Dusks Embrace- Twlight Enigma

Artist: Dusks Embrace

CD Title: Twlight Enigma

Label: Self -Released

Homepage: www.myspace.com/dusksembracemusic

Genre: Metal

Reviewer: Matt Jacobs

Date: 12 16-10

This blackened death metal quartet out of Dallas, Oregon is the premier unsigned band in the state! I knew these guys were going to be huge after I heard their first full length “Paradigm Shift.” The bands follow up, “Twilight Enigma,” destroyed all my expectations and is even better than Pardigm. I was talking to a heavy metal radio personality from around these parts not long ago. We were discussing local bands and he said, “Dusks Embrace is the only band in this scene that matters.” At the time I hadn’t heard of Dusks Embrace. Less than a year later, Dusks Embrace’s “Twilight Enigma” makes it on my Best of 2010 list with some real heavy hitters.I am not a huge fan of most black or death metal. It tends to bleed together a lot to me. Enigma struck me! The combined beauty and aggression speaks to me. It is exactly what metal should be. This is the record that every metal band wants to put out. “Twilight Enigma” has strong structure and solid riffs, great drums and precision on all parts. The lyrics reflect the struggles of a person that was raised with religion but has parted ways with it. It speaks strongly to me on a personal level, as it will with a lot of people. I have met the band and know that one of their guitarists is only 17. I heard some of the shredding that takes place on the new record and was blown away by Joey’s skill at 17! He is a natural guitarist and over 4 years of playing has managed to develop into one of the top guitarists in metal today. He is far and beyond where most guitarists find themselves with his level of experience. Dusks Embrace has a DIY mentality and records and produces all of their own music. Singer/guitarist/producer Josh pushes himself VERY hard to put out the best possible product and it shows in the record. Brandon’s drumming is exceptional in its speed and ferocity without losing any of its technique. Josh Mendoza provided all the bass tracks on the album, but has since left the band. They are working with a fill in bassist for now, but are training a permanent replacement, Ben. Ben usually plays guitar, but wanted to be a part of this band so badly, he is simultaneously learning the bass tracks while learning to play bass. I greatly look forward to what effect Dusks Embrace will have on the metal world, for “Twilight Enigma” is going to be their breakout.