The Darkness: One Way Ticket to Hell...and Back

Do you miss good rock?
Do you pine over the days of men with flowing locks of luxurious metal hair?
Do you crave yowling voices and mighty riffs in arena-eque style?

Granted, only 3 out of the 4 men in the Darkness have the luxurious hair I speak of but that does not detract from their amazing ability to entertain. I'm talking about quality good old fashioned 70's era arena rock here a la Aerosmith or Van Halen, a perfect accompaniment for driving the road with the sing-along-able lyrics and massive riffs. You get the fantasy undertones, the too tight pants, the power chords and the always necessary guitar too.

The comparison to Freddie Mercury of Queen is all too obvious. Aside from the band being from the UK as well, Justin Hawkin's voice soars above the stratosphere. The songs pack powerful harmonies and he yowls in true glam-rock form. I still recall hearing my brother belt out "Hazel Eyes" one day and me asking him: Who kicked your nut sack and is it now lodged in your throat?"

His voice is like the rock version of Farinelli, but with his gonads intact (or so I would assume).

And of course not all good things are meant to last.

Due to relationship/drug related issues, the Darkness broke up in 2006 after Hawkins submitted himself into drug rehab. However, according to the official website, there's a new incarnation of the band in the works so I'm gonna cross my fingers and hope for more awesome music from these guys. Till then, check out these tracks.

Listen to:
"One Way Ticket"
"Hazel Eyes"

Visit:
The Darkness's Myspace
The Darkness Official web site
Purchase One Way Ticket to Hell and Back from Amazon