Void of Light return with an exhilarating musical statement, that creatively weaves together several genres of metal.

Release date: 24th March 2023

Label: Trepanation Recordings

Format: CD / Digital

Glasgow’s Void of Light have returned with their new EP Enshroud, the follow up to last year’s self-titled debut release (our review here). On the new release, the band further develop their creative take on post metal, over the two tracks on the EP, Deign Torrent and Gild, which both clock in at over nine minutes. The lengthy musical workouts allow each of the tracks to develop in interesting ways and offer to the listener a suite of music with real depth and absorbing contrasts.

With rolling drums, atmospheric keyboards, and an almost spoken voice vocal, the introductory section of Deign Torrent has a psychedelic feel, intriguingly reminiscent of early Pink Floyd. The stately guitar riff that follows provides the backdrop for some crashing cymbal work and gently weaving bass guitar. The pace picks up and the ringing lead guitar is complimented by a disquieting growled vocal. 

A quieter section introduces a lovely harmony vocal, which is succeeded by a crushing doom metal riff, that interlocks with a soaring post-metal guitar phrase. The final coda allows the heaviness of the instruments to reverberate and slowly slip away. Lyrically, the words covey a sense of myth and ancient story telling, that fits perfectly within the unfolding ominous portent of the music.

The second track Gild commences with a frantic rhythmic drive, that the band then effortlessly shift towards a tightly locked in metal groove, that delivers an incredible heavy and echoing sound. The growled vocals have a striking sense of melody, cutting through the massive wall of sound. Particularly dramatic on this track are the drumming runs, which present an incredible jazz-styled version of blast beats. There are also crashing chords and ascending guitar phrases that bring an eerie black metal essence to this track. The lyrics seem to speak to the seeking of self amongst a bewildering set of configurations. Something the music underpins with its restless nature.  This is a track that distils musically all that makes Void of Light such an exciting proposition in the metal and progressive genres. 

A very impressive aspect over the two tracks is the melding of different musical formats, to create an exhilarating musical statement, that also aligns with the lyrical themes. Doom metal, black metal and post- metal themes are woven through the band’s musical landscape, creating two fully integrated musical compositions, that take the listener on an immersive journey.

In a live setting, these new tracks should sound incredible, and Void of Light are touring in April, with Codespeaker from Edinburgh. This is ahead of beginning work on a full-length album, which we can’t wait to hear.

You can find out more about Void of Light here: Bandcamp / Facebook / Instagram

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