Downswing - And Everything Was Dark

Album Review

And Everything Was Dark is the newest full-length from Albany’s metalcore crew Downswing, dropped on October 24, 2025 via MNRK Heavy. The album steps up their sound with heavy riffs, big breakdowns, and moody atmosphere, all backed by raw, emotional lyrics. It dives into themes like betrayal, inner struggle, resilience, and loss. Fans and critics alike see it as one of their strongest, most focused releases yet. It is intense and tight from start to finish.

Overview

• Artist: Downswing

• Release Date: October 24, 2025

• Label: MNRK Heavy

• Genre: Metalcore / Alternative Metal

• Tracks: 11 (approx. 35 min runtime)

• Producer: Jonathan Dolese

Track List

1. No God to Me

2. Emptiness Remains

3. Drowned Out

4. Thanks For Nothing

5. In a Daze

6. For What It’s Worth (feat. Travis Moseley)

7. Stand By…

8. Serpent

9. Letting Go (feat. Elijah Witt)

10. Too Little Too Late (feat. Chris Roetter)

11. Eternal

Sound and Style

• Heavy, dark, no-nonsense metalcore sound

• Thick riffs and hard-hitting breakdowns throughout

• Gritty, moody atmosphere without feeling messy

• Strong balance between raw aggression and tighter songwriting

• Mix of angry, confrontational moments and more emotional sections

• Overall intense and focused, showing a band confident in their sound

Review

Downswing’s And Everything Was Dark feels like a band fully locked in on what they want to be. From the jump, it’s heavy, dark, and unapologetic, with riffs that hit hard and breakdowns that don’t overstay their welcome. There’s a clear sense of confidence here, like Downswing isn’t trying to prove anything anymore, just deliver a solid, punishing record.

Musically, the album does a great job balancing brute force with atmosphere. The guitars are thick and aggressive, the drums hit with purpose, and the pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed or repetitive. Even when the songs slow down or get more moody, the tension never really lets up, which makes the heavier moments land even harder.

Lyrically, And Everything Was Dark leans into themes of betrayal, inner struggle, and emotional burnout. It’s raw without feeling overly dramatic, and the delivery makes it feel honest rather than forced. The guest features fit naturally into the record too, adding variety without pulling attention away from the band’s core sound.

Overall, this album feels like a big step forward for Downswing. It’s aggressive, focused, and consistently heavy, but still leaves room for emotion and depth. If you’re into modern metalcore that hits hard while keeping things tight and intentional, And Everything Was Dark is absolutely worth your time.

Notable Tracks

• “No God to Me” – A crushing opener that sets the tone with pure aggression and zero buildup.

• “For What It’s Worth” (feat. Travis Moseley) – One of the album’s standouts, mixing heavy grooves with a strong hook and memorable guest vocals.

• “Thanks For Nothing” – Short, pissed-off, and direct, this one hits hard and doesn’t waste time.

• “Letting Go” (feat. Elijah Witt) – Leans more into atmosphere and emotion while still keeping the weight intact.

• “Too Little Too Late” (feat. Chris Roetter) – A highlight for fans of modern metalcore, balancing intensity with melody and dynamic vocal trade-offs.

Conclusion

All in all, And Everything Was Dark proves that Downswing knows how to deliver heavy, memorable metalcore without losing their edge. It’s intense, tight, and full of moments that stick with you long after it’s over. For anyone looking for a record that’s both brutal and thoughtfully crafted, this one definitely delivers.