"Darkside" (stylised as "DArkSide") is a song by British rock band Bring Me the Horizon. Produced by frontman Oli Sykes, Zakk Cervini and DaiDai, it was released as the fifth single from their seventh studio album, Post Human: Nex Gen on 13 October 2023. It is the last single to feature keyboardist, songwriter and producer Jordan Fish, as he departed the band in December 2023.
Contents
Promotion and release
On 9 October 2023, the band sent an email to fans on their mailing list about a newly titled song "Darkside", alongside some lyrics "Think my angels fallen" as well as the release date. The band kept teasing the song on social media, posting snippets on Discord and TikTok, until they released "Darkside" on 13 October. The song was debuted live for the first time in October 2023 at NexFest while playing at the World Kinen Hall in Kobe, Japan.
Composition and lyrics
"Darkside" has been described by critics as a nu metal, pop metal, alternative metal, alternative rock, and an emo song. The song was written by the band's lead vocalist Oli Sykes, keyboardist Jordan Fish, guitarist Lee Malia, drummer Matt Nicholls, Andrew Goldstein, Zakk Cervini and Gianni Taylor; while produced by Sykes, Cervini and DaiDai. "Darkside" deals with tackling themes of depression, insomnia, heartbreak and the "fear of going to a darker place". The song showcases the group's lighter and poppier side than their previous releases. The rhythm of the song's verses has many similarities to the choruses of Sum 41's song "Still Waiting".
Critical reception
Eli Enis of Revolver stated, "Its chorus is absolutely anthemic, while the verses have bouncy nu-metal riffs and a delivery from Sykes that evokes Linkin Park." Tyler Lubke of Wall of Sound described the track "groovy" and "appealing radio rock." He remarked, "Vocalist Oli Sykes utilises his fundamental screams and singing throughout the catchy chorus and quieter verses as the band masterfully infuses their blend of electronic influences alongside nifty drum beats and ramping guitars."
In popular culture
"Darkside" was used as the official theme song for WWE's NXT Vengeance Day event in 2024.
Personnel
Credits for "Darkside" adapted from Tidal.
Bring Me the Horizon
Oli Sykes – lead vocals, composition, lyrics, production
Matt Nicholls – drums, composition
Lee Malia – guitars, composition
Matt Kean – bass
Jordan Fish – programmer, composition
Additional personnel
Zakk Cervini – production, composition, lyrics, programmer, mixing, mastering
Julian Gargiulo – additional production, mixing
Gianni Taylor – additional production, composition, backing vocals
Daidai – production