On the positive side of things, I'm a huge fan of the gang vocal, ever since Motley Crüe refrained "Shout, Shout, Shout..." and there's a lot of that, making for catchy choruses and some memorable lines, especially "By My Own," which has a Pantera "Walk" vibe, in that it's a very heavy anthem. Also, I love the vocals, very powerful and emotive - great decision getting rid of the guy who growled on their independent EP. The riffing is Pantera-esque all over the album, but I especially dig the soloing, which at times is so tight and fluid, you can't help but immerse yourself in it. Check out "Dare I Say" and "The Astonishing Fury of Mankind" in that regard.

My only complaint, if it could be considered as such, is there may be to many Pantera-isms. At times, a bit too close to being a Pantera knock off. However, there's enough original stuff, especially in the vocals, to believe these guys are bound for success. It reminds me of Lamb of God's debut, New American Gospel, which was very Slayer-ish, but there was enough there to make you wonder that maybe there's something brewing in those kids' heads. The same can be said of Darkness Dynamite.

written by Alan Gilkeson

Playing time: 38:20