Vince Leigh’s Single Review: Damnation Dawning by Story
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
In a rowdy revival that could wake the dead, Australian rock band Story brings Damnation Dawning back to life with a raw, fresh vigour. Originally birthed from the chaos of 1979 and laid down for the first time in 2013, this track has been a linchpin in the band’s tumultuous journey. The original recording, dripping with unfiltered energy, featured a who’s who of Australian rock royalty: Bob Spencer, Mick Pealing, Jack Jones, Mark Ritchie, and David Briggs. Now, here we are in 2024, and Story has injected new life into this old beast, balancing the gritty soul of the past with a polished modern edge. With the deft hands of producers Mike Mathews, Martin Pullan, and Mike Cohen steering the ship, the revamped Damnation Dawning boasts a sleek arrangement that still retains its feral roots.
The inclusion of guest musicians Aaron ‘O Brien, Bill ‘Fozzy’ Folino, and Jim Currell—collectively known as Standing Room Only—adds a layer of fresh meat to the bone, making the track feel both familiar and new. The song kicks off with an evocative acoustic intro that quickly morphs into a gritty verse, oozing rock sensibility and vocal intensity. The chorus hits like a freight train, loaded with intricate guitar work and lush harmonies, while the second verse’s harmonized vocals plunge deeper into the song’s emotional core. The structure of the track is pure rock dynamics, oscillating between a recurring riff, a magnetic bridge, and a searing guitar solo.
The journey is anchored by a return to the song’s haunting opening, culminating in a climax that’s all high-voltage riffs and electrifying flourishes, leaving you gasping for more. Lyrically, Damnation Dawning, penned by Daryl Storrie, dives headfirst into themes of existential despair and redemption, encapsulating the agony of loss and the flicker of hope that comes with it. This release doesn’t just pay homage to Story’s storied past; it plants a flag firmly in the future and setting the stage for whatever comes next.
