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A Storm Of Light: And we wept the black ocean within
18/09/09 || Euthanatos
Sometimes we’re driven to an album and we don’t even know why. Normally, I wouldn’t go near something like A Storm of Light. Sure, the cover is real pretty and the title is amazing, but that’s rarely good enough reason to check something out. Furthermore, I’m always very hesitant to tackle anything related to post-metal, because it really isn’t my thing. I can appreciate the talent involved and the musicianship, but I usually don’t get the music, which I guess is pretty normal, no one likes every single type of metal. We all have our preferences.
Anyway, the fact that Neurosis’ Josh Graham fronts this outfit was reason enough for me not to be bothered with it, but at the same time Graham is in Red Sparowes, which I really like. And there was an album this year, Isis’ “Wavering Radiant” (reviewed masterfully here by our favorite Duff), which kind of made me change my mind about giving post-metal bands a chance.
After all that stalling and blabbing, I can honestly say I’m happy I gave A Storm of Light the time of day (night, actually), because I really enjoyed listening to this album. Don’t get me wrong, “And we wept the black ocean within” is the very epitome of post-metal; it’s got your mournful, almost doomy vocals, the very long, seemingly everlasting atmospheric passages, the brutal heaviness that drags on and on. In short, everything that usually bothers me about it. The thing is, the musicality in this album is fantastic. There is some seriously catchy song-writing here, and if you just sit your ass down and fucking listen to it without doing anything else (something so rare these days), you’ll really get high solely on this trip. There are so many layers to the guitars and vocals, so many twisted effects that intertwine greatly with the melodies. Listen to “Leaden Tide”, for example. It’s a perfect way to get the general idea behind the album. It’s moody, long, tragic and awesome. Naturally, it’s Graham who truly shines here, unbound by any shackles, his guitar and keyboard work does wonders to the tunes. And while his vocals are not usually my cup of tea, he has enough talent and good taste to give a multi-faceted performance that blows my mind.
There isn’t actually much to complain about this record, apart from ADD occasionally making you perk up and think “Wait, what the fuck am I listening to again, what’s this strange humming noise?”. I’d definitely recommend this to Neurosis and Isis fans, and for those who have enough spare time (i.e, those of us who don’t do shit for a living). I think you’re in for a treat.
The cover: As I mentioned before, it’s really striking and what drove me to check it out in the first place. Rule of thumb: if it has a flying whale and it isn’t a Linkin Park video, there’s a good chance it’s awesome.
- Information
- Released: 2008
- Label: Neurot Recordings
- Website: http://astormoflight.com
- Band
- Josh Graham: guitars, keyboards, vocals
- Domenic Seita: bass, vocals
- Andy Rice: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Adrift
- 02. Vast & Endless
- 03. Black Ocean
- 04. Thunderhead
- 05. Undertow
- 06. Mass
- 07. Leaden Tide
- 08. Breach
- 09. Descent
- 10. Iron Heart
