I have the feeling that most true Metalheads will vote that the Swedish melodic Death Metal style will never be the same ever again, that there is no turning back. I am with that vote. All we have left today are only crumbs of what that musical inspiration carved on many souls. Over here there is this band like DARKNESS BY OATH, a group that has been heavily influenced by the old Swedish extremity to the point where they actually had several notations that were immersed by that awesome melodic dominance. Through Cyclone Empire Records, the band's third album "Near Death Experience" was released to the air. The old Swedish Metal wasn't exactly unleash with it in full along with the cold, and on several occurrences static, modern approach, but it surely left something in the vein of AT THE GATES and DARK TRANQUILITY.

Without a doubt each and every member of the lineup is talented. I mostly enjoyed the guitars and drum works. I admire the band's sense toward melodic riffs and occasional harmonies. While listening it crossed my mind that the band didn't make a step without inserting melodies. Well naturally I was wrong because DARKNESS BY OATH wanted also to kick some ass along with their violent nature that cloaked some of the harsher themes. Where the heat was turned up and aggression took a stance, DARKNESS BY OATH had what it takes. On the other hand, "Near Death Experience", though produced well just like almost every major Death Metal album, went by me very fast without leaving anything too outstanding behind. There is creativity and quality here for certain but most of the material just didn't tick as I would have liked.

Even so, DARKNESS BY OATH did deliver several amazing tracks like the with the gruesome paradox of "Viole(n)t Intentions". This song has a few modern Thrash signatures that were mixed well with the ferocity of Death Metal. "Fallen Angel Of Death", another great aggressive and well written song, presented great riffs and amazing melodies. Sadly that the hefty production made the rhythm section overshadow several of the lead guitar outputs. The instrumental menace of "Holloworld" turned up my appetite once again with its tremendous melodic riffs; it has been a while since I have heard such a good instrumental, simple and to the point. Nonetheless, for me DARKNESS BY OATH is "Terror In Thousand Faces". This is exactly how modern melodic Death Metal should sound stomping forward with great melodic main riff, growl and clean vocals, tasty riffing and an overall atmosphere.

This band has been through stages in their career. With their attempts for the re-elevation of the past they formed fine examples. "Near Death Experience" is an album that should be checked out though I am sure that this band will have better results.