History
Formation (1994−1999)
Darkest Hour was formed on September 23, 1995 and initially consisted of vocalist John Henry, guitarist Mike Schleibaum, bassist Raul Mayorga and drummer Matt Maben.
The band released its first EP titled The Misanthrope in 1996 on a local label called Death Truck Records. In 1996, Darkest Hour cut a single titled "Paths of Despair" for East Coast Empire Records' The Harder They Come compilation. The song proceeds at a slower, grueling tempo in comparison to the up-beat tempo the band would come to be known for. In 1999, Darkest Hour released another EP titled The Prophecy Fulfilled on another label called Art Monk Construction.
The Mark of the Judas and So Sedated, So Secure (2000−2002)
The addition of second guitarist Fred Ziomek, bassist Billups Allen and drummer Ryan Parrish saw the band release their first full-length LP The Mark of the Judas in 2000, on the now-defunct M.I.A. Records.
The Mark of the Judas was not widely promoted or distributed due to M.I.A. Records going out of business not long after the album's release.
Despite the fact Darkest Hour were left without a label, the band garnered enough exposure to catch the attention of Victory Records. Their Victory debut So Sedated, So Secure was released on August 7, 2001. After the release of the album, Billups was replaced by Paul Burnette and Ziomek left the band. The album was re-issued by Victory on March 7, 2006, and featured new artwork, re-mixed audio, re-recorded vocals and additional tracks.
The band continued to tour with Schleibaum's longtime friend Mike Garrity, filling in on lead guitar duties. Eventually, they accepted Parrish's old friend, Kris Norris as the new lead guitarist, and then began to write their next record.
While Garrity was the guitarist, the band was arrested and jailed in Roland, Oklahoma for alleged marijuana charges, also for "illegally imported" beer and for an open beer can. They were fined $6000; Schleibaum was able to pay for himself, Burnette, and Garrity. Ryan and John had to stay for a couple of hours while the rest of the band had to get money to bail them out.
Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation and Undoing Ruin (2003−2006)
Their third release Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation was released on May 20, 2003. Produced by well-renowned Swedish record producer Fredrik Nordström. The album gained strong mainstream attention, to the point where they were asked to participate at Ozzfest 2004. Notably, the album contained political lyrics, with several songs criticizing American militarism post-September 11. The album was re-issued by Victory on July 13, 2004, with a bonus song and an additional DVD containing bonus material.
Darkest Hour released their fourth full-length LP Undoing Ruin on June 28, 2005. The album was produced by Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad) at Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver. The album was the band's first to enter the Billboard 200 charts, debuting at #138 with first week sales of 8,484.
In the 2005 documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, Darkest Hour and a number of other bands including Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, Chimaira, Killswitch Engage, Unearth, and God Forbid are all listed under the category "New Wave of American Metal" in the "metal genealogy chart".
Deliver Us (2007−2008)
In early 2007, the band was in Vancouver to work on their next record with Townsend. On March 7, 2007, Victory Records issued a press statement confirming the title of the album was Deliver Us; it was released on July 10.
In April 2008, Darkest Hour created a Washington Capitals fight song and a MySpace tribute page in support of the Capitals 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs run. The song "1,000 Words to Say but One" was re-recorded with new lyrics and new solos into "Let's Go Caps!"
In September 2008, it was reported on Blabbermouth.net that Kris Norris had left the band and would be pursuing producing routes and possibly a new band.[11] Not long after Kris Norris' departure, they found replacement Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan. With Lonestar officially on board the band is heading back into the studio to write & record with Producer Brian McTernan of Baltimore's Salad Days Studio.
The band's song Demon(s) is featured on the music game Guitar Hero 5.
The Eternal Return (2009−2010)
In March 2009, Darkest Hour began to record the new album, The Eternal Return, just before co-headlining (along with Bleeding Through) the Thrash and Burn European Tour 2009 in April and May. The Eternal Return was released on June 23, 2009, two weeks later than originally announced.[12] Darkest Hour then went on to play the 2009 Summer Slaughter Tour. They supported Trivium for the first leg of the North American Into the Mouth of Hell We Tour.
In February 2010, Darkest Hour announced a new tour with Dillinger Escape Plan, Iwrestledabearonce, and Animals as Leaders.
Signing to E1 and The Human Romance (2010–present)
In April 2010, Darkest Hour announced their signing to E1 Music after having been with Victory Records for a decade. The new album will be produced by Soilwork guitarist Peter Wichers, who helped pioneer Swedish melodic death metal and was a major influence on Darkest Hour.[14] In an August press release, the band described the new material as "the most emotional and melodic Darkest Hour album to date" and also said it "shares in that aggression [with The Eternal Return] and pushes Darkest Hour beyond the unknown."
In a new Metal Injection interview, Darkest Hour members Mike Schleibaum and Ryan Parrish revealed that the new record will be titled The Human Romance, and it will be released on February 22, 2011.
On January 13, 2011, A new song entitled "Savor the Kill" was released on Noisecreep
As of the year 2011, it has been discovered that Darkest Hour seems to find a strange satisfaction and enjoyment from canceling their Arizona tour dates.
While on tour with Machine Head in 2011 Ryan Parrish left the band and has been replaced by Tim Java (he isn't yet part of the official line - up yet).
Band members
Current members
* John Henry – vocals (1995–present)
* Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan – guitar (2008–present)
* Mike Schleibaum – guitar (1995–present)
* Aaron Deal - Bass (2012 - present)
Former members
* Ryan Parrish – drums (1999–2011)
* Paul Burnette – bass guitar (2001–2012)
* Matt Maben – drums (1995–1999, featured on The Misanthrope and The Prophecy Fulfilled)
* Raul Mayorga – bass guitar (1995–1999, featured on The Misanthrope and The Prophecy Fulfilled)
* Billups Allen – bass guitar (1999–2001, featured on the untitled split 7", The Mark of the Judas and So Sedated, So Secure)
* Fred Ziomek – guitar (1999–2001, featured on the untitled split 7", The Mark of the Judas, So Sedated, So Secure and Where Heroes Go to Die)
* Mike Garrity – guitar (2001, did not appear on any recordings, as he was a temporary replacement between Fred Ziomek and Kris Norris)
* Tommy Gun – guitar (2001, filled in for the band between Fred Ziomek and Mike Garrity. He was later asked to join the band Immortal Avenger)
* Kris Norris – guitar (2001–2008)
SPECTRUM
Darkest Hour Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors in our skin
We were light and paper thin
And when we first came here
we were cold and we were clear
With no colors in our skin
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
And when we come for you
We'll be dressed up all in blue
With the ocean in our arms
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
And when it's time to pray
We'll be dressed up all in grey
With metal on our tongues
And silver in our lungs
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
And you'll scream my name aloud
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
We'll drag bodies from a ground
So say my name
And every color illuminates
And we are shining
And we'll never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
We are shining
Say my name
Say my name
And we will never be afraid again
The lyrics of the song "Spectrum" by Darkest Hour talks about the evolution of a person's self-identity and their journey towards acceptance and empowerment. The beginning of the song describes the singer's entry into the world as a blank slate with no identity, no color in their skin, and being light and paper-thin. However, as they experience life and the world around them, they "let the spectrum in," which implies that they embrace their true selves and begin to show their true colors.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "say my name," which is symbolic of the singer asserting their identity and existence. The phrase "and every color illuminates" indicates that the singer's true color and identity, which were initially suppressed, are now visible and shining brightly. The lines "we will never be afraid again" repeat several times, emphasizing the singer's newfound strength and confidence in owning their individuality and embracing their identity.
The second half of the song is more ominous and aggressive, describing a scenario where the singer is dressed in blue, grey, and black, representing different phases of their growth and evolution. The lines "we won't eat and we won't sleep, we'll drag bodies from a ground" symbolize the singer's fierce dedication to their beliefs and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their individuality.
Overall, "Spectrum" by Darkest Hour is a powerful song about finding and embracing one's identity, standing up for oneself, and not being afraid to show one's true colors.
Line by Line Meaning
When we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors in our skin
We were light and paper thin
At first, when we arrived, we were emotionless, without any apparent color or identity. We were like paper, without any substance or character.
And when we first came here
we were cold and we were clear
With no colors in our skin
'Til we let the spectrum in
Initially, we were unfeeling and uninteresting until we allowed ourselves to be influenced by the myriad of experiences and opportunities that life has to offer.
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Calling out my name brings light into our lives and we are suddenly shining with color and vibrancy. We feel fearless and confident, as we embrace our newfound identity and sense of self.
And when we come for you
We'll be dressed up all in blue
With the ocean in our arms
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
When we come to you, we will be enveloped in a blue aura, carrying the essence of the vast and endless ocean. We will touch you gently, showing you compassion and love.
And when it's time to pray
We'll be dressed up all in grey
With metal on our tongues
And silver in our lungs
When it's time to seek solace and guidance, we will be dressed in shades of grey, expressing our humility and surrender. We will speak with conviction, our words carrying weight and meaning, while our lungs will be filled with cool and soothing silver.
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
And you'll scream my name aloud
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
We'll drag bodies from the ground
When we return, we will be veiled in black, and you will scream in terror and longing at the mere sound of my name. We won't allow ourselves to rest until those who have wronged us are punished and justice has been served.
Say my name
And every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Calling out my name brings light into our lives and we are suddenly shining with color and vibrancy. We feel fearless and confident, as we embrace our newfound identity and sense of self.
Say my name
We are shining
Say my name
Say my name
And we will never be afraid again
Repeating my name reinforces our newfound self-confidence and sense of purpose. We feel an intense sense of vitality and energy that frees us from all of our fears, forevermore.
Writer(s): Florence Leontine Mary Welch, Paul Epworth
Contributed by Aubrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
TheJuzy
If you didn't notice, their songs are coming (and probably in post production)
l. Periphery - Only If For A Night
ll. Stick To Your Guns - Dog Days Are Over
lll. Ben Bruce (Asking Alexandria) - Shake It Out
lV. Darkest Hour - Spectrum
V. Miss Fortune - No Light, No Light
Vl. Fever Dreamer - Leave My Body
Vll. Born Of Osiris - Seven Devils
Vlll. Come The Dawn - What The Water Gave Me
lX. Upon A Burning Body - Lover To Lover
X. Mike Semesky (Intervals / formerly The HAARP Machine) featuring Aleka Farha - Heartlines
Xl. Dead Letter Circus - Remain Nameless
Xll. City In The Sea - All This and Heaven Too
MPM1211
Jon has an amazing singing voice....I hope he sings on the new album as well.
Levi Boldock
Wow! John's cleans are amazing. Good job, man!
TCt83067695
He should have continued the rest of the song with that imo
Reza Pribadi
What a voice I ever wanted in Darkest Hour for so long...
Villains In Vitro
I wish they were more pop, they really stick to their thrash metal roots. And THIS song is rooted in pop
DweezlePeePants
As a hardcore Darkest Hour fan. I'm way stoked on this change. I hope you guys see this and know that I'm not disappointed. I'm so stoked for your new album. :)
Lynxfang
This is such a beautiful cover of Florence and The Machine's song
Adam Wiley
Wow I really hope Jon sings more on the next album he's not bad at all
Benhard Wiesner
Well it turned out too much in the end........
Adam Wiley
Benhard Wiesner disagree i dug it