A Deathcore Supergroup Breaking Boundaries
Darko US is a band that was formed in 2020 as a side project by Tom Barber and Josh “Baby J” Miller. Barber is known for being the former vocalist of Chelsea Grin and Lorna Shore, while Miller was a former member of Spite and Emmure. Together, they have created a unique blend of deathcore, electronica, ambient, and progressive metal.
Debut Single and EP Release
The band made their debut with the release of their first single, “Devine Void,” in April 2020. The song featured guest vocalist Darius Tehrani, who is also the frontman of Miller’s other band, Spite. Following the success of their debut single, Darko released their first EP, “Pt. 1 Dethmask,” on June 6, 2020.
Self-Titled Album and Second Full-Length Album
Darko released their first full-length self-titled album on May 7, 2021. The album featured guest appearances from Ben Duerr (Shadow of Intent), Courtney LaPlante (Spiritbox), Johnny Reeves, and Nick Arthur (Molotov Solution). The band’s second full-length album, “Oni,” was released on September 26, 2022, and featured guest appearances from Ryo Kinoshita (ex-Crystal Lake), Kyle Anderson (Brand of Sacrifice), Shaolin G (UnityTX), Taylor Barber (Left To Suffer), and Rory Rodriguez (Dayseeker).
Dethmask, Pt. 2 and Song Contest
In April 2022, Darko held an online contest asking for a sample-based song for their upcoming EP, “Dethmask, Pt. 2.” After reviewing more than 500 submissions, the winner, Ben Chalfant, was announced on April 28, 2022. The EP was released on December 30, 2022, and featured guest appearances from Matt McDougal, Landon Tewers (The Plot in You), and Ben Chalfant.
Musical Style and Influences
Darko US has been described primarily as deathcore, as well as metalcore, djent, and nu metal. The band draws inspiration from various genres, including those that heavily feature synths and singing. Their songs touch on a variety of subjects, including existentialism, herd behavior, dealing with loss, and social reform. They also incorporate themes and references from various mediums of fantasy and science fiction.
Personal Significance in Their Music
Darko’s music often contains personal significance to the band members, such as their single “Donna,” which is a tribute to Miller’s late grandmother, Donna Miller. The band’s willingness to incorporate personal experiences into their music helps to create an emotional connection with their listeners.
Conclusion
Darko US is a band that is breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of what is expected from the deathcore genre. Their unique blend of electronica, ambient, and progressive metal creates a sound that is both heavy and emotionally engaging. Overall, with their second full-length album, “Oni,” and EP “Dethmask, Pt. 2,” the band continues to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
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Merch
