This is the artist page for the UK melodic hardcore punk band DARKO.
BIO
Forming late 2009 in Guildford, Dan Smith, Chris Brown and Rob Piper wanted to write fast and exciting music in the vein of Strung Out and A Wilhelm Scream, after a few rotations of members by late 2010 Karl Sursham and Andy Borg had joined the band. In 2011 the band toured the UK and 2012 saw the release of the well-received EP 'From Trust to Conformity'. The band toured the EP all over Europe and started to build a solid international following. In 2014 the band released 'Sea of Trees' EP including fn favourite 'Timepieces and Lockshaped hearts' which incited invites to tour Japan, headlining KNRD fest, opening mainstage Punk Rock Holiday, Manchester Punk Fest, Lucky Hazard stage at Mighty Sounds CZ, support slots with A Wilhelm Scream and Strung Out and many more.
In 2017 the band released their debut full length ‘Bonsai Mammoth’ recorded with Daly George at the Ranch Production House. Off the back of the album release DARKO continued to tour extensively over EU, returned to headline the beach stage at Punk Rock Holiday, supported AWS on tour in the UK Belvedere in Japan and an Australian tour.
During the 2020 pandemic vocalist Dan Smith decided it was time to move on, and in 2021 his departure form the band was announced. This would be an end of an era for the band but the others were keen to keep going. Enter old friend and vocalist of Almieda, Tom West, who was humbled and excited to take on the vocal duties with his own unique style.
During 2021 Tom worked remotely with the band on new material and after restrictions were lifted the band jumped back onto the stage performing at Vegan Campout festival to a packed aircraft hanger showcasing Tom. In September DARKO entered the studio with long time friend Will Duff (Goliath Studios, Trails) and help from Daly George (Bonsai Mammoth) to produce a new EP introducing Tom as a member and co-songwriter and pushing the boundaries of their previous material.