From Out Of The Ashes is the fifth long player from the deceptively named The Darker My Horizon. I say deceptively, as anyone unacquainted may well be anticipating more aggressive tones, whereas it is melody paired to rhythm defines their sound. ‘Ashes is the first offering from a new lineup that sees founding vocalist/guitarist Paul Stead and drummer Russ Barnett joined by Jamie Bannon on guitar and Mike Wigglesworth on bass. This change in personnel has undoubtedly added fresh energy and perspective.
The Darker My Horizon – From Out Of The Ashes
Release Date: 23 March 2025
Words: Sophie James
“Hate may be strong, but it ain’t strong enough for you.”
With an extended introduction, including a fleeting passage where the rising guitar is reminiscent of a revving engine, Hate arrives with the most infectious of speeding riffs. Impossible not to nod along to this, while the above line is bound to have much of the audience hollering along with a particular noxious ex in mind. After that riff-fest, Incredible eases the pace and skips back to melodic ’80s terrain with the layered guitar evoking Sheffield’s finest.
Next, we are back to mid-paced rifferama with the introductory single, The Hit Man, whose undulating bass line is in the vein of No More Tears. The narrative conjures up images from various movies one has seen down the years while the galloping coda seems to represent the protagonist pursued from the scene.
A pattern seems to be emerging as track four, In The End, is a laid-back, reluctant-to-say ballad-type number that is the type of composition The Darker My Horizon excels at with Paul opening his heart. 
Continuing the above sentiment but this time allied to a menacing riff, You is an upbeat number about all the optimistic feelings one possesses in the embryonic stages of a relationship. The song is swept along by a modest but stylish arrangement which fleetingly teases shades of the Scorps/Schenker.
The title track From Out Of The Ashes sprints out of the traps. The way the licks weave and wind, accentuates the effervescent mood.
Hangin’ is probably the ultimate celebration of getting socially confused with your brothers in arms.
Commencing gently, akin to Metallica in their mellower moments, it shifts gear as a ferocious riff assaults the senses before tales of inebriation abound. Take it from me, TDMH are one of the most sociable and engaging bands around, hic!
In stark contrast, My Blood (For Bradley) is a heartfelt tribute Russ’ late son. Documenting emotions through his grief, with assistance from Paul, they composed this moving eulogy and it is difficult not to be affected, knowing the back story.
“Social Media’s the new TV, I know you’re sitting there watching me.”
An acerbic commentary on the toxicity of those vociferous internet commenters brings the album to a close. Outside Looking In possesses another of those infectious mid-paced riffs that sit atop some delicious keyboard flourishes. The score perfectly colours the mutual animosity.
An inviting and engaging piece of work that lyrically and musically balances light with shade, all crisply captured by the spacious production.
The guitars synergise within the infectious rhythms, while the lead is most fluid and expressive. However, a distinct attribute is the clarity of Paul’s enunciation; no lyric sheets are required here.
“It’s very personal,” Paul Stead told me recently about the songwriting process. I can’t write unless my heart’s invested now. There’s been some loss, some hard times and some fun. These songs really cover a lot of that. I genuinely think this will get you both rocking and touch the heartstrings.”
After countless listens, I cannot agree more.
From Out of The Ashes demonstrates maturity and depth, while its melodic intricacy and rhythmic drive elevate it to a level that exemplifies their continual evolution.
The album is available to order on CD with merchandise from https://darkerhorizonuk.bigcartel.com/. For vinyl, visit https://elasticstage.com/tdmh/releases/from-out-of-the-ashes-album.
