Amidst some extreme metal releases of this month, I really needed something fresh and exciting to open up my mind. That's when our boys from India, Aarlon, dropped their debut album “Dafan”. For a band that has been known for its quality songwriting for many days, I was certainly stoked for their newest release. Finally, it's out and I can happily get into the work of dissecting it!
The album intro “VIDROH” showcases some djenty rhythms, with a blend of hardcore and metalcore vibe to it. The chorus shifts to a melodic realm, with the vocals in the prime front. The vocals fit beautifully to the atmosphere and the aura of the song. With an unprecedented outro, the choppy riffs provide some intense headbanging moments. “PANCHHI” begins with a serene acoustic intro with the soft vocals on top. This one certainly reminds me of the experience I had listening to A7X “SO FAR AWAY” for the first time. It is in the halfway, the heaviness kicks with a subtle hint of darkness and melancholy mixed in the chord progression, slowly taking over with each passing second of the song.
“ROK LO” has an upbeat rhythm with bright and chunky riffs and a funky vibe with its drum sections. Certainly, this one perfectly captures the band’s energy and enthusiasm and passes it over to the listener’s auditory lobes. With the incorporation of ambient electronic synth elements in the background, the song gets a larger-than-life vibe and experience to itself - you can even feel the dynamic change for a powerful starting, shifting towards a more melodic later-half. “TU” showcases some prog elements with its songwriting passages while adding some unpredictable touch of melancholy.
“SAAVAN” has a positive note to itself, while swiveling in a saddened, horror dimension - adding a slight touch of darkness which makes me think, what unexpected elements have been added by the forgers at Aarlon. “AAINA” starts off with an ambient, calm yet electronic keyboards setting up the pretext while the relaxing vocal texture mixed with tranquil phrasing over arpeggiated chords on the guitar hits all the right spots. When the drums come in, I can just close my eyes and feel myself floating in serenity in a meadow when the sun is calling it a day.
The incorrigible songwriting colors in a new layer as each of the songs of “Dafan”. With inspirations borrowing from a wide range of musical spectrum, the albums manages to satisfy both the community of “Rock” and “Metal”. With the momentum and the enthusiasm of the band is clearly showcased, the slight touch of melancholy and sadness adds a “Human” feeling to the album. That is what Life is, I guess - a blend of emotions of joy and sadness. Certainly, “Dafan” tries to reflect this aspect of humanity.
Musically speaking, you don’t see gems like this produced on a daily basis. Since the time of its inception, the album has received only praises, and deservedly so! In conclusion, a memorable album is judged by its weakest song. When every song has a quality to itself, it is bound to be a precious stone - and “Dafan” is definitely one!
