In recent years, October and November have been hotbeds of killer releases to close out the year before the notoriously dicey December/January schedule hits. It’s an exciting time of year for metalheads, as the inevitable excitement and controversies of list season also begin to take shape. What better time than to take a random dunk into the promo sump with ambitions to pull out the next big thing? San Francisco’s Absolute Darkness is an independent act, forming in 2016 and featuring a robust modern death/thrash sound. With several albums under their belts, Absolute Darkness unleash their latest platter, promising bigger and better things than what they have released before. Can the energetic, if unimaginatively named, four-piece capture something noteworthy to shake up the underground on fourth LP, Witness to a Dying World, or are they destined to lurk in the underground shadows?
Sporting a polished, burly sound featuring modern death, thrash and groove elements, stitched together via tight, energetic performances and nods to Lamb of God, Sylosis, Vredehammer and classic Bay Area thrash, Absolute Darkness attack their aggressive and accessible formula confidently, and with plenty of zip, efficiently punching through the album’s ten tracks in a shade under forty minutes. Entering the fray via marching boots and swarming blasts, opener “Above the Law” channels Soilwork and Lamb of God, the impassioned, often politically motivated delivery, thrashy bursts, and dualling guitar work mostly hit the spot.
Musically, Absolute Darkness do not offer anything particularly fresh or innovative, yet they know their way around their respective instruments and when firing on all cylinders, Witness to a Dying World features solid and occasionally inspired moments, without quite gelling into a truly gripping outing. Operating at their most interesting when tapping deeper into their thrashy roots, Absolute Darkness showcase glimpses of their thrashy, riff-centric potency (“Attritional Warfare,” “Different Illegally,” and a ripping modern interpretation of Vio-Lence’s ‘World in a World”). Along the way, Absolute Darkness never veer drastically off course; however, the songwriting quality fluctuates, with the speedy, thrash-focused material countered by energetic but more generic, disposable material (“I Guess I Die,” “Snake Oil”). Sharp guitars and bold tones lend a bright modern punch and slick edge, though it’s unnecessarily bricked and on the loud side.
Cutting obtrusively through the mix is the intelligible growls and barks of vocalist/guitarist Ron Dorn. Herein lies one of Witness to a Dying World’s lingering issues, at least from this listener’s perspective. Dorn’s vocals form a polarizing mouthpiece. Not sure whether certain effects have been added or not, but the odd-sounding delivery can come across as awkward and artificial. How much of an issue this is will vary from listener to listener, while certain aspects are more convincing and less distracting. Nevertheless, it is a contentious vocal performance, worth noting. Elsewhere, the rhythm section delivers a groovy, rhythmic crunch and enlivened drumming sets the pulse; however, the album’s biggest strengths sit with guitarists Dorn and Douglas Vetter. Although the songwriting lacks consistency and memorability to land a heftier blow, the duo put their best foot forward to spark Absolute Darkness. Colliding death, thrash, groove, and melodeath influences duke it out with rugged riffs, dashing harmonies, and well-executed ’80s thrash-inspired soloing, resulting in the album’s most entertaining moments.
Overall, Absolute Darkness don’t do anything especially wrong or offensive on their fourth platter. Witness to a Dying World features a competent modern metal crunch and a handful of noteworthy riffs, quality musicianship, and songwriting moments to keep it afloat and provide mild enjoyment in the moment. Talent and potential are obvious from the dialed-in performances and hints of stronger songwriting values, overshadowed by the album’s more generic aspects, divisive vocals, and songs that struggle to penetrate the memory bank or demand urges to return once the album fades. Mileage will vary, and enough evidence resides to suggest Absolute Darkness have it in them to write something more noteworthy down the track. Until then, Witness to a Dying World is a competent, mildly entertaining, yet ultimately a mixed bag offering.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Self-released
Websites: Bandcamp | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: October 23rd, 2026
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