DARK MATTER ALBUM REVIEW

DARK MATTER ALBUM REVIEW, BY MOSHPITNATION.COM

Music is powerful, as it resonates with us all. If you are seeking out new ear candy with a powerful message, then look no further than the band, Carbonstone. An industrial alternative metal band hailing from Maryland, Carbonstone is a band you will not want to miss. The band recently made its comeback in 2019 after a break in 2014, with some new members. Comprised of four members, Carbonstone is fronted by vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Corey James, with Tony Correlli on synths and production, Daniel Ryan on bass, and Neely Johns on guitar.

The band just recently finished their first album entitled, “Dark Matter”, released on

October 29 th, 2021, and it did not disappoint. Dark Matter consists of twelve tracks total, one of which is a cover of the Deftones’ song, “My Own Summer (Shove It).” The song listing on the album is unique, as it is a concept album with the beginning track as “Laceration” (the initial injury), “Mend” in the middle (as in the healing process from the initial wound), and closing with the track, “Heal” (which is the last step to recovery from an injury).

In the following section is a copy of the song list on the album in order.

Carbonstone:

Dark Matter

1. LACERATION

2. Am Trauma

3. Hush

4. Phantoms

5. MEND

6. Anyway

7. Shove It (My Own Summer)

8. Dark Matter

9. Pins & Needles

10. Vertigo

11. Kill The Dark (Astray)

12. HEAL

The album, “Dark Matter” combines a powerful message, accompanied by moving vocals and instruments. Upon listening to the opening instrumental track entitled,

“Laceration,” the listener is swept away to another plane. “Laceration” sets the stage for the concept album by portraying the initial injury before the mend. The beginning instrumental track is the hook capturing the audience and setting the mood for the compelling album.

Following the intro is the song, “AM Trauma,” a familiar single that was released earlier this year. AM Trauma packs a powerful message with an upbeat sound, which will make you want to jam out to it on repeat.

Carbonstone maintains a unique sound with industrial rock undertones, wrought with impactful lyrics. Heart and soul were put into the album, “Dark Matter,” which resonates with the listener on a deeper level. Their song, “Hush,” plucks at the audience’s heartstrings while containing elements of gothic rock, industrial, and nu-metal.

Although thoroughly enjoying the entire album, the song, “Phantoms,” was a personal favorite. “Phantoms” is comprised of clean vocals fraught with emotion, which tell the woeful tale of an individual’s struggle with his or her demons (A.K.A. Phantoms).

Following Phantoms is the turning point of the album from a grievous wound to a glimmer of hope. The process of healing has begun with the song entitled, “Mend.” This song combines a more positive upbeat sound with inspirational lyrics, as the tone of the album shifts from injury to recovery.

The Dark Matter album is diverse with each song telling an impactful tale, while captivating the audience with dance-worthy beats. One song sure to inspire the audience to dance is entitled, “Anyway.” An inspirational song with an eighty’s vibe, combined with an uplifting beat, “Anyway” is sure to delight the masses.

As if the album, “Dark Matter,” was not spectacular enough, Carbonstone included a bonus track. This special treat on the album most of you will recognize, as it is a very well-known Deftones song. That is correct, the band covered Deftones’ song, “My Own Summer (Shove It),” and it was phenomenal!

Following the song, “My Own Summer (Shove It),” was the album entitled song, “Dark Matter.” The song, “Dark Matter,” is moody and profound. It is a melancholy melody coupled with emotionally wrought lyrics, which explore the deeper recesses of the human psyche. A song that embodies the theme of the entire album, “Dark Matter” utilizes vocals, distressed screams, and instruments to add effect to the messages conveyed.

The next track, Pins & Needles is ethereal with a duet of hauntingly alluring male and female vocals. As if the vocals and beautiful melody were not enough, the lyrics are sure to penetrate the soul. With the lyrics, “Rescue me from myself. My own reflection is fading away from me. Somewhere between alive and dead, I’m just a tragedy. Rescue me from myself, the enemy.” The powerful male and female vocals in “Pins & Needles” intertwine to tell the riveting tale of self-destruction.

The track, “Vertigo” is a metaphor for the world we reside in, and the atrocities it entails. It is a warning of the world and its potential risks and effects on the human spirit.

“Kill the Dark (Astray)” is a slower song packed with raw emotion, and an empowering message. It is difficult to listen to this song without feeling the brunt of the words impact you on a deeper level. The song speaks of being led astray as the lyrics state, “Inside you scream, until it bleeds, let’s kill the dark in you and me.”

Completing the process of mending, the album ends on the song, “Heal.” Like the song suggests, the lyrics support the end of the wound causing the mental anguish. “Heal” is a positive track that is sure to make your body dance rhythmically, as the poignant lyrics reverberate the soul.

The band, Carbonstone has outdone themselves both musically, and lyrically with their debut album, “Dark Matter.” From beginning to finish, the album combines a variety of elements sure to captivate their listeners. “Dark Matter” was released on October 29 th, 2021 and is currently available on most music streaming platforms.

Reviewed by: Shantelle Thornton, of MoshPitNation.Com

To listen to the album, Dark Matter on iTunes go to:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/carbonstone/652114331

For Spotify listeners go to:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WL2Q4raXiOnmn40fTQMXb

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg3JojrPViy7tPurgiOfIAQ

ReverbNation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/xcarbonstonex

Amazon Music:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Carbonstone&i=digital-music&search-

type=ss&ref=ntt_srch_drd_B00CZXKT6A