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Album Review: DA-Self-Titled

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Words written by Anselm Anderson


This upcoming Friday, English Heavy Metal band DA are set to unleash their much-anticipated self titled- debut album. This ten-track album blends modern rock vibes with classic rock influences, clearly drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. It has a strong throwback feel to the NWOBHM era, mixing  fast riffs with a dark, moody atmosphere and powerful, soaring vocals.

DA emerged from the NWOBHM band Desolation Angels, when former guitarist Robin Brancher formed the group in 2021 with vocalist Matt Oakman. They were soon joined by bassist Neil Craddock and drummer Dan Smith. 
Photo courtesy of San PR

The album’s use of atmospherics adds depth and sincerity to the storytelling in the music. The opening track, "Daisy Chains," kicks off with ominous cracks of thunder, gradually building in a slow, rhythmic patterns before erupting into Oakman’s towering vocals, which play a significant role throughout the release. Another highlight of the release is the use of multi-layered vocals in the chorus, adding rich harmonies to the music. As exemplified here, and in the beautiful, tear-jerking ballads "Angels" and the latest single "Forever Enslaved" 

"Snake" and "Rock It" are fist-clenching rock anthems, while "Pillars of Death (Desolation)" delivers dark, distorted riffs reminiscent of early Black Sabbath, paired with slick, menacingly constructed guitar lines. The album closes with unforgettable hard rock anthems like "Spiralling Nowhere" and "The Devil's On My Side," before finishing with the epic twelve-minute progressive track "You Gotta Believe It."

Overall, DA aim to bring something old into the modern rock world. The songs are well-crafted, while the music is fresh and heavy, with plenty of headbanging to enjoy.

DA are set to release their self-titled debut album on Friday, 10th April.

Album tracklisting: 1. Daisy Chains; 2. Higher; 3. Snake; 4. Pillars of Death; 5. Rock 6. Angels; 7. Forever Enslaved; 8. Spiralling Nowhere; 9. The Devils on My Side; 10. You Gotta Believe It.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://www.dametal.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/@dafilm666
https://www.facebook.com/DAMetalUK/
https://www.instagram.com/da_metal_uk/

DA are: Matt Oakman — Vocals; Robin Brancher — Guitar; Neil Craddock — Bass; Dan Smith — Drums.


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Copyright: Anselm Anderson ©

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