The Dark Element hit the ground running with their self titled debut release in 2017 and this exciting new band is now back with their much awaited second album. This Swedish/Finnish joint venture sees former Nightwish singer Anette Olzon combining forces with the songwriter and former Sonata Arctica guitarist Jani Liimatainen.
Again, his fellow Cain’s Offering bassist Jonas Kuhlberg returns with Rolf Pilve taking over on drumming duties from Jani Hurula. The debut was a monumental slab of symphonic metal with anthemic songs, killer guitar work and the wonderful, sweet and crystal clear vocals of Olzon showing just what a talent she is and one to be treasured. Thankfully, the new album continues in the same style as they tweak what was almost perfect and even improve it which I would have thought impossible. Liimatainen again excels on keyboards and programming giving the album something of an orchestrated feel to which is really a trademark of the distinctive symphonic rock movement. There are the usual huge choruses, songs that all verge on epic and some truly exceptional performances from the musicians with both Liimatainen and Olzon cementing their reputations as extraordinary talents.
If Symphonic or Gothic rock is your preferred choice then you will delight in this supreme album but it is also heavy enough for the head bangers out there yet still melodic to appeal to those of a more sensitive nature. Songs The Night Sings shows that The Dark Element is a band to be taken seriously and I doubt that you will have heard many better symphonic albums this year, quite magnificent.
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