Press Quotes
"A masterpiece between dark rock and Irish folk. [...] Standarte is an anti-album in a fast-paced algorithm-driven world.”
“An absolutely amazing album… I fell in love with it the first time I heard it.”
Less ornament, more substance: a bridge between past and present that rarely feels this meaningful […] An album that follows through on its vision with consistency down to the finest detail.
“Damien Cain masterfully blends melancholy and power across a wide stylistic spectrum, from alternative and gothic rock to Celtic and modern metal influences. Despite its rich diversity, the album remains cohesive and deeply engaging, driven by memorable melodies, emotional depth, and a clearly recognizable artistic voice.”
“Standarte” is as colorful as the album cover. Rocky, gloomy, sometimes even veering into nu-metal territory and at the same time fresh with an Irish touch, Damien Cain covers a wide range of styles. What sounds like a musical chameleon turns out to be extremely coherent, harmonious and entertaining.
“Standarte feels less like a product and more like a deliberately planted marker — a confident statement of artistic integrity rather than a chase for trends. [...] a standard for those who choose to listen closely.”
“A deeply human record shaped by decades of experience, carried on a cloud of melancholy, and grounded in emotional honesty rather than genre convention. [...] Standarte unites vulnerability and defiance into a sound unmistakably Cain’s own.”
Damien Cain’s journey through three decades of music is a testament to the enduring power of emotion, atmosphere, and narrative in Rock. With “Standarte,” he not only revisits the shadows of his past but also illuminates new paths forward, blending vulnerability and defiance into a sound uniquely his own. This album stands as both a reflection and a declaration—a culmination of stories lived and lessons learned, carried on a cloud of melancholy and melodic intensity.
‘Standarte’ is an extensive album with an impressive 17 songs, combining rock drumbeats and heavy guitar riffs in all tracks.
“A compelling blend of modern alternative rock, melodic metal, gothic influences and cinematic melancholy.” Standarte featured by Belgian dark-music magazine Luminous Dash 🇧🇪
“With ‘Elenore’, Damien Cain reaffirms his status as a visionary artist, breathing new life into a collaboration with the legendary Sir Christopher Lee.”
With soaring melodies, atmospheric instrumentation, and emotional depth, the song [Standarte] unfolds like a dramatic anthem that balances intensity with powerful musical storytelling.
Artizt Line
"Catchy, poignant, anthemic"
Gothic MagazineMusic Magazine
"The male and female vocal working together in perfect symmetry, memorable with the hardness, softness in again what is a perfect balance."
Reflections of DarknessMusic Magazine
"Rich guitars, great voices and melodies."
www.tribe-online.deOnline Music Magazine
"The band scores right from the start with decent material and fine melodies."
PowerMetal.deMusic Magazine
"Tips include ‘Judgement Day’, which is reminiscent of early Evanescence, and the bombastic anthem ‘Rage’, which is as multi-layered as it is soulful."
EMPMusic Magazine
"There is every indication that "The Last Dance" for CAIN has not yet been danced..."
Sonic SeducerMusic Magazine
"...an unrivalled atmosphere..."
OrkusMusic Magazine
"...classic goth rock influenced by bands like ‘The Sisters of Mercy’, ‘Kamelot’, ‘Nightwish’ or ‘Evanescence’."
ZilloMusic Magazine