Decyfer Down - The Other Side Of Darkness

I got the new CD yesterday in the mail.  I haven't finished listening to it yet, but this thing is just heavy!  They've definitely decided to not just be a more radio friendly rock band.  I guess they figured that if the radio and labels aren't interested in them that they can do whatever they want.  Well, it works!  The guitars are tuned a bit lower (or using 7 string) and they aren't afraid to let them chug now.  This is the most aggressive they have ever been.  Some of the tracks come off with more of a "core" sound without having the screaming vocals.  I like it!

Awesome! I saw that it was out, but they've always been a "meh" band for me. I like them, but there are so many other CDs I want that a DD CD has never been top priority. Based on your post their latest CD is now higher on my want list.

I was curious about how this CD sounds.
No, not the CD but the songs on it.

If you liked their very first album, then this is definitely more in line.  There are only 3 slower songs here, and they are done in true power ballad style with softer verses and crunchy guitars during the choruses.

While the album as a whole is heavier, keep in mind that there are NO growling or screaming vocals.  That's not what you get from this band.  They add some heavier elements while still maintaining a melodic sound with T.J.'s voice.

While still finishing my first listen, this could easily become my new favorite from this band.

Time to listen to the songs of "The Other Side Of Darkness".

How are the lyrics?

I got this the other day, but haven't given it a good listen yet. My first impression was that it is good, and it definitely comes out of the gate at full speed.

BTW, am I the only one that thinks the lead singer is channeling Chris Cornell?!

Pardon my ignorance, but who is Chris Cornell?

Lead singer of the 90's grunge band Soundgarden. Listening to them side by side I don't hear it as much, but when I had DD playing in the garage the other evening I thought at times that Caleb really sounded like Chris.

Okay, really? I love Cornell's voice in Soundgarden and Audioslave... Is this a band I should check out?

ishmael81 wrote:

Okay, really? I love Cornell's voice in Soundgarden and Audioslave... Is this a band I should check out?

By "this" do you Decyfer Down? If so, definitely. They aren't metal, but they are good, solid hard rock.  I only have two CDs so far, but I'm really impressed with them.



BTW, you might disagree with my "sounds like Chris" statement, and I'll admit that side by side I don't see it. But as I said above, while listening to the new CD I thought so. The song above reminds me of some of Disciple's stuff.

Here's one that has a bit more of the Chris Cornell sound.

OK, here's one where you might here the Chris Cornell similarity a little better.

I loved their Scarecrow album, but I'm not digging much of anything else they've done included the few tracks I heard on the new album.

Sorry BearDad - I see now my sentence wasn't clear. Yes, by "this" I meant Decyfer Down...

Thanks for the videos - I'm always interested in fan favorites vs. singles.

And actually I hear the similarity in the Bleeding Lies video...

I have all four of the DD albums and love them!  I do hear the similarities to the Cornell guy, but he isn't an exact replica either.

So are the lyrics on the new one still pretty decent?

They are.  With them doing the tour with Disciple and Seventh Day Slumber, they have definitely kept the focus pointed on Christ.  With that said, however, some of the lyrics could be interpreted different ways so that this album could be a crossover onto secular radio as well.  As an indie band, they've made the decision to keep making art that most people into this style should like while honoring Christ.