Damien Done "Total Power"

Formed under Miami’s neon lights and reborn in the post-industrial wastelands of Detroit, Damien Done plays gloomy post-punk, weaving unnerving tales through a distinct and narrative croon.

After decades as celebrated hardcore punk front-man, here Damien brings the angst of that legacy to a near-grinding halt, instead plodding forward with measured restraint and revealing influences as disparate -- and rarely-conjoined -- as gothic rock, new wave, disco and doom, with vocals that evoke comparisons to the sneering baritones of Billy Idol, Jim Morrison or Danzig.

After a lone full length album and a series of singles, EPs and oddball vinyl releases, Damien Done returns with their sophomore full length album, Total Power.

In stark contrast with 2020's To Night EP - a full-band recording with a massive, live sound - Total Power easily volleys between dark, goth-tinged rockers and minimal, electronic tracks; serving densely-layered synths and returning brooding new wave. The result is dynamic and unfolding, finding Damien Done's point of view fully realized, expressed boldly & with sophistication.

While the series of EPs and singles that have led us to Total Power might first serve as sonic disparity of the LP at hand, further listens reveal that they were simply a black-robed dress rehearsal for the maddening final show. The subject matter across Total Power covers self-abuse, murder, addiction, and unrequited love, often from the point of view of the antagonist. This lurid perspective offers a bone-chilling edge, even among the most upbeat songs on the album.

Here in the grips of Total Power, we look to the skies...but never to pray.

TRACK LISTING:
01. Maw
02. Black Moon
03. Pray For Me
04. Inexorcisable
05. Young Drugs
06. Always On Fire
07. Fin Dom
08. Gentleman Thief
09. Bounty and Blight (feat. La Femme Pendu)