Light are a Berlin-based trio (Ray-v/g/k, C-d, and Sky-b), formed in 2010. They released a (very limited) demo-CD in 2012, called Ignition, from which all tracks appear on their debut full length as well, though with another title. This debut studio full album gets released via Germany’s Black Warcult Productions, a label that was active during the era 2003-2006 especially. They sort of resurrected in 2012 with Light’s demo, which I just mentioned, as sole release since the rebirth.
The Cult Of Light, which lasts for fifty minutes, brings rather unusual Post-Black / Doom-Death Metal with both an Old School attitude and a modern-experimental vibe. And there are quite some remarkable elements. First of all about the riffs. The main riffs are repetitive, I mean that they are played at the same tone throughout a whole track. Normally I would detest it, for it might refer to a lack of inspiration or creativity. In this band’s case, however, it does fit. Best example to give is the opening song, No Light, with such riffing, that even reeks of sludginess by those monotone guitar riffs. But in each song there’s quite some variation, at least seen from structural point of view (as well as the tempo, but I’ll come back to that later). This means that such repetition gets interchanged with melodious pieces. And these ones, the melodic parts, are pretty cool too. Another remarkable element is the use of the vocals, which are rather comparable to blackened screams than deep deathgrunts. That is a reason why this band is distinctive from the ‘average’ old school trend. The drums too sometimes surprise, by coming with creative patterns, then again being supportive at the right moments too. And the variation in between the compositions is something fabulous as well. I just mentioned that opening track, which brings a form of (unique) Doom-Death Metal, but the next one is a complete contrast. Damn, and it is indeed called Contrast – coincidence or not?... Contrast is much faster, and sounds like a Thrash / Post-Black hymn. This song too comes with those repetitive riffs, but the energy is remarkable once again. Besides, there is quite some experimentation (which goes for the whole album, as a matter of fact, and not just for this piece only), including some high-tech rhythms and simple yet somewhat haunting solos. Brings me to the third piece, Reflection, which differs once again from both former songs. This one too is of a highly-energetic level with hints of Post-Black, but it’s little slower and much groovier in execution, and with inclusion of samples. I can go on, because every track has something characteristic, something that might be worth mentioning, but don’t think that it will clear things up. Besides, you might have an idea, and still you will be surprised.
So, I did sum up different aspects that are a proof of Light’s creativity and craftsmanship. But despite this huge variety, The Cult Of Light is truly cohesive. Main reason is that Light have created an own characteristic sound, which lives in each single composition. No matter if you do like this kind of stuff or not, but you cannot ignore this typifying identity.