Review by: Justin Donnelly - Media Search

On the live front, you could see that Perth based quintet Dyscord were really starting to make a name for themselves with the number of support slots to both national and international visitors seemingly growing at a rapid rate. But on the recorded front, Dyscord were lacking something that really showed what they were truly capable of live, with their 2006 EP 'Arming Within' anything but a real stunning showcase of the band's talents. It's been a long two years since then, and Dyscord have returned once again with their debut full-length effort 'Dakota'. And quite simply, Dyscord have seriously improved, with the album more than matching their output on the stage. The opening track 'Noble On Paper' immediately marks the return of the five-piece act in a commanding fashion, with the guitarists on the attack from the moment the song starts, while Herbert produces one hell of a demonic growl. From a song writing point of view, the band show a significant growth with the riffs sounding far more diverse and ear shredding, while Herbert's vocals suit the strong death metal/metalcore direction the band are clearly striving for.

The title track 'Dakota' is no less impressive with it's catchy riff work in the opening minute, but it's Herbert’s clean vocals that show up throughout the track that really surprise the most. In short, he’s finally managed to strengthen his cleaner efforts, which in turn add to the song rather than stand out for all the wrong reasons. Much like the former track, 'The Picador' is given a bit of a break from the all out assault with the inclusion of some cleaner vocals. On the bludgeoning side of things, tracks such as 'The Clothes Maketh The Manslaughter', 'Haemon Unleashed', 'Hot Snakes McGillycuddy' and 'An Ode To Envy' pack plenty of metallic punch. On their debut full-length effort, Dyscord have improved in leaps and bounds, with 'Dakota' crushing 'Arming Within' in the same ways that Dyscord have destroyed stages and eardrums in the past.

Review source: Dyscord - Dakota