Review: Dark Heart – Evolution

Pride & Joy Music – March 27^th, 2026

Reviewer – David Brighouse

Although originally formed during NWOBHM in the early 1980’s, the Dark Heart of the 2020’s is a different proposition more melodic rock than metal and ‘Evolution‘ is the second album since their return.

Opener and lead single ‘Light The Flame‘ provides a strong melodic start to this album, with an almost proggy opening refrain, a tight vocal performance, which along with a punchy chorus provides a great start. ‘Cold Winter‘ is a more evocative bluesy rock number with a strong guitar presence.

‘End Of Tomorrow‘ is an atmospheric song starting with just acoustic guitar and vocals, which then develops into a real epic with a fine guitar solo in the middle. ‘Hands Of Fate‘ leads off with keyboards in what I would describe as a heavy ballad, reminiscent of Bon Jovi and none the worse for it. ‘Spread Your Wings‘ is another melodic rock song that perfectly blends catchy vocals and great musicianship. ‘Ride The Highway‘ is a pacey rocker with a nice guitar solo, but does come across as a bit generic.

‘You And I‘ is quite anthemic, kicking off with a great guitar riff keyboard combo it rocks hard with an interesting guitar and vocal passage mid song. The keyboards are prominent on ‘Life To Crucify‘ with the rhythm section giving the song good depth, more strong vocals and stand out guitar solo. ‘Eyes Of Light‘ is a lighter track with a fine melody and a catchy chorus. ‘Mortality‘ is a dramatic track with the instruments providing the sonic soundscape over which you can focus on the vocal performance. The album closes with ‘Burned‘, a song which might sound familiar to some as it appeared on the third Change Of Heart album, but none the less provides a strong finale with more great performances and a catchy chorus.

This is a very accomplished rock record, the vocals are strong and distinctive throughout, backed up by excellent guitar and keyboard work which provide the perfect backdrop to the vocals, ably underpinned by a solid rhythm section, thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Tracklisting:

1. Light The Flame
2. Cold Winter
3. End Of Tomorrow
4. Hands Of Fate
5. Spread Your Wings
6. Ride The Highway
7. You And I
8. Life To Crucify
9. Eyes Of Light
10. Mortality
11. Burned

Line-up:

Alan Clark – Vocals, Backing Vocals and Keys

Nick Catterick – Guitars, Keys, Backing Vocals

Special Guests: Pete Newdeck – Drums, Backing Vocals

Josh ‘Tabbie’ Williams – Bass Guitar

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