After what has seemed like an eternity, Los Angeles-based Dommin are about to release their debut album, Love Is Gone, to the dark congregation. With a track listing of fifteen songs, will people find that their “love is gone” before the album is even over?

The album starts off with the super dark and ultra moody “My Heart In Your Hands.” You will notice that Dommin’s sound is an immediate attention grabber. It’s a cool and eclectic mix of Type O Negative, Danzig, and a very gloomy Life Of Agony. The huge wall of guitars gently embrace your eardrums while the grooves slowly sway you back and forth. Frontman Kristofer Dommin’s voice is interesting, unique, and quite refreshing. At times he comes off sounding like Keith Caputo (Life Of Agony), “Evil Elvis” (Glenn Danzig) and swooner Chris Isaak. This song is incredible and makes for a killer introduction to the brooding sound that is Dommin.

Dommin bring something to the table for everyone with songs like “New” and “Tonight.” “New” opens with a “The Day That Never Comes” (Metallica) style intro that leads directly into a “Kryptonite” (3 Doors Down) up-tempo hip shaker that is rather cool. I’m usually not into this more “pop” rock style, but I found myself bobbing my head back and forth quite a bit with this one. “Tonight” adds more to the “bop-pop” flavor with its very catchy guitar runs and awesome vocals. Both songs incorporate catchy choruses that you will be humming for days…if not weeks.

The title track, “Love Is Gone,” absolutely has to be mentioned. With the ultra dreary guitars, killer keys, and depressing mood, you’ll instantly think of Danzig from the glory days. Dommin’s vocals are eerie and extremely captivating, drawing you in with every breath.

Tracks like “Closure” and “Making The Most” make you want to grab your kitten calendar and slit your wrist at the same time. Both tracks offer beautiful dreamscapes that are all overloaded with depressing thoughts and deep-ended emotions. I haven’t heard this much feeling in music since Depeche Mode’s Violator or Type O Negative’s Bloody Kisses. Also worth mentioning are the piano/keys in “Making The Most.” They are interlaced with the thick wall of distortion and haunting overtones that Dommin bring to the table.

Speaking of Depeche Mode, wait till Dommin throw “Honestly” at you. The near-danceable electronics are a perfect break from what is a more guitar driven album. Vocally, Dommin really owns the song in every way possible. He commands the listener’s attention with his dark lyrical content about love, death, and relationships.

Rounding out the album is the emotionally charged “Remember.” The old school piano illuminates the way while the beautiful acoustics totally entrance and captivate you. Dommin’s vocal style is somewhat reminiscent of Elvis/Chris Isaak, which makes for a very cool throwback to yesteryear. The rich keys are layered to perfection with an awesomely-placed symphony that makes for one hell of a climactic ending to the album.

To some Love Is Gone may appear to be a lump of coal, but once you rub away the drab exterior, you will find a beautiful diamond ready to shine. So grab your trenchcoat, lace up your Doc Martins, and sharpen your fangs, because if you take the time and give the album a listen, you won’t be disappointed.

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