[dK] - Method And Hate

Unless you've been living on Mars, it's no secret that [dk] and I haven't got off to the best of starts. I slated both of the EPs I had previously been sent, for various reasons that simply didn't work for me - namely the amount of remixes against original tracks, and the strong use of phallic imagery.

'Method and Hate' retains the imagery, but does it in a more refined, subtle manner, as if determined to not overtake the content. It also contains 11 unique tracks, as if my previous concerns have been acknowledged.

What I am looking for here is a more evolved, varied style of dark rock - songs that don't repeat themselves and go nowhere. The intro, entitled 'Imprinting' doesn't give me the finest of confidence. It's 3 minutes of the vocalist repeating the same line, but on more careful listens, it's built around an ascending, powerful riff that makes it act as an intriguing intro.

'Beautiful Skin' is quite a nice little piece as well, the vocals are more spoken then sang, but the backing instrumentation is really diverse, and sticks out as a song I would actually happily listen to again.

Likewise, 'Exposed To Pain (From The Beginning)' lifts [dk] from the pool of indifference that I formerly left them in, to a more technical, intelligent collective. This album is far more open and interpretative than the earlier work, and although I'm far from mesmerised, I can't quite believe this is the same act.

The main reason I wanted [dk] to release a full-length was that I could get a feel for their flow and style, and now that I have one, it's impossible to predict! With 'Rest In Peace', the album moves back into Rock territory, with heavy guitars, reminiscent lyrics, and barely any synth, cementing them as a dark rock / electronic hybrid.

The majority of the 11 tracks on here have at least a handful of things to write about, and positives, to my absolute shock, far outweigh the negatives.

I'm still not a huge fan of Dark Rock, but there's a feeling and essence to the vocal style on here that makes me simply unable to dismiss this act with the previous disregard.

Consider myself shocked.

Edit: This is in fact the Fourth album by [dk], a fact which I'm happy to add on request of the band. Feb 16 2012