Dark Secret – Mind Pollution

Dark Secret
Mind Pollution
Out: September 11^th, 2024
Playing time: 45:19

The story of Dark Secret goes back to 2017, when guitarist Mark Shea and bassist Al Wojtonek met in a Metal club in Cleveland (Ohio). And became inseparable friends. Later, they were able to find other comrades-in-arms. Dark Secret were born. However, a few years passed before the first concerts, and it wasn’t until February 2020 that the time had come. More shows followed and the band was able to steadily increase its fan base. In 2021, they won a band competition and were named ‘Ohio’s Most Metal Band’. The self-titled EP was also released in the same year. Now the musicians want to hit the ground running with their debut album ‘Mind Pollution’.

‘Nephilim’ starts with a bass line, clean guitars and calm vocals as an intro before things really get going. With insane drumming. Plus roaring guitar riffs. The title track ‘Mind Pollution’ is also characterised by tight guitar riffs enriched with catchy vocals. In ‘Chronicles Of Sarah’, aggressive and calm melodic passages alternate. The vocals are ingratiating in places. There are also excellent guitar solos. ‘Patriarchs Of Science’ and “Dirty War” are songs where the tempo and heaviness are kept high. The guitars literally gallop ahead in places. You have to listen carefully here. In ‘Seal The Deal’, the drums mercilessly push forward. Later, the double bass kicks in. The guitars and singer Jeff Emilio take the high tempo without any problems. Instead, ‘Love Runs Deep’ starts with melodic guitar hooks before very fast riffs take over here too. The banging riffs continue in ‘If’. These sound a little hectic in places. ‘But beautiful guitar melodies are also added time and again. ‘Silence’ is a power ballad. Melodic guitars dominate. Although heavy riffs can be heard again and again. Towards the end we leave the ballad area. Fast riffs and a great guitar solo end the album.

Conclusion – the debut is a complete success. A varied album. Hard riffs, Thrash, Highspeed Metal, Melodic Power Metal but also ballad-like passages alternate. Dark Secret can build on this.

Dark Secret – Patriarchs Of Science: https://youtu.be/WM3LO0b0-P8?si=jEjXD-VumvUuhnU1

Lineup:

Mark Shea – Guitar
Al Wojtonek – Bass
Lou Barkley – Drums
Brian Steele – Guitar
Jeff Emilio – Vocals

Track list:

• Nephilim
• Mind Pollution
• Chronicles Of Sarah
• Patriarchs Of Science
• Dirty War
• Seal The Deal
• Love Runs Deep
• If
• Silence