A few days ago I wrote a review about the second studio album from Darkane. I had originally intended to immediately to move on to their third (this) album, Expanding Senses, however I had forgotten to bring the album with me (I hate getting old), so unfortunately it was not possible.
Nevertheless, I have now given it a good long listen, and I still have the previous album in fairly fresh memory. And from that I can conclude the following: Expanding Senses is, in many ways, a lot like its predecessor, only better!

Basically, everything is the same as previously heard from Darkane: Powerful, angry, semi-growled vocals backed up by equally powerful guitar solos and thundering drums and bass in the background. What makes Experiencing Senses better, however is the fact that the band members seemingly said to one another “All right guys, now we have a fairly good idea as to what we are doing – Lets´'s crank it up to eleven!”
The sheer power and aggression in this little gem is impressive and addicting. If compared to Insanity (the second studio album from the band, see previous reviews), then it is fairly strong, kind of like getting hit by a car, whereas Experiencing Senses (this album) more feels like a freight train pummelling straight through you. And it's great!

On top of that, the matter of the band having a tendency to every now and again creating a song and lyrics that do not completely correlate to each other has been resolved; Every track available on this release has a far better, wholesome feel to it: Not to mention that you can really feel the band getting familiar with their own identity, goals and music.
I recall saying something along the lines of the band having talent, just not living up to their potential – I'd say that they definitely have proven their worth this time around!

To sum up my high praises, Darkane have moved from being a band I considered pretty much mediocre up the ladder towards the top of their genre, at least in my book. I fully understand why Expanding Senses is considered a classic and was deemed worthy of a re-release.

So, if you are a fan of Death/Thrash metal of the highest calibre, put this record on repeat and enjoy.
Not sure if you are?
Check out the bands homepage at http://www.myspace.com/darkane

Still not convinced?
Here's a single from the album:


_