9 / 10
REVIEW – If people thought in the 1980’s that MORDRED had something to prove. Wait till you hear their comeback album in 2021. Last year, they put out an EP that was basically testing the waters to see if the world was ready for a full blown album. This record of eight songs is energetic, chaotic, angry and yet very experimental in this marriage of classic MORDRED meeting 2021 MORDRED. ‘The Dark Parade’ is like a roller coaster ride of sorts. You have so much you know from this band and this dark surprise that you do not expect. Right away, this album has so many modern touches that dance around the band’s anger and humor. Scott Holderby has not lost a step in the vocal department. He has this punk range in certain moments and this soothing Mike Patton flow in other moments. I would think the MVP of this band is Aaron “DJ Pause” Vaughn. He shreds on the turntable like a chef cutting up a steak. The biggest shock on this album by far is “Dragging For Bodies.” That opening riff is so contagious and then along with the other members following suit, makes this song very catchy and different from a band who once told you, “Everyday’s a Holiday.” “All Eyes on the Prize” made me think about “Spellbound” off their debut album. It is such a good punch in the gut. “Malignancy” is another song that marries the past to the future. It has the guitar and vocal attack that you’d expect, but yet it has this chorus that comes out of nowhere that just fits.
I feel the main focus of this album is nostalgia. Fans of the band I feel are going to really dig deep into this music and be very happy. I feel non fans may hear a song or two off this and may be curious. This last year plus was very hard for us as citizens, but to see people from our past come back and entertain us again with their music is a huge positive. This record from first to last track is a trip from known places to unknown destinations. I really hope this is not a farewell, but a new beginning. MORDRED is back and this is quite the statement!
