How Did We Get So Dark?
by Royal Blood
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 102
  3. Negative: 6 out of 102
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. meringo
    Jun 19, 2017
    6
    They seem to have become a parody of themselves.

    I LOVED their first album, but this one is just too similar with no stand out tracks. It all sounds/feels like one long song reminiscent of the previous album. Although I like the band and can't wait to see them open for QOTSA in the fall, I can't really get behind this sophomore album like I did the first.
  2. Balrogking10ten
    Jul 8, 2017
    1
    I grew up listening to metal in its classic heyday and watched it evolve into what we call alt-metal today. And I know the best bands of that genre will never be considered the “lesser sons of greater sires”. But the fact is that Royal Blood proves that true metal may no longer have any relevance. I chose to try to catch up with the current trends when, very recently, I saw this duo on aI grew up listening to metal in its classic heyday and watched it evolve into what we call alt-metal today. And I know the best bands of that genre will never be considered the “lesser sons of greater sires”. But the fact is that Royal Blood proves that true metal may no longer have any relevance. I chose to try to catch up with the current trends when, very recently, I saw this duo on a British live concert cable show; they rocked the crap out of the program and I dug the variation on the 2-man group but with no true guitarist this time. They played “Little Monster” from their debut and it really stuck in my mind. I googled them and read some of their reviews; they were considered the new “it” band in metal. And I saw that their sophomore CD was about to drop. Since together, their total length was about 67 minutes, I bought both. And the promising start to their self-titled initial release (“Out of the Black” is an engaging and unique first track for any album) gave me confidence that metal might be back. Wow, was I wrong! These guys are way overrated and overhyped. I think the duo thing has a lot to do with it. But that band configuration (besides the pedestrian songwriting, inane lyrics, simplistic 80s hairband-like melodies, derivative vocals, etc.) is their biggest weakness. There is a limit to how many songs that contain no real chords a discerning listener can take; you might as well call it “no-chord rock” instead of “3-chord rock”. It gets old really, really fast! And the fact that there is a lot of double and triple tracking that can never be reproduced live by 2 guys is also a travesty. All the songs on both these 2 releases are interchangeable and they are almost all huge disappointments. When you think about the recent crop of new bands and more recent releases in the category of old school and alternative metal, compare them to bands like Tool, SOAD, Deftones, the Melvins, etc.; more recently, Mastodon and…..uh, that’s it. Maybe I have just outgrown old school metal; I still enjoy some of the newer what you could call “hard rock” bands/artists like Black Mountain, Ty Segal, Silversun Pickups, Band of Skulls, Savages, etc. As someone who thought he would never utter such heresy, I hate to say that it might be time to sound the death knell for this genre. It makes this dude feel very, very sad (& very, very old).… Expand
  3. DavidWasHere
    Aug 6, 2017
    5
    This band seems to be one trick ponies. I dug their debut record even if it's a less interesting version of Death From Above 1979. But this album is just not very good. It has the same issues with the first record, in that it's basically recycled ideas from 2000s mainstream rock without much variation of the formula, and it doesn't help much that their sound is VERY reminiscent ofThis band seems to be one trick ponies. I dug their debut record even if it's a less interesting version of Death From Above 1979. But this album is just not very good. It has the same issues with the first record, in that it's basically recycled ideas from 2000s mainstream rock without much variation of the formula, and it doesn't help much that their sound is VERY reminiscent of post-grunge from the 2000s (albeit not nearly as sludgy and ugly as post-grunge). However they do try to change things up here and there...for lesser results, like the awful attempt at funk with She's Creeping. I felt that if the band just stuck to their formula from their last record and went the way of acts like AC/DC and just make records that yeah do sound the same but at least they understood what worked about their sound, then I would be more forgiving. Instead they just show how limited their sound really is. Cheap cock rock that doesn't have the grit or raw passion of good rock and instead is polished pap for the masses.… Expand
  4. NicklasW
    Jun 16, 2017
    6
    "How Did We Get So Dark?" is Royal Bloods follow up, to the surprise succes Debut "Royal Blood".
    This Album is loud; the bass, guitar and Thatchers drumming are played so raw that you sometimes forget that Royal Blood is a duo. The Album starts strong with the title track, followed by the lead Single "Lights Out", but loses tension more and more going forward, the fact that the songs    "How Did We Get So Dark?" is Royal Bloods follow up, to the surprise succes Debut "Royal Blood".
    This Album is loud; the bass, guitar and Thatchers drumming are played so raw that you sometimes forget that Royal Blood is a duo. The Album starts strong with the title track, followed by the lead Single "Lights Out", but loses tension more and more going forward, the fact that the songs sound similar doesn't help the Album either and give the impression, that they ran out of new ideas to fast, the short 34 minutes run time solidifies this assumption even more. I was sadly expecting a little bit more diversity by them, but it´s still a solid garage Rock Album and the listen through and through the Album wasnt bad either.
    Best Songs: How Did We Get So Dark, Lights Out, Hook,Line & Sinker and I only Lie When I Love You
    Worst Songs:She´s Creeping, Look Like You Know
    Recommendation: For fans of the Band and Garage Rock (or Rock in general) it's definitely worth a listen. Mainstream listeners can dip into it, with Lights Out and decide from there.    … Expand
  5. TheAverageNerd
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    A genuine treat to listen to. A much more refined sound when compared to the first album and some slight variation on the formula they gained notoriety for with their first album. It is essentially more of the same, but that's not always a bad thing; especially when it sounds as good as it does. Here's hoping that their next album mixes up their established sound a little bit more, butA genuine treat to listen to. A much more refined sound when compared to the first album and some slight variation on the formula they gained notoriety for with their first album. It is essentially more of the same, but that's not always a bad thing; especially when it sounds as good as it does. Here's hoping that their next album mixes up their established sound a little bit more, but this album is still a great listen.… Expand
  6. ADAWGWV89205
    Jun 19, 2017
    10
    Sophomore jinx? I think NOT! Another excellent display of brutal rock and roll. I like when a band challenges themselves and attempts to do something different They deserve this 10.
  7. Bookmaster
    Jun 17, 2017
    9
    As a followup to their self titled album, How Did We Get So Dark feels like their first genuine step forward as a band. From front to back, every song is presented with new, refreshing ideas, and brutally satisfying songs. The title track shows the character of their songs expanding to include vaster chords with layering vocal harmonies to make very interesting sounds, and a genuine funAs a followup to their self titled album, How Did We Get So Dark feels like their first genuine step forward as a band. From front to back, every song is presented with new, refreshing ideas, and brutally satisfying songs. The title track shows the character of their songs expanding to include vaster chords with layering vocal harmonies to make very interesting sounds, and a genuine fun time. Lights Out has been my favorite jam waiting for this album to come out, with its dramatic break downs and desperate vocals. I Only Lie When I Love You is a fine simple jam, though one of the weaker tracks. She's Creeping starts out grating but reveals complexity as the idea keeps layering up to make something worthwhile by the time of the last verse. Look Like You Know continues to show the sound of the band expanding beyond, adding more satisfying layering and style. The vocals and spooky little guitar add so much, and this is one of their best breakdowns. Where Are You Now is fast, easy to move to, and luckily doesn't drop on the building up they've done on the guitar harmonies. Don't Tell is probably the least remarkable song on the album, but still offers a nice little listen in between all the more frantic and demanding songs. Case in point, Hook Line and Sinker. This tune demands head banging hard enough to break your neck. Structurally it is as simplistic as some of my less favorite songs on this album, but rules what it does hard. A song to rock to. Hole In Your Heart is the song that convinces me the most that this is a band to watch. The new sounds they incorporate into their style are so nice, and it is very satisfying to hear their range expand. The outro is so massive and epic, that by the end when the electric piano comes back it feels like a satisfying exhale. And with Sleep, we get a fine outro with a steady jam with a dramatic chord progression, and a downer, long sustain, of an ending. Easily, one of my favorites of the year.… Expand
  8. stgrunu
    Apr 4, 2018
    9
    I originally gave it a 7 but with time this album just gets better and I love listening to this one better than their debut.
  9. YT_Guyyy
    Aug 26, 2017
    2
    It's more meh QOTSA worship from rock's biggest mediocrity factory. Once you've heard the first or second song, you should stop there, because it doesn't get any better. It just gets more repetitive.

    I guess Lights Out is pretty decent.
  10. gilsimcha10
    Jan 5, 2018
    8
    this was a very good album in many ways,every song was good in his own way and i just rockd the hell out of my life.

    FAV TRACKS;all of the album

    85/100
    8.5/10
  11. Orli_Aguilar
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    Es divertido, convincente y suena bien con todos sus muy disfrutables tracks. Quizá no con todo el potencial contenido que uno detecta en ellos y espera al oír este álbum.
  12. BlownSpeakers
    Jul 5, 2017
    4
    'Rock and Roll is dead’- the declaration has been echoed by countless musicians since the genre’s inception, and many still proclaim its death to this very day. But common-sense practitioners will cite mainstream acts like Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Death From Above 1979, and Manchester Orchestra as proof the genre is still alive and kicking. Some would even go as far as to'Rock and Roll is dead’- the declaration has been echoed by countless musicians since the genre’s inception, and many still proclaim its death to this very day. But common-sense practitioners will cite mainstream acts like Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Death From Above 1979, and Manchester Orchestra as proof the genre is still alive and kicking. Some would even go as far as to mention newcomers, Royal Blood, in the same breath.

    The hard rock duo, composed of Mike Kerr (bass/vocals) and Ben Thatcher (drums), showed potential with blistering songs like “Out of the Black” off their 2014 self-titled debut. The group garnered high praise from legends like Jimmy Page and a nod from drummer Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys, who sported a Royal Blood t-shirt on tour. The band was even nominated for a Mercury prize for best album in 2014. Unfortunately, all the hype and fanfare this time around will not distract from the fact their latest outing, How Did We Get So Dark?, offers little to nothing new to the genre.

    To the distracted listener that’s playing the album on shuffle, or perhaps, hearing snippets between drunken banter at their go-to pub, these songs might sound like they “rock.” After all, the elements are there. There’s distorted bass, hard hitting drums, and big choruses; add in slick production from Tom Dalgety and Jolyon Thomas for this briskly paced 34-minute LP and the illusion is set. But sober up, grab a cup of coffee and some headphones, and the album falls apart completely.

    The album starts off strong with “How Did We Get So Dark” which barrels into the big single, “Lights Out.” The latter effectively uses the loud quiet loud dynamic, making the crisp cymbal crashes and roaring riff transitioning into the chorus feel gigantic- the song’s ‘yeah’s’ definitely feel warranted. “She’s Creeping,” slows the pace down to a slick crawl into uncertainty before busting into a tastefully focused funk groove.

    Sadly, these early tracks are the only times where the instrumentation culminates in a sound that feels bigger than the two band members. What’s to follow ranges from middling to completely jarring.

    The songs that feel bare exercise too much restraint. Too many times breakdowns feel like they’re leading to a certain climax – a reckless guitar solo, falling down the stairs drum break – but instead redirect back to a chorus or verse, leaving the track feeling overwound (“Hole in Your Heart,” “Don’t Tell”).

    Others miss the mark completely. The way the bass follows the vocal melody note for note in parts of “Only Lie When I Love You” and “Hookline and Sinker” is excruciating (listen to a cat grind its teeth against a chalkboard for similar results). The drums are forced to stomp along as if to confirm, “Yes, this is really happening.” At best this choice is cheeky, at worst downright obnoxious.

    But these challenges are minuscule in comparison to the real beast here- Kerr’s lyrics. How many tracks can you spew vague tales about halfhearted romance? Apparently, nearly all of them. Hollow relationships can be an interesting subject, but when the ‘lovers’ characteristics equate to the complexity of stick figures, there's a problem. “Where Are You Now” is the worst offender here. It’s the tale of “honest boy” meets “honest girl” and it doesn’t work out because “luck” wasn’t on their side (Great story, right?). The track doesn’t really go on to specify the circumstances, but we do get hints on how the fall out has affected the speaker- “When I think about it I get blue.”

    It’d be childish to write off Royal Blood as a Death From Above 1979 tribute band, but at the same time, it’d be equally foolish to deny they borrow elements from them, Queens of the Stone Age, and Arctic Monkeys in hopes of forging their own sound. Instead, their reluctance to push boundaries leaves them with a sound that’s at best middling.

    So, is rock dead? No, but How Did We Get So Dark won’t be helping anyone’s case.    … Expand
  13. razMN
    Jun 24, 2017
    6
    Aside from their exceptional debut, released in 2014, this album doesn't have any "memorable" song - a song that I can hear and say that it fits with my mood or whatsoever. The first 2 songs and the last 2 are the only real good songs that doesn't feel like a "Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V" of the other songs. The middle of the album is a never-ending-filler - the same song with different lyrics.

    The    Aside from their exceptional debut, released in 2014, this album doesn't have any "memorable" song - a song that I can hear and say that it fits with my mood or whatsoever. The first 2 songs and the last 2 are the only real good songs that doesn't feel like a "Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V" of the other songs. The middle of the album is a never-ending-filler - the same song with different lyrics.

    The band improved itself in drumming, 'bassing', singning and songwritting, you can see that on the album. But they just f... everything up making repeatitive songs.    … Expand
  14. StevenX
    Jul 22, 2020
    6
    Talk about pressure. The debut album was hailed (and rightly so) as a new standard-bearer for good old rock and roll, with a new instrumental approach, no less. The boys almost pull it off again but prove that the gimmick of guitar-and-bass-in-one may be even getting old to them already. Adding the occasional backing vocal or keyboard lick that can't be duplicated live unless they addTalk about pressure. The debut album was hailed (and rightly so) as a new standard-bearer for good old rock and roll, with a new instrumental approach, no less. The boys almost pull it off again but prove that the gimmick of guitar-and-bass-in-one may be even getting old to them already. Adding the occasional backing vocal or keyboard lick that can't be duplicated live unless they add members or (ugh) use samples is a step backward. The star of this album is the hard-pounding drumming of Ben Thatcher, which easily adds a point or two to what otherwise sounds like outtakes that for the most part were outdone on Album One. The early release of "I Only Lie When I Love You" is telling, as it's by far the best song on the disc, with its pulse-and-pause riding the beat to heaven. The title track comes close as well - the rest isn't actually filler but sure isn't what was hoped for.… Expand
  15. Radpandas
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    They are honing they're formulaic yet outrageously 'awesome' sound whilst adding sufficient development to prove they're are no 'one trick pony'. Recommended.
  16. GrayMatter
    Sep 20, 2017
    8
    The only band that is trying to prevent the further demise of hard rock. Royal Blood followed their debut album with another telling and infectious body of work. It's an album that can be played over and over again. It took me a while to truly hear the songs and make sense of them, but the more I listened the quicker I realized How Did We Get So Dark let listeners know not to turn theThe only band that is trying to prevent the further demise of hard rock. Royal Blood followed their debut album with another telling and infectious body of work. It's an album that can be played over and over again. It took me a while to truly hear the songs and make sense of them, but the more I listened the quicker I realized How Did We Get So Dark let listeners know not to turn the lights out. This album possess a much more mature and refined sound, while still managing to hang onto the powerful, aggressive attitude that captured the attention of rock fans. The riffs, the grit and the bashing tones are all still there, Royal Blood has simply created a greater dimension for their song writing with a greater incorporation of melodies. The album sounds just as good live as it does recorded and it isn't often an artist can replicate the same quality on stage. Lead singer Mike Kerr's poise is something to be admired. He sings with attitude and elegance. His voice is captivating and he pulls you into the record. There might not be a better drummer around right now than Ben Thatcher. He is powerful, he is bashing and makes his presence known. It may be a two man band but you'd never know it. His solos and drum fills take the album to a new level and show the development of Thatcher's style. He beats the hell out of his drums and that's how it should stay. The only flaw comes from the length of the album. Just over a half hour long the album feels condensed and a little repetitive. It can leave you wanting more. Moreover, it is still a 10 track listing of fine-tuned, energetic songs that are sure to capture the attention of any rock fan. Royal Blood is a band that will continue to evolve and How Did We Get So Dark is the beginning of the new realm for hard rock.… Expand
  17. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 9, 2017
    7
    Хороший альбом добротной инди-рок группы Royal Blood,В этом альбоме нет ничего сверхъестественного это просто хороший альбом который сделан по всем канонам рока и который способен показать на что способны два человека если тщательно работать над музыкой.Хороший альбом добротной инди-рок группы Royal Blood,В этом альбоме нет ничего сверхъестественного это просто хороший альбом который сделан по всем канонам рока и который способен показать на что способны два человека если тщательно работать над музыкой.
  18. musicobsessed
    Mar 8, 2018
    7
    a brilliant second effort, absolutely flawless album from start to finish, but it isn't quite as good as their debut
  19. thatdanner
    May 13, 2019
    10
    This album is easily one of my favorites, ever, Though I loved their first album, I personally believe this one outdoes it in almost every way. Though only using a drum kit and bass, they manage to make every song sound different, somehow. They can go from wonky beats like "She's Creeping" to hardcore riffs like "Hook, Line and Sinker". The amount of talent it must take to think of geniusThis album is easily one of my favorites, ever, Though I loved their first album, I personally believe this one outdoes it in almost every way. Though only using a drum kit and bass, they manage to make every song sound different, somehow. They can go from wonky beats like "She's Creeping" to hardcore riffs like "Hook, Line and Sinker". The amount of talent it must take to think of genius songs like this is incredible. Not to mention, they sound fantastic too. There isn't a song on the album I'd skip. Every form of rock they attempt for this album is absolutely amazing; the whole thing was nailed. Not to mention, the guitar solos in nearly every song are superb; on the same level as other guitar greats. Even the lyrics--though one of the weaker parts--are witty and quirky, albeit a bit similar. All in all, whether you're a fan of rock or not, this album is worth a try just because of its sheer inventiveness. I can only hope their next album lives up to the standard set by this fantastic one.… Expand
  20. Coldshot91
    Jul 5, 2021
    9
    While not as impressive as their first release, How Did We Get So Dark? was a crucial step in Royal Blood's musical progression. This album and its follow-up, Typhoons, has proven the group is anything but a one trick pony.
  21. Wanesta
    Jan 18, 2022
    5
    After such a tour-de-force with their debut, Royal Blood meets again to create another Rock 'n' Roll universe where sex demons exist and roam around the planet, but this time, they totally lose the charm and drive they had three years earlier. It's lackluster, and feels empty rather than filling. The replay value isn't as strong at all and we quickly forget how "dark" it was supposed to be.
  22. blue-intended
    Feb 13, 2023
    8
    Great followup to a stunning debut. As the first album this one hits hard and consists of catchy grooves and bass lines you wont forget any time soon. Unfortunatley this album sounds just like a continuation of their self titled and leaves a desire for more inspired songwriting at points

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 5, 2017
    67
    The title track won't drag big rock forward, but How Did We Get So Dark? will definitely scratch a riff-loving itch.
    Read full review
  2. Kerrang!
    Jul 26, 2017
    80
    At some point, a little experimenting may be needed, but for now this cements their status as the behemoths of British rock. [17 Jul 2017, p.50]
  3. Clash Music
    Jul 19, 2017
    80
    HDWGSD is so DTF it's practically humping the furniture, making it one of the most genuine works of rock 'n' roll since Elvis weaponised his pelvis.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »