DARKEST ERA the last caress of light HRR219

Celtic Atmospheric Metal: Darkest Era’s ‘The Last Caress Of Light’ (HRR 219)

Today’s entry explores a masterpiece of atmospheric, folklore-inspired heavy metal from Northern Ireland. We are looking at the 2012 debut album The Last Caress Of Light by Darkest Era, released on High Roller Records with the catalog number HRR 219.

A Unique Blend of Styles
Hailing from Fermanagh, Darkest Era carved out a unique niche by blending the twin-guitar harmonies of traditional heavy metal (think Thin Lizzy or Iron Maiden) with the melancholic, epic atmosphere of Celtic black metal bands like Primordial. The result is a sound that is both heroic and sorrowful.

The album opens with The Morrigan, a driving anthem based on Irish mythology. Tracks like Heathen Burial and the epic title track The Last Caress Of Light Before The Dark showcase the band’s ability to weave acoustic textures—including the use of a Bodhrán by guitarist Sarah Wieghell—into a heavy metal framework without losing intensity. Krum’s vocals are clean and commanding, perfectly suiting the epic storytelling.

Collector’s Details
This High Roller Records release is the definitive vinyl edition of the album. It is a double LP set, allowing for high-fidelity playback of the lengthy tracks. This specific entry is the Doublemint Vinyl edition (a pale green color), which was limited to 350 copies.

A significant bonus for collectors is found on Side D. While the main album concludes on Side C, the fourth side contains The Oaks Sessions, a three-track EP featuring early recordings of An Ancient Fire Burns, To Face The Black Tide, and Children Of The Gods. The set is housed in a gatefold sleeve and includes a 4-page booklet, making it a luxurious package for fans of epic, Celtic metal.