Darkside – Alan Walker feat. Au/Ra and Tomine Harket

“Darkside,” released by Norwegian DJ and record producer Alan Walker, featuring the haunting vocals of Au/Ra and Tomine Harket, stands as one of Walker’s most captivating and atmospheric electronic tracks. Released in 2018 as part of the World of Walker trilogy, the song captures the signature essence of Walker’s musical style: a mix of atmospheric, cinematic sounds, haunting lyrics, and powerful drops. It also adds layers of mystery and emotional depth, creating an unforgettable listening experience.

Alan Walker’s Signature Sound
Alan Walker became a household name in the electronic dance music (EDM) world with his 2015 breakout hit “Faded.” His sound, known for its minimalist melodies, powerful drops, and emotionally resonant lyrics, has made him a global star. “Darkside” builds on this trademark sound while exploring darker, more mysterious themes. The song fuses EDM elements with atmospheric textures, setting an emotional and eerie tone that perfectly matches the song’s title.

One of the key characteristics of Walker’s production style is his ability to balance accessibility with sophistication. His songs often feature catchy, memorable hooks while maintaining an intricate layering of sounds that are compelling for both casual listeners and dedicated EDM fans. “Darkside” is no exception to this, with its pulsating beats, ethereal synths, and cinematic build-up.

Themes of Darkness and Surrender
Lyrically, “Darkside” explores themes of embracing the unknown, surrendering to one’s inner darkness, and allowing oneself to be consumed by feelings that might otherwise be hidden or avoided. The chorus, sung by Au/Ra and Tomine Harket, speaks of leaving behind fears and running into the “darkside.” It’s a metaphor for confronting those parts of ourselves that are often shrouded in mystery, fear, or uncertainty.

The lyrics, “We’re not in love, we share no stories, just something in your eyes. Don’t be afraid, the shadows know me, let’s leave the world behind,” evoke a sense of detachment from the ordinary world, encouraging listeners to abandon their fears and embrace the unknown. The call to leave the world behind and run into the “darkside” is both thrilling and unnerving, a common theme in Walker’s music, which often plays with contrasts between light and dark, hope and despair.

The song suggests a journey of self-discovery, urging the listener to confront their inner turmoil, fears, and desires. It invites an emotional surrender, one that feels liberating but also requires a leap into the unknown. This theme of duality—the pull between safety and danger, light and darkness—gives the song a tension that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.

Haunting Vocals by Au/Ra and Tomine Harket
The vocal performances by Au/Ra and Tomine Harket are integral to the emotional intensity of “Darkside.” Au/Ra, known for her unique voice and edgy pop style, delivers the verses with a haunting, almost ethereal quality. Her voice perfectly complements the song’s moody atmosphere, adding a sense of otherworldliness and depth to the lyrics.

Tomine Harket, the daughter of Morten Harket (lead singer of the iconic band A-ha), lends her voice to the chorus, and the contrast between her voice and Au/Ra’s creates a rich vocal dynamic. While Au/Ra’s voice is darker and more mysterious, Harket’s voice brings a sense of clarity and emotional release to the track. Together, they create a vocal blend that is both eerie and captivating, embodying the song’s themes of running into the darkside.

Their voices also play an important role in guiding the emotional arc of the song. Au/Ra’s verses invite the listener into the mystery and tension of the darkside, while Harket’s chorus gives the sense of freedom and release that comes with surrendering to it. This interplay between tension and release is a hallmark of Walker’s production style, and it’s on full display in “Darkside.”

A Cinematic Experience
In addition to its musical and lyrical elements, “Darkside” is part of Alan Walker’s World of Walker cinematic universe, a series of interconnected music videos that explore dystopian, post-apocalyptic themes. The official music video for “Darkside,” directed by Kristian Berg, follows a group of people navigating a world that seems to be on the brink of collapse. It features dark, desolate landscapes and abandoned buildings, with the characters running through a world filled with secrets and hidden dangers.

The visual elements of the music video complement the themes of the song, emphasizing the idea of embracing the unknown and exploring forbidden or forgotten places. The video’s use of dim lighting, shadowy environments, and cool-toned colors all create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, aligning perfectly with the song’s haunting sound.

The characters in the video wear masks similar to the one that has become synonymous with Alan Walker’s persona. The mask represents anonymity and unity, a key theme in Walker’s universe, where the lines between individual identity and collective experience blur. The dystopian setting and cryptic storyline in the video enhance the song’s message of letting go and diving into the unknown, making “Darkside” not just a song, but an immersive experience.

Reception and Impact
Since its release, “Darkside” has been widely praised for its production quality, vocal performances, and thematic depth. The song charted in various countries around the world and gained millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Fans of Alan Walker appreciate the song for its continuation of the World of Walker storyline, as well as its emotional resonance and catchy hook.

Critically, “Darkside” was seen as a strong follow-up to Walker’s previous hits, solidifying his reputation as one of the most creative and innovative producers in the electronic music scene. The collaboration with Au/Ra and Tomine Harket was also praised for bringing fresh vocal energy to the track, adding a layer of emotional depth that made the song stand out.

Moreover, “Darkside” has become a favorite in Walker’s live performances, where its atmospheric sound and anthemic chorus create an electrifying experience for audiences. The song’s build-up and drop, coupled with its emotional intensity, make it a perfect fit for festival stages and large venues, where Walker’s music truly comes alive.

Conclusion
“Darkside” by Alan Walker, featuring Au/Ra and Tomine Harket, is a powerful exploration of dark, emotional themes set to a haunting and cinematic electronic soundtrack. The song’s lyrics invite listeners to confront their inner fears and embrace the unknown, while the vocals and production create an immersive, atmospheric experience. Whether through its message of surrender or its stunning music video, “Darkside” leaves a lasting impression, continuing Alan Walker’s tradition of creating music that resonates both sonically and emotionally with listeners around the world.

Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – Tomine Harket]:
We’re not in love
We share no stories
Just something in your eyes
Don’t be afraid
The shadows know me
Let’s leave the world behind

[Chorus]:
Take me through the night
Fall into the dark side
We don’t need the light
We’ll live on the dark side
I see it
Let’s feel it
While we’re still young and fearless
Let go of the light
Fall in to the dark side
Fall in to the dark side
Give into the dark side
Let go of the light
Fall in to the dark side

[Verse 2 – Au/Ra]:
Beneath the sky
As black as diamonds
We’re running out of time
Don’t wait for truth
To come and blind us
Let’s just believe their lies

[Pre-chorus – Au/Ra]:
Believe it, I see it
I know that you can feel
No secrets worth keeping
So fool me like I’m dreaming

[Chorus]:
Take me through the night
Fall in to the dark side
We don’t need the light
We’ll live on the dark side
I see it
Let’s feel it
While we’re still young and fearless
Let go of the light
Fall in to the dark side
Fall in to the dark side
Give into the dark side
Let go of the light
Fall in to the dark side

Alan Walker