It was 2021 when New York-based TOWER released their long-awaited follow-up to their self-titled debut full-length—five years and an EP (“Tomorrow & Yesterday”, 2019) later. And the title “Shock to the System” was more than justified. Sure, “Tower” had already made an impression on several listeners, but their sophomore effort was a true SHOCK—a revelation of pure, immediate, audacious, and fearless heavy metal!
Four more years have passed, and with Philippe Arman returning to bass after Jeff Saint Filmer, along with the replacement of James Jones by Keith Mikus on drums, TOWER is back with their third studio album, “Let There Be Dark”. These lineup changes took place as early as 2022. That same year, TOWER opened for Arthur Rizk’s two bands, ETERNAL CHAMPION and SUMERLANDS, leading to their collaboration. Rizk—already an acclaimed producer and engineer (BLOOD INCANTATION, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, KING DIAMOND)—took charge of recording “Let There Be Dark” from October to December 2024.
Remaining with Cruz del Sur, the New York quintet did not rest on the success of “Shock to the System” nor played it safe. Instead, they once again made a bold move, significantly—but not entirely—shifting their sound.
Staying true to the American edge and melodic aggression of contemporary female-fronted acts like SANHEDRIN, SHADOWLAND, SATAN’S HOLLOW, and SAVAGE MASTER, TOWER retain their NWOBHM-inspired spirit, rejuvenated and packed with fresh energy and unrestrained dynamism—just as we experienced and loved in “Shock to the System”. However, this time, they take things a step further. Their playing style has evolved, the songs are wrapped in a darker veil, and the sound is harsher, sharper, less rock, and more metal! The band’s core—the phenomenal guitar duo of James Danzo and Zak Penley, alongside the amazing Sarabeth Linden on vocals—proves to be in top form. With the rock-solid and unwavering rhythmic backbone of Arman and Mikus, they unveil a new side of TOWER.
Linden’s influences from WARLOCK and the legendary Doro Pesch remain evident, but her delivery now channels more of Leather Leone’s raw fury from CHASTAIN. TOWER now incorporate elements from USPM and aren’t afraid to experiment with more aggressive and even mystical aspects.
“It’s been a long road,” says Linden. “We have evolved so much as a band and as individuals. Careers changed, relationships changed, the focus has changed. Personally, I’ve learned so much about the business side of the music industry. It used to be all fun and games (and still is) but now that we are in a more serious position, the general trajectory of the band has adjusted and navigating decisions have a different meaning.”
I had been eagerly anticipating “Let There Be Dark”, unsure of what exactly to expect. “Shock to the System” had already marked a significant step up from their debut, raising the bar considerably. Anything seemed possible.
Now, I can confidently say that “Let There Be Dark” is the best I could have ever imagined—the most RESOUNDING answer to the hopes and demands of even the most discerning fan!
Daring.
That’s the key word for “Let There Be Dark”. Courage and the drive for something faster, punchier, heavier, more dynamic—and anyone who analyzes this album track by track will experience one pleasant surprise after another!
“It’s been one hell of a ride,” says Penley. “I feel like we have really hit our stride now and that’s very exciting from a creative standpoint. We take more risks now than we ever did before and I feel like this album shows that well.”
From the opening track and first single, the mesmerizing “Under the Chapel”—inspired by a Yiddish lullaby Linden’s grandmother used to sing to her—you immediately realize something special is happening with TOWER’s sound. Dynamic, fast, brimming with intensity and drama, “Under the Chapel” perfectly sets the tone for the album. The title track “Let There Be Dark” follows suit, leaving no doubt—raging guitars, vocals howling like tormented cries, and a thunderous finale confirm that TOWER’s third album is here to redefine our perception of them in the most impressive way possible!
The unrelenting “Holy Water” is packed with INSANE riffs and raw energy. Slower in tempo, “And I Cry” is spine-chilling, with its deeply emotional melody. Linden’s performance is pure gold—this could have been the album’s ballad if the band hadn’t decided to slam the accelerator in the final minute, launching into a storm of guitar solos that once again leave us speechless.
After the acoustic interlude of “The Well of Souls”, which creates a foreboding atmosphere, “Book of the Hidden” strikes like a whirlwind, aggressive and ferocious.
That’s a good point to mention that “Let There Be Dark”’s cover art was created by Jared Fleming and mimics an ancient bound book from back when sacred texts were precious objects that took scribes years to complete. The serpent is a recurring image for this album and features prominently. It’s a viper-style snake (the Saw-Scaled Carpet Viper, Echis Coloratus) that is consistent with the regions that played a part in the dawn of civilization, ancient history and theology.
And now, back to the tracklist!
Another brief surprise comes with the 30-second oriental-inspired “Legio X Fretensis”, before “Iron Clad” storms in with galloping intensity and a drumming masterclass from Keith Mikus.
“Don’t You Say” starts off slow and simple before unfolding into a powerful track. While it may not be the most original song, the sheer force of the band’s performance and Linden’s deeply passionate vocals make it unforgettable. I wouldn’t have wanted this to be the closing track—and thankfully, it isn’t…
Because the album’s grand finale comes with the epic “The Hammer”, where the melody soars through a simple yet incredibly catchy arrangement. This track easily stands out as my absolute favorite on the album—it unmistakably carries an IRON MAIDEN aura, but since when is it a bad thing to recall one of the greatest bands on the planet, especially when executed in a way that serves as a true benchmark? Once again, the rhythm section delivers a masterclass, the guitars channel the spirit of the late ’70s, and the incredible Sarabeth Eve Linden cements her status as a frontwoman with a unique identity and commanding stage presence.
Final verdict?
TOWER are back, darker and fiercer than ever—impossible not to love them!
“Let There Be Dark” will be released on March 21st (Europe) and April 4th (USA) via Cruz del Sur, available in both CD, LP and digital format.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both the CD and the LP here.
