Formed in Washington, D.C., in 1995, Darkest Hour has embraced the perpetual cycle of death and rebirth, channeling their intensity into a signature hybrid of death metal exorcisms, thrash recklessness, hardcore punk attitude, and melodic catharsis. With a career spanning nearly three decades, their indomitable spirit shines through in their tenth full-length offering and MNRK Heavy debut, “Perpetual | Terminal.”
Centered around the theme of “survival while embracing rebirth,” the album reflects the band’s journey of continually evolving and sacrificing parts of themselves to thrive. Darkest Hour emerged from the DMV area in 1995 and has since amassed tens of millions of streams, built a devoted fan base, and toured extensively worldwide.
The pandemic-induced slowdown allowed the band to reflect on their identity, leading to a tour celebrating their album “Deliver Us” and a reconnection with producer Taylor Larson for “Perpetual | Terminal.” The lead single and title track encapsulate the album’s essence, featuring incendiary thrash riffs, furious drums, and a clarion call on the chorus. The album explores themes of death, rebirth, survival, and even harbors a love story dedicated to those who have been part of their journey.
Self-funded through overwhelming fan support on Patreon, the recording process marked a period of creative freedom for the band. Darkest Hour found the perfect partner in MNRK Heavy, solidifying the album’s place in their storied discography.
As the title track suggests, “Perpetual | Terminal” serves as an encapsulation of Darkest Hour’s multifaceted narrative. The themes reverberate throughout the record, telling the band’s story from various perspectives. The album speaks to the idea that reinvention doesn’t require abandoning everything, encouraging listeners to find life and live it to the fullest.
Guitarist Mike Schleibaum was a recent guest on the Vulgar Display of Podcast, in which he explained that his hope for “Perpetual | Terminal” is that it becomes immortal to listeners, much like their previous records. The dedication to their craft, love for metal, and the privilege of connecting with fellow music enthusiasts shine through, urging everyone to pursue their dreams unapologetically. For Darkest Hour, the journey continues, and the music remains an ever-evolving testament to their passion and perseverance.
Darkest Hour will hit the road for a headline tour right after the album drops. Mouth of War, Filth Is Eternal, IAM, and Somnuri will also appear. The tour kicks off February 29 in Richmond, VA and runs through April 6 in their hometown of D.C.
DARKEST HOUR ON TOUR:
w/MOUTH OF WAR, FILTH IS ETERNAL, I AM, + SOMNURI:
2/29 — Richmond, VA — Canal Club
3/01 — Greensboro, NC — Hanger 1819
3/02 — Savannah, GA — Southbound Brewing Co
3/03 — Nashville, TN — Exit In
3/05 — Miami, FL — Gramps
3/06 — Orlando, FL — Conduit
3/08 — Dallas, TX — Trees
3/09 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live
3/10 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live
3/11 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th St
3/13 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
3/14 — Los Angeles, CA — 1720
3/15 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
3/16 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post (Roseville)
3/18 — Portland, OR — Dantes
3/19 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
3/21 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
3/22 — Denver, CO — Marquis
3/23 — Wichita, KS — Lodge Room @ TempleLive
3/25 — Minneapolis, MN — Turf Club
3/26 — Chicago, IL — Reggies
3/27 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
3/28 — Cleveland, OH — Asylum Room @ Templelive
3/29 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground
3/30 — Toronto, ON — Axis
4/01 — Ottawa, ON — Brass Monkey
4/02 — Montreal, QC — Fairmount Theatere
4/03 — Quebec City, QC — La Source de la Martiniere
4/04 — Cambridge, MA — Sonia
4/05 — Brooklyn, NY — The Meadows
4/06 — Washington, DC — Black Cat
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