Darkest Hour (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Darkest Hour is a melodic death metal and metalcore ensemble originating from Washington, D.C., established in 1995. Despite early challenges in gaining recognition, the group eventually received praise for albums like Undoing Ruin, Deliver Us, and The Eternal Return. Their release Deliver Us entered the Billboard charts at position 110, selling 6,600 copies initially, while The Eternal Return climbed to number 104. The band's album Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora achieved their highest chart position at number 42 on the Billboard 200, reflecting both commercial success and an evolution in their musical style.
Formation and Early Years (1995–1999)
Darkest Hour's inaugural performance took place on September 23, 1995, featuring vocalist John Henry, guitarist Mike Schleibaum, drummer Matt Maben, and bassist Raul Mayorga.
Their first extended play, The Misanthrope, was issued in 1996 through the local label Death Truck Records. In the same year, the band contributed the slower-paced track "Paths of Despair" to the compilation The Harder They Come by East Coast Empire Records, which contrasted with their later faster tempo. In 1999, they followed up with another EP titled The Prophecy Fulfilled, released via Art Monk Construction.
The Mark of the Judas and So Sedated, So Secure Era (2000–2002)
With new members lead guitarist Fred Ziomek, bassist Billups Allen, and drummer Ryan Parrish joining, Darkest Hour unveiled their debut full-length album The Mark of the Judas in 2000 under M.I.A. Records. However, limited promotion and distribution occurred as M.I.A. Records soon ceased operations.
Subsequently, the band signed with Victory Records, releasing their label debut So Sedated, So Secure on August 7, 2001. Following lineup adjustments—Paul Burnette replacing Billups and the exit of Ziomek—the album was re-released by Victory on March 7, 2006. This reissue featured refreshed artwork, remixed sound, re-recorded vocals, and additional bonus tracks.
Touring persisted with Mike Garrity temporarily handling lead guitar duties until Kris Norris became a permanent member. During this phase, the band encountered legal troubles in Roland, Oklahoma related to alleged marijuana possession and alcohol infractions, resulting in a $6,000 penalty.
Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation and Undoing Ruin Period (2003–2006)
Released on May 20, 2003, Darkest Hour’s third studio album Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation represented a transition from metalcore toward melodic death metal under producer Fredrik Nordström. The politically themed record garnered mainstream attention and secured them a spot at Ozzfest in 2004. Victory Records reissued this album on July 13, 2004, including bonus material such as a DVD.
Their fourth studio effort, Undoing Ruin, produced by Devin Townsend at Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver, was released on June 28, 2005. It marked Darkest Hour’s first entry into the Billboard 200, debuting at number 138 with opening week sales of 8,484 units.
In the documentary film Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005), Darkest Hour was highlighted among bands identified with the "New Wave of American Metal," underscoring their influence within this significant metal movement.
Deliver Us (2007–2008)
At the start of 2007, the band collaborated with Townsend in Vancouver to record their forthcoming album. Victory Records officially announced the album title as Deliver Us, which was released on July 10, 2007.
In April 2008, Darkest Hour produced a fight anthem for the Washington Capitals by reworking "A Thousand Words to Say but One" into "Let's Go Caps!" to rally support during the Capitals' 2008 Stanley Cup playoff campaign.
Guitarist Kris Norris departed in September 2008 to focus on producing and other ventures. He was succeeded by Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan, and the group returned to the studio with producer Brian McTernan at Salad Days Studio in Baltimore.
The track "Demon(s)" from this era was included in the soundtrack of the video game Guitar Hero 5.
The Eternal Return (2009−2010)
Darkest Hour began recording The Eternal Return in March 2009, ahead of their co-headlining Thrash and Burn European Tour 2009 alongside Bleeding Through. The album's release was slightly postponed but ultimately launched on June 23, 2009. Subsequently, the band joined the 2009 Summer Slaughter Tour and supported Trivium during the North American segment of the Mouth of Hell We March Tour.
In February 2010, they announced a touring lineup featuring Dillinger Escape Plan, Iwrestledabearonce, and Animals as Leaders.
Signing to eOne and The Human Romance (2010–2012)
In April 2010, Darkest Hour inked a deal with eOne Music, concluding their ten-year relationship with Victory Records. Their next album was produced by Soilwork guitarist Peter Wichers, who significantly influenced the band and is recognized as a pioneer of Swedish melodic death metal. The band characterized this release as their most emotional and melodic work to date, blending the intensity found on The Eternal Return while evolving their sound.
During an interview with Metal Injection, members Mike Schleibaum and Ryan Parrish disclosed the album's title as The Human Romance, which was released on February 22, 2011. The single "Savor the Kill" debuted on Noisecreep on January 13, 2011.
Longtime drummer Ryan Parrish left the band on December 22, 2011, with Timothy Java from Dead To Fall stepping in as his replacement. On June 6, 2012, bassist Paul Burnette amicably exited to join Iron Reagan; Aaron Deal, who had previously toured extensively with Darkest Hour, was introduced as his successor.
Signing to Sumerian Records and self-titled album (2013–2015)
On February 5, 2013, Darkest Hour revealed they were entering pre-production for a new album. By April 16, 2013, Travis Orbin—an accomplished touring and session drummer—joined the lineup and contributed to writing the band's eighth studio effort. On June 14, they signed with Sumerian Records, planning both a reissue of The Mark of the Judas and new material development.
Their self-titled eighth studio album was released on August 5, 2014. In 2015, they embarked on special international performances commemorating the tenth anniversary of Undoing Ruin, playing the album in its entirety along with fan-favorite tracks.
Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora and Perpetual Terminal (2016–present)
After parting ways with their label in early 2016, Darkest Hour initiated an IndieGoGo fundraising effort to support the creation of their ninth studio album alongside their first comprehensive live DVD, titled Live at the Black Cat 2015, celebrating the tenth anniversary of Undoing Ruin. By March 14, they surpassed their initial $50,000 target by collecting $67,707 from more than 1,200 supporters. This additional capital enabled them to enhance various aspects including upgraded artwork, music video production, guest artist contributions, and superior overall production quality.
The recording sessions for their ninth album took place at GodCity Studio under the guidance of producer Kurt Ballou between September and October 2016. Guitarist Mike Schleibaum emphasized Ballou’s skill in authentically capturing the band’s live performance energy and expressed confidence in his role for this pivotal project. The group planned a February 2017 release date and collaborated with former guitarist Kris Norris on several compositions.
Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora officially launched on March 10, 2017. Although initially planning an independent release, they ultimately joined forces with Southern Lord Records—who previously handled vinyl releases of their debut album—to assist with manufacturing, distribution, and promotional efforts. Following the release, they embarked on a U.S. tour featuring supporting acts Ringworm, Rotten Sound, Tombs, and Rivers of Nihil.
On July 28, 2020, longtime guitarist Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan exited the band. Subsequently, Nico Santora (formerly of Fallujah and Suicidal Tendencies) was announced as the touring lead guitarist on September 21, 2021.
The band unveiled the title track from their forthcoming tenth studio album Perpetual Terminal on November 14, 2023. The full album is slated for release on February 23, 2024.
Musical style and influences
Darkest Hour's musical identity fuses elements of melodic death metal and metalcore, deeply influenced by Swedish death metal traditions. Guitarist Kris Norris remarked that their inspirations extend across a wide spectrum of Scandinavian metal bands rather than focusing on a single source.
Their additional influences encompass bands such as Dark Tranquillity, Minor Threat, Earth Crisis, Black Flag, Van Halen, Shadows Fall, Entombed, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Arch Enemy, Soilwork, Danzig, Venom, Exodus, Discharge, Integrity, Mayhem, Emperor, Testament, Pantera, and Cannibal Corpse.
Among their primary guitar influences are artists like Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, and Scott Ian.
Band members
- Current
- John Henry – vocals (1995–present)
- Mike Schleibaum – rhythm guitar (1995–present)
- Aaron Deal – bass (2011–present)
- Travis Orbin – drums (2012–present)
- Nico Santora – lead guitar (2021–present)
- Former
- Raul Mayorga – bass (1995–1998)
- Matt Maben – drums (1995–1999)
- Billups Allen – bass (1999–2001)
- Fred Ziomek – lead guitar (1999–2002)
- Kris Norris – lead guitar (2002–2008)
- Ryan Parrish – drums (1999–2011)
- Paul Burnette – bass (2001–2011)
- Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan – lead guitar (2008–2020)
- Timothy Java – drums (2011–2012)
Discography
- Studio albums
| Year | Album information | Highest chart rankings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 |
US Heatseekers |
US Independent | ||
| 2000 | The Mark of the Judas
|
— | — | — |
| 2001 | So Sedated, So Secure
|
— | — | — |
| 2003 | Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation
|
— | — | — |
| 2005 | Undoing Ruin
|
138 | 2 | 10 |
| 2007 | Deliver Us
|
110 | 1 | 14 |
| 2009 | The Eternal Return
|
104 | 1 | 16 |
| 2011 | The Human Romance
|
185 | 3 | 23 |
| 2014 | Darkest Hour
|
102 | — | 11 |
- Compilations
- Archives (2006), A-F Records
- EPs
- The Misanthrope (1996), Death Truck Records
- The Prophecy Fulfilled (1999), Art Monk Construction
- Splits
- with Groundzero (1999), East Coast Empire
- Where Heroes Go to Die with Dawncore (2001), Join the Team Player
- DVDs
- Party Scars and Prison Bars: A Thrashography (DVD, released in 2005)
- Party Scars and Prison Bars Two and a Half: Live - Undoing Ruin (DVD, released in 2017)
Non-album tracks
| Year | Track title | Featured on |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" (cover of Dead Kennedys) |
Higher Voltage!: Another Brief History of Rock |
| Year | Song | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "The Sadist Nation" | |
| 2004 | "Oklahoma" | |
| rowspan=2 |2005 | "Convalescence" | "Dale Resteghini" |
| "Sound The Surrender" | "Joseph Pattisall" | |
| rowspan=2 |2007 | "Demon(s)" | "Joseph Pattisall" |
| "The Sadist Nation (Hidden Hands DVD Alternate Version)" | ||
| 2009 | "The Tides" (unreleased) | |
| rowspan=3 |2011 | "Love As A Weapon" | "Scott Hansen" |
| "Your Everyday Disaster" | "John Ryan Flaherty" | |
| "Savor The Kill" | "Ramon Boutviseth" | |
| 2012 | "Severed Into Separates" | "Mihaszna Film" |
| rowspan=4 |2014 | "Rapture In Exile" | "Taylor Larson" |
| "Rapture In Exile (Rehearsal Video)" | ||
| "The Misery We Make" | "Taylor Larson" | |
| "By The Starlight" | "Mareesa Stertz" | |
| 2018 | "Enter Oblivion" | "John Henry" |