Get SimplyD4rknetized
I learned of Simplyd4rk a few years ago (yes, with a 4, not an A). Based in Nantes, France, the originally solo project of Simplyd4rk brought together underground industrial rock, screamo and electronic sounds to create something entirely new. However as time went on, Scread Seventh his zombie drummer, and now NERVZ XXVI his zombie bassist joined the Undead Rockstrial world.
I first learned about Simplyd4rk through one of my personally favorite bands, Cinema Bizarre. As many fans probably know, Luminor the ex-keyboardist was dating a french man by the name of Jetsam. Simplyd4rk happened to be good friends with Jetsam as well, and through this, I learned of the universe of Undead Rockstrial and instantly became enthralled by it all. Sporting classically vampire-esque pale skin, and large spikey hair, Simplyd4rk is certainly someone to look at. I quickly youtube searched him, and was brought to a page with songs like Vampire Kiss and FCKM3. I fell in love with "Vampire Kiss" almost immediately. It was soft, but edgy, with Simplyd4rks voice quietly singing beautiful and poetic verses. After that, I downloaded the 4 song E.P, containing the songs Noises in my Heart, Vampire Kiss, Sweetheart Slavery, and Because the Pain. Each song is very different, brought together by Simplyd4rks beautiful voice.
I am normally not one for screamo, at all. To me, it is loud and I usually have no idea what anyone is saying, but Simplyd4rk appears to have perfected the art of screaming. This can be heard with his song and beautiful music video, No Escape which can be found on his youtube channel. I can remember, over a year ago, anxiously waiting for it it be released and then listening to it whenever I could. It was romantic, it was tough, it was scary, it was hypnotizing. Not only in the music, but the video as well. There is no was to accurately say what it is, but it is downright amazing. I was even more hooked than before.
After his video came out, I anxiously waited for news of his CD, feeling annoyed but understanding as the release date for From the Grave was pushed back more and more. Eventually, I just forgot about it, my teenage mind moving on to the next shiny object- so to speak. Then, a few months ago I learned from a good friend it was released. Her itunes showed it to her, the day it came out and I got it at once, feeling the same excitement I had felt over a year ago as I first got the free E.P, and then the music video. Some of the songs I had heard from youtube or his website, and there was a beautiful remake of Vampire Kiss but over all, I was beyond ecstatic with From the Grave
I urge everyone to check him out, even if they are not fans of screamo. I was not a fan at all, and yet Simplyd4rk does it so well I forget it is screaming. His romantic vampire appearance, along with his two undead minions gives the Undead Rockstrial world a totally different feel. They go all out, almost never letting the vampire or zombie character disappear. Their dedication to the music and way of life shows through every song that is sung and every note that is played.
