Darkness - Defenders of Justice + Demos, 1988 (Ger)

Ok thrash metal friends, do you know or remember Darkness from Germany? No??? Bad thing! This group is one of the most overlooked things in thrash that, back in the 80s, released two great albums. “Defenders Of Justice” is one of these two. We are so blinded by groups like Kreator, Sodom, Destruction and many others, that we forgot about this one that surely deserves more attention and respect.

I found this LP in a second hand shop and I immediately bought it. This group is pure energy. These tracks are pure thrash metal in German way. The up tempo and the excellent refrain on “Bloodbath” are a piece of underground history. The production is in pure 80s style but very good and heavy; the guitar sound is always solid, followed by truly characteristical vocals. They are similar to scratches on the wall. Great. “Inverted Minds” is well balanced with an almost speed metal refrain.


The bass work on “Battle To The Last” is truly pounding while the song is more focused on classic metal riffage and quite fast tempo. The vocals here are fucking great. “Caligula” features great lead guitars works and chorus with some more melodic passages. To describe the absurdity of the war we have the great mid paced “They Need A War”, with the speed growing during the refrain while a track like “Locked” could destroy a skyscraper.

The title track has a mid paced beginning with always excellent bass sound. Then it turns to up tempo with catchy sounds and vocals. “Predetermined Destiny” is the pure thrash assault at the end of the album. The fast parts are perfectly and wisely alternated to some long and more melodic mid paced ones.

All in all, this is a true, sincere and old fashioned piece of thrash that must be rediscovered and cleaned up from the dusts of time.