BEAST IN BLACK
Dark Connection

Released on October 29th 2021 (Nuclear Blast)

Beast in Black has undeniably taken metal to a new, futuristic realm with Dark Connection. It’s a ride full of synth-heavy anthems, bone-shattering riffs, and vocals that could wake the gods. It’s epic, it’s ambitious, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

Buckle up, metalheads, because Dark Connection by Beast in Black is a laser-fueled thrill ride that throws you into a dystopian future where guitars shred through space-time and synths are your weapon of choice in a robot rebellion. This album doesn’t just rock—it’s a sci-fi fantasy battle that will make you feel like you’re hacking into the Matrix while riding a dragon through neon-lit cityscapes. Sure, it’s not flawless, but it’s pretty darn close to becoming the cyberpunk metal masterpiece you didn’t know you needed.

The Opening Salvo: Riffs That Defy Physics

From the get-go, “Blade Runner” blasts your face off with an electrifying mix of shredding guitars and synths that feel like they were pulled straight out of a time machine programmed by 80s sci-fi movies. Anton Kabanen’s guitar riffs? They don’t just play—they dominate like a cyborg warrior from the year 3049. And Yannis Papadopoulos? His voice soars so high it could probably break through the sound barrier, taking you into a cybernetic euphoria.

But wait, “Highway to Mars” takes that energy and kicks it into overdrive. This song makes you want to rip off your seatbelt, grab a futuristic motorcycle, and speed off into an alien sunset while guitar riffs crash through asteroids around you. The synths here are so vivid, you can practically taste the neon.

But What About Those 80s Vibes?

Dark Connection doesn’t just dabble in 80s nostalgia—it goes full Blade Runner meets Fist of the North Star, bathing you in retro-futuristic vibes that make you feel like you’re starring in your own anime about saving the galaxy. Tracks like “One Night in Tokyo” are dripping in electronic glory, with enough over-the-top cheese to give you heart palpitations, but also just enough metal to make you feel like you’re battling a rogue AI on top of a skyscraper.

Why Not a Perfect 7?

Now, here’s the thing—while this album slays in so many ways, it sometimes leans so heavily into its synth-laden, 80s aesthetic that you might find yourself momentarily pulled out of the metallic grandeur. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a banger, but some tracks (looking at you, “Battle Hymn”) feel more like they belong in a cyber-disco than a metal battlefield. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does leave a tiny gap between Dark Connection and the riff-pocalypse we were fully expecting.

The Verdict: 6/7 RIFFTASTIC!

Beast in Black has undeniably taken metal to a new, futuristic realm with Dark Connection. It’s a ride full of synth-heavy anthems, bone-shattering riffs, and vocals that could wake the gods. It’s epic, it’s ambitious, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun—just shy of absolute perfection due to a bit of synth overload. But make no mistake, this album will have you slaying your enemies in a cyber-fantasy world like the metal warrior you were born to be.

If you’re looking for a headbang-worthy journey through neon lights and dystopian soundscapes, Dark Connection is your ticket to ride. 6/7 RIFFTASTIC! Prepare for a synth-metal revolution—and don’t forget your laser sword.