Founded in 2009 in Guildford, Surrey, Darko have steadily risen within the melodic-hardcore scene, distinguished by their intense sonic footprint and a robust touring history across more than 35 countries. Their latest release, the Greyscale EP, marks the second chapter in a trilogy that combines the aggression of thrash metal with the energy of skate punk. Released through Lockjaw Records, this EP continues to showcase Darko’s unique blend of sound that appeals to fans of bands like Rise Against and Propagandhi.
“The two elements that make me love this bass are the pickup combination and string retainers on each string.”
Karl Sursham, Darko’s bassist, has been a pivotal figure in defining the band’s sound. Speaking about his primary instrument, Sursham says, “My main bass for over a decade was a Fender Precision Deluxe, which I later modified. It needed some work doing so I felt like getting a new bass as I wanted to keep it how it was, with all the memories attached to it. I tried other basses, but a P Bass with a Jazz neck is what I’m most comfortable with, so I decided to custom build one with the add-ons my original P bass didn’t have. I had the body made and sprayed by Guitar and Bass Build UK with a reverse P and humbucker set up, finished off in sparkly bright yellow. The neck is an official Fender roasted maple Jazz neck. For pickups and electrics, I went the same route as when I modified my original P bass: Delano pickups and a Creation Audio Redeemer Circuit for the electrics, running 9 volts. This was finished off with Hipshot hardware all round, including string retainers for every string. The two elements that make me love this bass are the pickup combination and string retainers on each string. The reverse P and humbucker make the sound very even across the strings while keeping it phat and consistent. The string retainers keep more tension on the strings and eliminate a lot of buzz when playing hard.”
Sursham employs a sophisticated array of equipment to craft the band’s powerful and textured soundscapes. His signal chain begins with his bass guitar transmitting wirelessly through a Shure GLX-D+ system, which doubles as his tuner. The signal then travels through a meticulously curated pedalboard, starting with a DemonFX Harmonic Booster, a replica of the famed Darkglass tone, followed by a DemonFX Alpha-Omicron for further tone shaping. The critical component of his setup is the Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass Compressor, operating at 18 volts, which ensures a smooth, even sound by mitigating the harshness of hard picking. The entire pedal setup is powered by a robust Strymon R30 power supply.
For amplification, Sursham relies on a Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 amp, paired with two Gallien-Krueger NEO 2×12 speaker cabinets, creating a rich, full-bodied output suitable for Darko’s intense performances. Central to his live sound and the element he deems indispensable is the Cali76 Compressor, crucial for maintaining sonic consistency and clarity under the dynamic stress of live performance.
When asked about his approach to creating bass lines, Sursham provides insight into his process. “First, I will learn the song from either Chris or Rob (guitars), whoever has written it. Once the notes are down, it’s time to listen to what Borg plays on drums. Obviously, there will be riffs and hectic parts where I have to match what the guitars are doing. But to be honest, my approach and attitude for the rest are very simple. I’m a bass player, root notes, lock in with the drums, and translate between the drummer and guitarists. It’s then finding that happy medium of not only matching Borg’s drum beats to keep the pace but also jump back in to match the guitars and bring it together. All while trying not to make it sound like an incoherent mishmash of stuff!”
“Speak up, call it out, help towards a change for the better!”
Reflecting on Greyscale, Sursham views it as a dynamic follow-up to their previous release Sparkle. “‘Greyscale’ is a lot more angry and in your face. It covers quite a few different areas where there needs to be a change for the better, be it from leaders, corporations or people of the general public. You should be able to have a platform to stand up to what is wrong and call it out. There are too many people in the world causing harm to others, and in quite a few instances, also gaining in the process. Speak up, call it out, help towards a change for the better!”
Tour life, with its blend of chaos and euphoria, deeply influences Darko’s music. Sursham recounts, “On ‘Greyscale’, there aren’t any songs about experiences on tour, but the record definitely reminds me of tour and those feelings. Travelling from place to place, trying to be on time, sometimes with an obstacle here and there to work around, all while feeling absolutely knackered. The record is quite short, which is similar to the amount of time we are on stage compared to the build-up of the day, but it really is the best feeling in the world. Playing music with my brothers (and Borg, haha) that we made—nothing compares! Then there’s the best part: you get to do it all again the next day!”
Darko’s new EP Greyscale is currently available for purchase.
