From Orlando, Florida, the metalcore band Dark Divine is taking over the scene. Their goth aesthetic and Halloween-like vibes make this band stand out visually, and their sound is a tastefully edgy blend of metalcore and post-hardcore. Gaining more and more traction over time, they have toured with bands like Holding Absence, Catch Your Breath, and The Word Alive, as well as collaborating on tracks with the likes of Bryan Kuznitz of Fame On Fire, Not Enough Space, and multiple songs with Rick Armellino of Ice Nine Kills. Since their start, they have released numerous singles and albums, and are now about to drop their newest 13-track album, "Undead Melody."
"Undead Melody" takes on a life and world of its own that the band's branding fully encompasses. It takes you on a wild ride with the members of Dark Divine as they welcome you into their world, decked out with Halloween and spooky-centered themes that make you feel like you have wandered through the Halloween Town door in the forest while chasing after Mr. Skellington himself.
They included a lot of really fun techniques in the tracks, from the instruments having great drum lines, the guitar riffs absolutely shredding, and the mix of not only the harsh vocals against the more sing-song parts, but the dueling vocalists' parts are really fun with the way they implement them into the lyrics and production of the songs. The album itself has a nice flow with lots of songs that are upbeat and high energy, balanced out by a few slower, more emotionally-charged themes that they conveyed really beautifully without making them too down in tone. Being able to build anticipation is a skill, and they know their craft and how to keep the audience craving more without leaving them disappointed.
Some of my favorite songs are "Permanent," "Better Start Digging," and "Temporary Paradise." I really love how hard the vocals and instrumentals come in and work together to amp you up in "Better Start Digging." It's all around fun and meant to get your blood coursing! Whereas "Permanent" and "Temporary Paradise" fill my hunger for the more raw and vulnerable themes in music. These have more melodic-type elements as well (which is something I have a big weak spot for), so these two picks are spot on for me. Honorable mention to "Halloweentown II: Welcome Home" as well, because this one is a bop and reminds me of "Welcome to Horrorwood" by Ice Nine Kills (whom I've been a huge fan of since their MySpace days before they took on their own branding in horrorcore).
With their influence from bands such as Motionless In White and Ice Nine Kills, it's no wonder this band feels as though they are building a bigger story and universe just by existing. With their branding, character-like aesthetics, on-stage presence, and music, they tie together an experience that feels like stumbling through the hidden door from Coraline and right into a world of Dark Divine's creation.
Music video talk time!
I love the aesthetics and videography that went into the video for "Make Me Disappear." From scenes of the band playing to low-light scenes of hands holding chains that dangle from their fingers, before cutting to visuals of Anthony Martinez, the vocalist, with chains going from his wrists upwards to drag and pull him around in the shadows like a frantic marionette doll. Sparse clips of a knife's blade are also sprinkled in 'til, at the end, it seems that Martinez uses the blade to free himself of the chains that controlled him between the flashes of light and other scenes.
This concept is both beautiful to me on paper and in visuals. I love the use of lighting, and their makeup is always immaculate, including this video, obviously. Whoever did the work for the hands and chains did a really beautiful job. It was altogether well done and really cool to watch play out like a story to the song.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Dark Divine is more than built into the alternative community based on their branding and execution alone. They are edgy without being immature, allowing teenagers and adults alike to appreciate their music. Their music keeps its depth. The lyrics are phrased in such a way that they don't feel like they are aimed at a younger audience, yet keep a fresh edge to their sound and writing style.
I am so eager to see what this band has in store! I would love to see some more heavy collabs from these guys. Honestly, an Emo Nite on Halloween sounds like an absolute blast. I have officially added them to the list of bands I have to see live and my bucket list for interviews. This group seems like so much fun, and I am too excited for their future in music. Whatever they treat they have for us next is one I am totally on board with!
Go check them out, especially if you like horror, Halloween, or anything spooky!
Meet the Band!
Anthony Martinez - Vocals
Robby Lynch - Guitar
Jason Thomas Mueller - Guitar
Triston Blaize - Drums
Jarret Robinson - Bass
Follow Dark Divine on Socials!
