After working with East Coast hardcore producer Brian McTernan on their first two albums, DC all-ages metal standouts Darkest Hour give up the ghost and go straight to the source on their latest, which was made with acclaimed death-metal producer Fredrik Nordström at his studio in Sweden. With two new members of their own already on board, the five-piece also recruited a host of Eurometal luminaries to guest on the disc, which hits stores this Tuesday.

The results do more justice to the gods of Swedish death than any group of short-haired kids from the birthplace of straight-edge have a right to. Singer John Henry trades screams with legendary At the Gates frontman Tomas Lindberg on "The Sadist Nation," the album’s frightening yet regal first single. "Fear is an heirloom and hate is contagious," wails Henry, lashing out at our warlike culture over a legion of blastbeats. Insurrection is his favorite cause, but he addresses life on the road and heartbreak with equal passion on "Oklahoma" and "Seven Day Lie," respectively. Darkest Hour’s heartfelt punk ethos combines with their well-honed melodic chaos to put them at the top of the metallic-hardcore heap.

(Darkest Hour perform at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival this Saturday, May 17, at the Palladium in Worcester. Call 508-797-9696.)