Label: Fuel Music

Release Date: April 1, 2016

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

Decyfer Down is a band that's been around awhile and previously released three discs, but has never been a part of my normal listening rotation... until now.  From the first notes of disc opener "Rearrange" I am captivated and drawn into the other side of darkness.  This killer track features a great cadence and heavy bottom end that accentuates the lofty vocals and chugging riffs.  "Dead Skin" unfolds and adds more heavy bottom end, compliments of Chris Furr's bass.  The vocals take over and drive the track, especially when the chorus kicks in.  The song builds on the sound and feel of the opener.  "Believe In Me" is a sweet track that features a piano / vocal duet opening and slowly builds from there.  As the drums and guitars work their way into the mix, we are offered a beautiful song that resonates with you every time you hear it.  "Beautiful Lie" steps up and brings an awesome guitar sound thanks to Chris Clonts and Brandon Mills.  TJ Harris delivers some of the more mainstream vocals on the disc, but they blend perfectly with the musical accompaniment.  "Anchor Me" is another heavy track that comes across with pounding bass lines and guitars that come straight at you.  Once Harris opens his mouth, we get some of the strongest vocals on the disc, creating one of my favorite tracks on the disc.

"Nothing More" showcases Joey West of Disciple on drum and has a lot of bass / bottom end from the first noise until the last.  The vocals are gritty and a bit more aggressive, giving more urgency to the lyrics and track in general.  The chorus is powerful and catchy, giving this song a bit of a different feel than the others, without deviating from the sound and feel of the disc as a whole.  This song stands out as one of my favorites on the collection.   Title track "Other Side Of Darkness" brings back a rock radio feel from the rhythm section that anchors the track while Harris' vocals dance across the various guitar riffs and sounds.  The tempo gets the foot tapping and the head banging, without droning on or getting too heavy.  "Lifetime" delivers another lovely track that swirls a rock vibe with a ballad-like vocal and lyric.  The rhythm section mixes perfectly with the guitars and gives the vocals a beautiful tapestry to weave into.  "Don't Walk Away" offers up more churning guitars and a killer tempo from Benjamin Millhouse's drums.  When the vocals join the fray, the song seems to take flight.  The songs melody and rhythm keep you engaged from open to close.  "Burn Back The Sun" is a re-recorded track from the band's debut disc.  This track demonstrates vocalist Harris' talent and ability on one of the bands earliest hits, released prior to his joining the band.  This more acoustically driven version is as similar to the original as it is different, with this version rising above in my opinion.

​​​Tracklisting: Rearrange - Dead Skin - Nothing More - Believe In Me - Other Side Of Darkness - Beautiful Lie - Lifetime - Anchor Me - Don't Walk Away - Burn Back The Sun

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