Darkane is part of a rare breed of bands that seems to combine flawless technical ability with a sense of fun but also a good ear for melodies while still producing a uncompromising wall of thrash metal. Honestly, I don't know any other band like them and I don't if there are any. Once again coming from Sweden, Darkane has already produced four records but I only know the two last ones, "Layers of lies" and "Expanding senses". From what I've read, "Rusted angel" is the album that got me the most exposure but I've yet to hear it and for now I can only say that they have come up with great albums. There is always something that will catch your attention in a Darkane song. A particular riff, the chorus, an off beat rythm coming from nowhere. Darkane channels what a lot of modern metal bands do, Meshuggah or Nevermore for exemple, but they do it their own way and never sound like any other band. Ok, maybe the melodies do have a little Devin Townsend in them but I recall well, I think Devin himself is a fan so it may be the other way around. Like many of the bands I love, I don't seem to find a lot of people around me that are as into them as I am. Too melodic for some, maybe a little bit too Metal too. But can something be TOO Metal ? Not for me at least. And, yes, there are some solos. But when I talked "technical abilities", it was obvious that the guitarists were not going to be minimalist in their playing. On the other hand, even if there are parts that very speed driven and therefore very difficult to play, when the guitarists or the drummer goes apeshit, they don't make it sound like a "very difficult part that you have to pay attention to" but a different part where every instruments does something different. Never showcasing a particular musicians but always working for the sake of the songs, that is Darkane brings so much power in their albums and makes you listen closely to every song, over and over again. In the beginning I was also talking about fun and I must insist on this point. Darkane does not have funny lyrics or a "fun and positive attitude". But because they play Metal, they bring a sense of greatness and they make you want to enjoy yourself rather than think. They are not a party band but a Metal band ... and I don't know if that makes sense. My brain seems to work a little bit slower right now so I think I should stop before I start turning this post into something different. Like right now in fact. So, in conclusion, all I have to say is : If you are into great Metal bands that makes you want to check your head furiously with a big smile accross your face, well then you should try Darkane. "Darkane on Myspace":http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=22524777