Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Dark Halo, A - Omnibus One (2023)

A Dark Halo made a second album after 17 years in the void. And this time, they have a full 5-member lineup to make a solid cyber/alternative metal offering. A phenomenon that has sadly yet to caught on...

For those wondering what this blend would sound like in A Dark Halo's perspective, imagine the electronic/metal mix of Fear Factory put together with the mainstream gothic-ish tendencies of Evanescence. Vocalist/bassist Dave Lowmiller and guitarist Jonesy have continued the project with guitarist Abe Robertson, drummer Kaye Papale, and vocalist/guitarist Mel Rose (from Mechina) by their side. You can also expect some melodeath, djent, and pop-core here, a similar cauldron to Amaranthe.

We start off strong with the great "Thin Be the Veil" with splendid vocal melodies. The glorious "Starfall" is my favorite of them all. Nothing I can say can do that perfect song justice. "Vector Unknown" is darker and heavier, featuring Anna Hel. The softer cleans and heavier screams alternating between each other sound so haunting. It's like a lurking menace in the space of tranquility, turning it intense and bleak. The cleans still shine, along with the creativity in the music. The band is never afraid to explore the unknown, and as a result, we have another wonderful standout!

"Flame Betide" can also please me with some influences from Fear Factory and Scar Symmetry. The one track I would consider somewhat weak is "I, Revenant", the only song here that's under 4 minutes.

"It Never Sleeps" is another one of my favorites, sounding haunting while having the lovely clean singing of Mel Rose. The beautiful ballad-ish track "Afterworld" practically combines the late 90s eras of Paradise Lost and Fear Factory, while having some deathly heaviness. The album ends with the 6-minute epic "The Disquiet", filled with hammering metal to remind you that the journey was worth it.

The only things I would object to in this great album is one or two tracks having some slight weakness, and there probably could've been a couple more tracks added here. Nonetheless, I approve of this long-awaited comeback album for A Dark Halo. Maybe the future flame of cyber metal never be extinguished....

Favorites: "Starfall", "Vector Unknown", "It Never Sleeps", "The Disquiet"