DAYSEEKER | CREATURE IN THE BLACK NIGHT ALBUM REVIEW

Dayseeker are back with their sixth studio album, Creature in the Black Night, dropping October 24 with Spinefarm Records. The band — Rory Rodriguez, Gino Sgambelluri, Ramone Valerio, and Zac Mayfield — have built a reputation for blending raw emotion with soaring melodies, and this time they're diving even deeper into the dark.   

Since their 2012 debut, Dayseeker have evolved from post-hardcore roots into one of the most resonant and dynamic forces in modern heavy music. Following the introspective Sleeptalk and deeply personal Dark Sun (2022), this new release finds the band ascending into even darker, more powerful territory. Produced by Daniel Braunstein (Spiritbox, Silent Planet) and mixed by Zakk Cervini (Blink-182, Bring Me The Horizon), Creature in the Black Night is easily Dayseeker's most immersive record yet.  

Creature in the Black Night  

Second on the album, the title track "Creature in the Black Night" immediately sets the mood with a slow, cinematic build that draws you in like a shadow creeping through the darkness. The song expertly balances heaviness and melody — crushing, chunky riffs lay a solid foundation, while eerie, atmospheric synths add a haunting layers that create a powerful and rich sound for Rory's vocals to effortlessly shift between, in addition to his screams that convey raw emotion and cleans that add a deep sense of vulnerability. 

With a sultry layer added to the track, as the melodies and vocals weave together, seductive lyrics give it an almost hypnotic quality, pulling you deeper into its dark world. The blend of intensity and sensuality makes this song feel both powerful and intimate, perfectly capturing the album's emotional depth and themes of darkness.   

Bloodlust  

It is the sixth track on the album, and what sets it apart is its mix of intensity and haunting melodies. It pulls you in with its rhythm and heavy riffs, creating a sense of chaos throughout. What sets this song apart is how the vocals soar over the driving instrumentation. Rory's powerful screams and clean singing work together to create a dynamic push-and-pull that feels both aggressive and emotionally charged, lending the track a dark, almost hypnotic quality, as if you're being drawn deeper into the album's shadowy world. It's a perfect example of how Dayseeker blend heaviness with atmosphere. 

Forgotten Ghost  

With a Moody, atmospheric feel, Forgotten Ghost leans into the album's vulnerable side. The blending of soft synth layers and delicate guitar work creates a haunting backdrop for Rory's heartfelt vocals, drawing the listener into Dayseekers' world one last time.  

As the last track on Creature in the Black Night album, it serves as the closing chapter, winding down the album's journey while still carrying that cinematic atmosphere "Forgotten Ghost" ties everything together with a final reflection on the themes of loss, darkness, and emotional vulnerability throughout the album, but with a softer tone.  

Produced by Daniel Braunstein and mixed by Zakk Cervini, the album is sleek, heavy, and cinematic from start to finish. The musicianship shines through every track — from the tight, crushing guitar riffs to the carefully layered synths that add an eerie, atmospheric depth. What really stands out is how Rory Rodriguez's vocals are perfectly woven into the mix. His powerful screams and heartfelt clean singing don't just sit atop the music; they interact with it, enhancing the emotional intensity and complementing the dynamic shifts throughout each song.  

There's an edge running through the entire album, reflected not only in the dark visuals but also in the music. The riffs hit harder, the breakdowns feel more menacing, and even the quieter, more vulnerable moments carry a strong tension throughout.  

Sonically, Dayseeker draws from the same dark, cinematic vibe as bands like Bad Omens and Motionless in White blend melodic metalcore with gothic atmospheric and emotional honesty. In comparison to the dreamy atmosphere of Sleeptalk or the grief of Dark Sun, this album feels sharper, heavier, and a bit more dangerous — showcasing their growing musicianship and emotional range.  

The artwork for Creature in the Black Night perfectly captures the eerie, cinematic tone, with a cloaked figure standing in a glowing field of purple under a red sky, with a neon halo cutting through the haze behind them, mixing themes of darkness and vulnerability in a haunting but oddly beautiful way, reflecting the balance found throughout the album. The blend of warm crimson and cold violet feels like a visual translation of Dayseeker's sound.  

Like the music, the artwork blurs the line between beauty and pain, pulling you into Dayseeker's universe. It feels cinematic and deeply connected to the record's themes of transformation and darkness.  

Creature in the Black Night is a strong, confident album that showcases Dayseeker's growth, both musically and emotionally, with its cinematic production, powerful performances, and a blend of darkness and atmosphere that has a seductive side, making it stand out in today's metalcore scene. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting into the band, this album is worth a listen. It proves that Dayseeker are not just evolving—they're becoming a significant force in the modern metalcore community.    

Dayseeker will be returning to the UK in February 2026, joining Motionless in White on their UK tour. Catch them at:   

• February 5: Glasgow, OVO Hydro   

• February 6: Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena   

• February 7: Manchester, AO Arena   

• February 13: Cardiff, Utilita Arena   

• February 14: London, Alexandra Palace    

⭐️ Rating: 9/10- It's a standout confident step forward for Dayseeker and a must-listen for metalcore fans.