Exiting Amberian Dawn back in 2012, Heidi Parviainen immediately went to work on creating a new project that fit ambitions she held onto for years. A classically trained lyric soprano, Parviainen recorded four albums with Amberian Dawn, but it seemed as if that ship had run its course for her. Eager to explore her own way, she assembled Dark Sarah, bringing on Bassist Rude Rothstén, Guitarist Sami Salonen, and Drummer Thomas Tunkkari to build around her.
Moving forward, Dark Sarah has released four albums between 2015’s Behind the Black Veil and 2020’s Grim, all while working hard to create very cinematic Metal music that tells stories within sound and words. Different from what Parviainen did when leading Amberian Dawn, there is plenty of appeal amidst what Dark Sarah is all about to discover.
Now in 2023, the band return with their 5th studio album that can only be described as uniquely compelling. Entitled Attack of Orym, it features the aforementioned lineup, all with Henrik Airaksinen joining on keyboards. Beyond this, there are actually a ton of really cool additional aspects to this record that also help it stand out.
To name a few, you have Epica’s Mark Jansen joining on the title-track, former Charon Vocalist JP Leppäluoto teaming with the band yet again for “Piece of My Heart,” and formerly Amberian Dawn, and currently of Beast in Black, Guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen adding work to “Invincible” and “Delirium.” Great guest appearances for those who follow these artists, there is really a lot in between each of 10 songs that make up Attack of Orym.
To begin with, it is very different sonically. Perhaps the most cinematic of any Dark Sarah album to date, the keyboards are explicitly colorful and this is most striking on the title-track, the 8-bit background video game sounding “Invincible,” and “Warning Sign.” Beyond this, there is also an extremely ABBA inspired vibe throughout… especially within “Delirium.” Elements that may make you tilt your head in curiosity, the very modern sounding keys matched with the lovely guitar work, and of course, Parviainen’s voice, are actually impossible to deny. Addictive, sweet sounding, and extremely catchy (in a good way), it is something that could best be described as a Horror Fantasy themed soundtrack, but only with heavy guitars.
An extremely surprising record, it is bright, uplifting, and something you will find yourself coming back to over and over again. This in mind, the band recently completed an expansive 23 date tour with Sirenia, Amberian Dawn and Rexoria this past fall. With this in the rearview mirror, and with Attack of Orym out in the world to experience, it will be interesting to see what Dark Sarah has planned for 2024. An album Heidi Parviainen and all that contributed should be proud of, Cryptic Rock gives Attack of Orym 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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