Review by JD on August 29, 2008.

Relaxing with this CD playing, I am automatically hit with a question right off the start of song one... am I back somewhere in 1988?? It seemed that I was, at least in my head, I have been transported to a time when metal was simply metal.. And was oh, so good! I open my eyes, and found that it was true!

Home base for this band is the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean... and perhaps I am now starting to believe that this is where true metal has been hiding out all of these years. Forget pigeon hole type tags such as ‘Black Metal’, ‘Death Metal’ and every other name that is flying out there... Diphtheria brings back the idea of simple, straight ahead old school metal with great zeal and energy without ever letting the music become stale or out of place. Shades of classic Iron Maiden, Omen and all the rest of the eighties metal fare (Both known and unknown) come forth and makes the metal world that much more proud.

The band is not cutting edge axe-shredders blistering away at 100mph nor are they a band that is trying to invoke Satan and his henchmen to rise up and take over our little bluish- green home... Diphtheria simply and humbly pays a respected tribute to all of the music that made them want to play in the first place, while being able to put their own stamp of originality on it.

To Wait for Fire won’t win awards or be held as some sort of a benchmark for the new crop of Metalheads, but the bands honest simplicity, catchy melodies and the amazing passions they have... all lovers of Metal can not only relate to, but respect in a way that brings us all as one united together under the banner of Metal.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 10
Originality: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 9

Review by Krys on November 5, 2013.

...And this is how death/thrash metal should be played. After 5 years since their last full length release Darkane delivers one of the best albums in its discography and definitely a strong candidate for best of 2013. It's not their best cause I have my old favorite but this blows out of the water almost anything else in this genre that's currently out there. One of the main forces of Gothenburg sound shows once again why they are the class on its own.

To tell you the truth there's really nothing wrong with this release. Rhythm section is as alway sharp as broken glass, Lawrence Mackory delivers impeccable vocals and with their signature orchestral interludes, sweeping guitars and sticky choruses you're left singing with them by the end of first listen. I mean 'nothing wrong' is an understatement. With the original lineup from 1999 'The Sinister Supremacy' succesfuly blends elements of their root sound with modern thrash. Doesn't matter what aspect of the overall sound is your favorite, drums, guitars or vocals, you're treated with intelligent, sharp and unparalleled musicianship. Once again this is how it's done and for all those new thrash/death enthusiasts listen and learn from the royalty of this genre.

I guess there's nothing more to say here, just love it - even bonus tracks are outstanding. The only problem I have is 5 year hiatus between releases. If this continues in 5 more years I'll be banging my head bold but who cares if it looks like to be yet another classic.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.6 out of 10