When I first listened to ‘Candidate For The Abyss’, the third studio album from Australian dark-wave artist DAMIEN, I thought, wow, this guy has undoubtedly been burned by someone. An ex? A friend? A family member? I wasn’t sure, but given the fiery atmosphere of some of the tracks, as well as the somewhat venomous lyrics, my first thoughts were a relationship gone wrong. I later learned however, that the seven-track album, produced in his own home studio in Ipswich, was in fact inspired by hate mail DAMIEN received in 2021.
When DAMIEN and his mixer, Hugh Middleton posted an image of themselves clad in fishnet tops, unbuttoned jeans and a large cross pendant (pretty standard fare if you ask me), they were referred to by one clearly admiring fan, as a ‘Candidate For The Abyss.’
Well, I guess as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. I wouldn’t exactly refer to ‘Candidate For The Abyss’ as lemonade, but the album definitely packs an aural punch.
There is little doubt that DAMIEN uses music as a vehicle for authentic self-expression, something which, in my opinion isn’t done enough anymore these days, so it was refreshing to listen to his to-the-point lyrics, across tracks aptly named ‘Dog’ (You’re a dog and I hate the way you look at me), ‘Cut’, (I won’t blame you for being a woman), and ‘Empty’ (Is it too much to ask for a little bit of love?).
There are obvious influences across the album from the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Marilyn Manson, nineties synth rock and even Moby. Given that, if you’re looking uplifting, heartfelt love songs, this album ain’t for you. However if you're after some well-crafted, brooding industrial tunes to disappear into and tear your heart out to, 'Candidate For The Abyss' is definitely your jam.
The tracks on ‘Candidate For The Abyss’ explore themes of isolation, loneliness, rejection and heartbreak, I kind of got the feeling that DAMIEN may have had a rough ride in terms of holding down relationships, but at the same time, I admire his vulnerability and courage when it comes to putting his heart on his sleeve. Well, album cover sleeve anyway.
All of the tracks have an element of creepiness to them with DAMIEN delivering plenty of electro-rock and vocal distortion in spades. You can envision a dance floor at a warehouse party absolutely thumping to some of his more beat-driven tracks on the album, specifically ‘Nowhere’, ‘Empty’ and ‘Hurts'. 'Hurts' was a particular standout for us, with the dark electro-rock vibes offset beautifully by the gutteral vocal delivery and heart-wrenching lyrics.
Whoever pissed this guy off is is hopefully regretting their email now, as with the potential success of 'Candidate For The Abyss', DAMIEN is definitely getting the last laugh.
Candidate For The Abyss will be available on all streaming platforms from 28 July and a launch show will be held at King Lear’s Throne in Brisbane on 4 August. The album can be pre-saved here.