DOWNCAST TWILIGHT – Under the Wings of the Aquila Review

DOWNCAST TWILIGHT – Under the Wings of the Aquila

Stygian Crypt Productions

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DOWNCAST TWILIGHT originate from the United Kingdom, but there is also a Greek element here. Actually the band was an idea and was founded by mixing and mastering engineer OGrego who asked the help of the Greek author Marios Koutsoukos (he has written some really good novels) on the lyrical part. So, two years after the creation of the band DOWNCAST TWILIGHT released their debut album under the title “Under the Wings of the Aquila”.

Marios Koutsoukos, whose work I already know from bands like FOLKEARTH, FOLKODIA and ATHLOS, is a person with deep knowledge of the mythology and history of ancient Europe. So, here once again he provides us with lyrics that are detailed and based on mythological and historical facts. Actually the album of DOWNCAST TWILIGHT is a concept based on the mythology and history of the Roman Empire and the nations it confronted during its expansion.

Musically the band moves on the paths of melodic death metal, but instead of playing ultra – fast or trying to impress the listener with some catchy melodies, DOWNCAST TWILIGHT choose to move on mid – tempos and build and epic atmosphere that fits the lyrical themes of the album. They also use folk melodies played by violin for that purpose. If I have to compare them with some known bands then I would say that they have similarities to groups like early AMON AMARTH and ANCIENT RITES, but they also have their own personality that distinguishes them from the above bands.

In their debut album DOWNCAST TWILIGHT show they are a band that works hard and does a lot of research about the topics it chooses to make songs about and above all manages to craft an atmospheric and epic death metal sound that is both aggressive and melodic without rushing things out. The whole album is very interesting and I am sure that you will find more each time you give it a spin, but for me my favorite songs here are: “The Ironclad Legion” and “The Red Queen”. I think these two compositions give a good hint about the musical character of the band.

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis