From the Chapel to the Abyss – Tower’s Let There Be Dark

Tower return with Let There Be Dark, an album that takes their sound into heavier, darker territory without losing their signature fire. With haunting melodies, razor-sharp riffs, and Sarabeth Linden’s commanding vocals, this is their most intense and evolved release yet. Dive into the occult-tinged world of Let There Be Dark—where every note feels like a long-lost prophecy coming to life.

The Lineup

Let There Be Dark features Tower’s strongest lineup yet, a battle-hardened unit forged in the fires of live performances and relentless touring:

• Sarabeth Linden – Vocals

• James Danzo – Guitars

• Zak Penley – Guitars

• Philippe Arman – Bass, Backing Vocals

• Keith Mikus – Drums

With Arman returning to the fold after a five-year absence and Mikus stepping in to replace James Jones on drums, Tower stands stronger than ever, primed for their next conquest.

The Aesthetics & The Allure of the Unknown

Before we even drop the needle, Let There Be Dark commands attention. The album cover, designed by Jared Fleming, is a relic of dark majesty—a gilded, blackened tome that could house sacred texts or forbidden knowledge. The imagery isn’t just aesthetic; it’s evocative. A coiling viper, based on the saw-scaled carpet viper (Echis coloratus), slithers across the cover, a symbol as ancient as the civilizations that birthed theology itself. This isn’t just artwork; it’s an invitation to lose oneself in mystery. Imagine the book crackling open, the embossed tower insignia glowing ominously, the serpent writhing to life. It’s an album sleeve that fuels the imagination, much like the music within.

Recorded in a swift yet intense three-month session from October to December 2024, Let There Be Dark sees Tower enlisting none other than Arthur Rizk—renowned for his work with Blood Incantation, Cavalera Conspiracy, and King Diamond. The connection with Rizk wasn’t coincidental; it was forged when Tower shared the stage with Eternal Champion and Sumerlands in 2022. That fateful tour not only secured them a top-tier producer but also brought drummer Keith Mikus into the fold, tightening their sonic artillery.

And what a sound it is. This isn’t a mere continuation of Shock to the System; it’s an evolution. The rock ‘n’ roll bite has given way to towering walls of metal. The guitars cut sharper, the rhythms strike with more force, and Linden’s vocals take on an almost mystical quality. Let There Be Dark thrives on contrast—songs that push headfirst into NWoBHM-fueled aggression, only to shift into haunting, melancholic passages where Linden’s voice glides like a specter over the instrumentation.

The moment Under the Chapel kicks in, it’s clear Tower are playing for keeps. A barnstormer of an opener, it channels NWOBHM’s rebellious spirit with a punky undercurrent, setting the stage for Sarabeth Linden’s vocal sorcery. Her voice is as powerful as ever, but this time she toys with restraint, weaving between commanding roars and haunting, spellbinding croons. It’s a striking evolution—one that lends the record a mystical edge without sacrificing its raw, streetwise energy.

The title track doubles down on speed metal intensity, a razor-sharp anthem made for clenched fists and raised horns. Holy Water follows suit, all snarling riffs and breakneck energy, while Iron Clad lets the guitars run wild in a galloping frenzy straight out of 1983. At their most aggressive, Tower sound like they’ve cracked open a forgotten tome of ancient heavy metal and summoned its unholy essence.

But it’s not all full-throttle devastation—Let There Be Dark thrives on contrast. The album’s most spellbinding moment comes in And I Cry, a power ballad dripping with sorrow and grandeur. Sarabeth’s vocals carry an almost supernatural weight, pulling you through the song’s melancholic depths before it erupts into a towering lament. It’s the kind of song that cuts deep, proving that Tower are just as lethal when they slow the pace.

Don’t You Say follows a similar path, channeling Judas Priest’s Night Comes Down with a moody, brooding intensity that gives way to searing crescendos. Meanwhile, The Hammer hurls itself forward with galloping fury, though its nearly seven-minute runtime might test some listeners’ endurance. And while a couple of brief interludes feel unnecessary on a 39-minute record, they don’t dull the overall impact.

At the heart of it all is Sarabeth Linden—a force of nature. Her range, power, and ability to command both aggression and vulnerability are nothing short of breathtaking. But credit where it’s due: the guitar duo of James Danzo and Zak Penley bring an arsenal of blazing riffs, twin harmonies, and shredding solos that make every song crackle with energy. The rhythm section of Phillip Arman and new drummer Keith Mikus keeps the foundation solid, giving Tower the weight and momentum of a runaway train.

The Verdict

Let There Be Dark is a bold step forward for Tower, a sign that they are more than just a retro act paying homage to heavy metal’s golden age. This album proves they have something deeper to offer—a sound that balances ferocity with nuance, tradition with evolution. While it doesn’t throw the unrelenting haymakers of Shock to the System, it delivers something far more enduring: an immersive, haunting, and exhilarating journey through the darker side of heavy metal.

Tower have climbed to new heights with this release, and from here, there’s no limit to how high they can go. The shadows have never sounded this glorious. Climb this Tower and prepare to be engulfed in the darkness.

As always—support the underground. Support the bands that bring something fresh to the scene. Buy the album, grab a ticket, wear the damn merch.

🔥 Grab the digital album here: Bandcamp
🔥 Vinyl available here: Cruz Del Sur Music
🔥 CD available here: Cruz Del Sur Music

Tower - Let There Be Dark

Just stream it already, will ya?