At first, So Sedated, So Secure holds promise, its ambitions indicating a penchant for gruff death metal and thrash balanced by melodic turns and solos.

Darkest Hour never do their ambitions justice, though; as the disc plays on, it winds up falling flat.

The tones, production, and vocals -- a wonderful evil sneer fighting a throaty growl -- are all right-on, but build up futile anticipation.

Ultimately, what fail Darkest Hour are their simple guitar riffs, which stylistically may have peaked with Exodus in the late '80s.

The drums have the same feel, their Dave Lombardo influence being too evident.

If the band ever ignited in the way that other modern-styled throwbacks like Crown did, their stripped-down style might work.

Unfortunately though, So Sedated, So Secure never really explodes.

The potential is there; the album is solidly written, and new melodic takes on death metal are always welcome.

No one is expecting the next Carcass, but if Darkest Hour upped the technical ante some, they could definitely enter the big leagues.