sickness And Bile" hints how a new album could sound, Death Metal fans who are open to a broader sound have something to look forward to.