Self Released, 2018
Music: Post Metal
Website: https://m.facebook.com/ALWaudio/
Duration: 21:00 minutes (4 tracks)
Country: U.S.A
Metal has a lot of genres and most of them might be heavy and brutal but nothing can be as delicate as Progressive Metal mixed wth Atmospheric essence of Post-Metal or Space Rock. Does that sound convincing to you? If yes, then you would really enjoy the band A Light Within and their latest album, Epilogue. Based out of Kansas, Missouri, A Light Within play a distinctive blend of Progressive Metal and Post-Rock with a tinge of Atmospheric essence to wrap everything in place. Shortly after releasing their debut effort Preface, the band would go on to record a set of albums to follow its predecessor, so as to complete a concept album. Hence, the unusual naming of tracks. Judging by the album’s name, it seems as if Epilogue is the final chapter of this epic three chapter concept record.
Starting the album with a definitive Prog Metal sound packed with soothing atmospheric elements, Shells perfectly showcases the band’s musicianship. If you expect for a heavy blast of 200 BPM song structure, I’m sorry you will be disappointed but, if you are in for something that is different and melodic, you will be happy about the outcome. The reason why the band sounds a lot different from your normal Metal band is the deliverance and well-structured instrumentation. This is not Prog Metal with ultra long songs with a little to no original elements but an album that utilizes the available 5 minutes to the fullest by incorporating a groovy yet melodic sound to their Prog Metal background.
The reason why I often term their sound “atmospheric” is evident from the third track, Surrounded by the Astronauts. There is nothing much to say about the song itself, since I will let you experience it without any spoilers(if you like Post-Metal you are gonna love the song). Closing the album with yet another slow number, An Educated Gentleman is a good album closer and more precisely a good climax to their 3 chapter concept album. The instrumentation carries the soaring vocals forward and yet again closing the song with something atmospheric. Good track which will surely be on rotation in my playlist along with the opening track.
If you are new to Post Metal and you are trying to enhance your borders, A Light Within is a must. Likable aggressive Post Metal who won’t bore the heck out of you with 20-minute tracks but keeping you hooked for the entire 22 minutes of the EP is what I could sum up ALW in one sentence. Try the intro track if you doubt my words.
Line-up:
Jeff Irvine – Guitars
Josh Bennet – Guitars
Nick Sloan – Drums
Kyle Brandt – Vocals, keyboard
Andy Schiller – Bass
Tracklist:
1. Shells
2. Chemical Drive
3. Surrounded By Astronauts
4. An Educated Gentleman
Rate: 8.5/10
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