Review D-A-D “Speed of Darkness”

D-A-D are pioneers of well-crafted hard rock made in Denmark. The band started in 1980 and after releasing two albums it was the direction setting third record “No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims” that was the breakthrough for the band.

One of the factors of the band’s success is the fairly consistent line-up, which not only allows the group to have a very strong common base, but also provides a musical vision and direction from day one. D-A-D are committed to thunderous hard rock that covers the entire range of the genre – from very dynamic rock songs to more soulful moments. Of course, the current album “Speed of Darkness” doesn’t deviate from these chosen trademarks, and yet the four-piece always adds a new twist to the sound, making each album a treat for the ears.

D-A-D today is the best of both worlds. The band sounds very mature on the new album and at the same time the guys have kept the rebellious spirit of the early days alive. This blend makes “Speed of Darkness” a great album, starting with a song called “God Prays to Man”. It’s a stomper that kicks off the album with an infectious groove. It’s a typical D-A-D song that showcases a band that inhales the essence of rock’n’roll.

Also worth mentioning is “The Ghost”. The song is a darker one on the album and comes with a great chorus. It has a touching moment fueled by melancholy. The title track builds on a heavy riff that starts the song with a doom metal feel before the verse is calmer and transports pure emotion. Things build up to the roaring chorus and it is “Speed of Darkness” that shows the whole range of the D-A-D sound in one song.

Another aspect are the ballad-like moments like “Head Over Heels” that have been a part of D-A-D for decades. The guys avoid the cliché approach and focus on authentic emotions.

“Crazy Wings” is a song that comes with an ease that is also a constant factor when it comes to the band from Copenhagen. However, the rebellious spirit bursts out with “Everything is Gone Now” before giving way to “Automatic Survival”. The latter is a gentle rock highlight on the album, a song that unfolds its coolness factor the first time you listen to it.

With “Speed of Darkness” D-A-D deliver another musical delight and will not disappoint the fans of the band. The whole range of hard rocking music is reflected in these 14 songs and listening to this record is highly entertaining. D-A-D. this is excellent music with a Danish dynamite approach and an ode to rock’n’roll.