About this album
Where they were
In 2006, Darkest Hour was riding the wave of their earlier successes, having just released their fourth studio album, 'Undoing Ruin,' which solidified their presence in the metalcore scene. 'Archives' serves as a compilation that reflects on their evolution while showcasing previously unreleased material and alternate versions of established tracks.
Why it matters
'Archives' is significant as it captures a pivotal moment for Darkest Hour, providing insight into their creative process and evolution. The album's collection of tracks highlights their influence on the metalcore genre during the mid-2000s, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers, ultimately reinforcing their status within the heavy music community.
Essential tracks
- "This Curse" — As one of the standout tracks from 'Archives', 'This Curse' showcases the band's signature blend of melodic riffs and guttural vocals, encapsulating the essence of their sound.
- "Reflections of Ruin" — The original version of 'Reflections of Ruin' exemplifies the band's lyrical intensity combined with aggressive instrumentation, making it a fan favorite.
- "Faith Like Suicide" — 'Faith Like Suicide' features a dynamic range from haunting melodies to relentless aggression, highlighting the band's ability to balance melody and heaviness effectively.
Release Date
January 1, 2006
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Choir of the Propechy Fulfilled 5:17
- 2 Reflections of Ruin 3:49
- 3 Broken Wings, Part I 3:22
- 4 This Side of the Nightmare 4:08
- 5 This Curse 6:44
- 6 Coda XIII 5:03
- 7 This Side of the Nightmare (alternate version) 3:29
- 8 Reflections of Ruin (alternate version) 3:50
- 9 This Curse (alternate version) 6:22
- 10 Faith Like Suicide 6:18
- 11 Vise 5:27
- 12 Looking Forward (to the End) 3:42
- 13 The Misanthrope 4:13
- 14 Fathom 5:33
- 15 Keepsake 23 6:14
- 16 Crossroads 3:48
