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Track Listing: Mystera Snow Leopard The Stone Make It Dark White Shadow The Only Way Torture Torture Beyond the Gate

Virgina-based classic metal quintet Twisted Tower Dire have been around on the scene for quite a few years now, starting out in 1995. After their 2007 release 'Netherworlds', they disappeared temporarily for a couple of years during which they underwent a change in line-up. Revamped, rejuvenated and ready to release their fifth album 'Make It Dark', the band has come back stronger than ever.

"Mystera" is a glorious beginning to this 8-track opus, straightaway treating the listener's ears with music that can be described as nothing but relentless, uncompromising and pristine heavy metal. All the quintessential TTD elements are in full force here, and have been presented in a very tight, high-impact manner that has resulted in the song clocking in at a mere 2 and a half minutes. "Snow Leopard" picks up from where Mystera left off, expanding a little more in terms of the role of guitars, with plenty of harmonies and solo trade-offs between Scott Waldrop and Dave Boyd. "The Stone" combines the best characteristics of both of its predecessors and should turn out to be an instant hit among listeners. The extent to which the two guitarists have expressed themselves on this song is quite incredible, and almost overwhelming.

Bassist Jim Hunter and drummer Mark Stauffer set the tone for the title track, an easy-paced, relatively vocal-oriented track that gives vocalist Johnny Aune the complete opportunity to shine. He definitely comes up trumps and does an excellent job with vocals, holding his notes perfectly. "White Shadow" is hugely similar in tempo and structure. "The Only Way" changes things up and sort of comes across as a second wind. It's a much more varied track as compared to most of the others on the album. Subtle changes in tempo and the extensive use of double bass drumming ensure that it consists of more than just the usual TTD ingredients. "Torture Torture" on the other hand is a pretty standard TTD tune, whereas the last track "Beyond The Gate" pushes the realms of the musical style the band has been known for, probably their most intricate and progressive track till date. It's aptly titled, I must add.

Overall, I feel the album has some instant classics like "Mystera", "Snow Leopard", "The Stone" and "The Only Way", while the others will grow on you with subsequent listens. The track listing could have been better because tracks 4 and 5 sound too similar to each other. Other than that, this album should receive plenty of love from the metal community, as it's their strongest, most polished, and best produced album till date.

"Make It Dark" is a terrific release that signals Twisted Tower Dire's emphatic return to the forefront of traditional heavy metal. Pick up a copy when the album comes out, and treat yourself to 36 minutes of old school awesomeness.