GAME OVER - When Darkness Falls

We begin with the prelude 'Hollow and Cold', where epic melodies immediately set the stage for what lies ahead. Beautifully intertwined guitar lines create a surprisingly expansive atmosphere, gradually drawing us deeper into the album without revealing too much too soon. Short, melodic and effective, and honestly, it already has me eager to hear what comes next.

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The real attack begins with 'Two Souls One Flesh', as rapid-fire riffing hits with an immediate dose of groove. Before there is much time to process what is happening, Danny Schiavina’s demanding vocals enter the fray, backed by Anthony 'Vender' Dantone’s relentless drumming. The gang shouts quickly become one of the track’s most memorable features, bringing an infectious live energy that practically demands audience participation. Leonardo 'Leo' Molinari’s bass remains relatively subtle, but fits naturally into the composition and gives the riffs additional weight without fighting for attention. One proper song in, and When Darkness Falls already has a few fists raised. 

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Next up is one of the previously released singles, 'Fight For Your Mind', a powerful track centred around inner struggle and self-reflection. Heavy yet creative guitar work provides the driving force, with Luca 'Zeero' Zironi delivering some particularly impressive moments and occasionally bringing the thrashier side of RAGE to mind. The gang shouts make another prominent appearance, increasingly suggesting that they may become a recurring thread throughout the  album. If so, expect plenty of raised fists and audience participation once these songs hit the stage. Powerful, engaging and packed with momentum, 'Fight For Your Mind' makes an immediate impression. 

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'Scream It Out' has absolutely no intention of slowing things down. A sharp drum opening quickly gives way to distorted riffs and another passionate vocal performance from Danny Schiavina, keeping the track fast, direct and relentlessly energetic. And yes, it has to be said again: this feels made for the stage. The combination of speed, groove and sheer enthusiasm already paints a picture of a sizable mosh pit forming in front of the band. The bridge provides an additional highlight, with an impressive guitar solo briefly taking centre stage before the attack continues.

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'Curse Of Strahd' moves forward with an epic sense of purpose, and before I even realise it, my head has started moving along. The pace may be slightly slower, but none of the atmosphere or passion is lost. Cymbal-driven drumming adds further layers beneath the riffs, while the recurring gang shouts and another commanding performance from Danny Schiavina give the track plenty of character. A brief spoken-word passage adds a darker touch during the bridge before another particularly tasty guitar solo takes over. 

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'Self Denied' leads us into the final stretch of the record, once again turning towards themes of inner struggle and personal demons. An elaborate drum passage backed by a prominent bass line sets things in motion before demanding riffs pull us straight back into fast-paced thrash territory, with epic melodies adding another dimension to the attack. Danny Schiavina’s vocals are once again completely on point, there really is no other way to put it. And if there is still some energy left in the tank at this stage of "When Darkness Falls", 'Self Denied' seems determined to make sure there is very little remaining by the time it ends.

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We close this thrash attack with ‘Command To Die’, which initially catches us off guard with a surprisingly calm, clean and genuinely melancholic guitar passage. Ominous, almost warning-like melodies linger in the background, creating the feeling that something considerably more violent is waiting just around the corner. And there it is. Deep, rapid drumming suddenly tears through the restraint, accompanied by what might be Danny Schiavina’s most fearsome and aggressive vocal performance on the entire record. It fits both the title and the track’s position as the closer remarkably well. One final display of the band’s musicianship, energy and passion, 'Command To Die' brings "When Darkness Falls" to a powerful and fitting conclusion.

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"When Darkness Falls" finds GAME OVER firing on all cylinders, delivering fast-paced thrash packed with groove, sharp riffing and an infectious sense of energy. Strong guitar work and relentless drumming provide the foundation, while Danny Schiavina’s commanding vocals and recurring gang shouts give the record plenty of character. Above all, these songs feel made for the stage, with raised fists and sizable mosh pits seemingly written into their DNA. Energetic, passionate and skilfully executed, The album is one hell of a thrash attack.

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SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY