As Light Dies

With their debut album “A Step Through the Reflection,” Spain’s As Light Dies has given the impression of a dark, atmospheric album with gothic romantic tones. The cover art depicts a shadowy figure stepping through a mirror and Celtic symbols cascade down the side of the album. Just the band’s name may lead one to think this is a band that deals with metaphysical topics such as death. All these assumptions hold true upon one listen of the album.

As Light Dies plays a variety of eclectic styles such as progressive, ambient, avant-garde, black metal and death metal. Their use of violins brings to mind neoclassical groups such as Virgin Black and Winds. In some places, the violin follows the rest of the instruments, bringing a great deal of passion to the music. Tracks like “Ode to a Dying Empire” and “The Scourge of Gods” show the group focusing entirely on movie score concepts. Both of these tracks are instrumental numbers where the band utilizes keyboards, violin and the sounds of the ocean—resulting in enchanting visuals. “The Sinking of Atlantis” seems to pick up where “The Scourge of the Gods” ended with sea sounds. The track’s slow, depressive movement combined with violins and death growls may have some listeners thinking My Dying Bride or even Celestial Seasons.

In the tradition of My Dying Bride, As Light Dies alternates between clean and harsh vocals. Oscar Martin, who also performs guitars, keyboards and whistles, handles three vocal styles: black metal shrieks, death metal growls and melodious crooning. The group’s music tends to pursue similar paths. “The Temple” begins with mid-paced, muted death-metal-guitar chugging that resembles My Dying Bride when they push the pace. The first track with vocals, the second track—‘Out of the Cave’ has an Opeth-like appearance shown through progressive guitar-drum patterns and warm bass lines. “Imprisoned Forever” kicks the music into full gear with the usual black metal flair such as grim vocals and swift, pounding drums. These frantic moments always return to the serenity of beautiful violin, rich keyboard-generated atmospheres, and soft vocals. Martin’s clean vocals share mid range and timbre traits with Lars Eric Si of Winds and Garm during the first two Arcturus albums.

“A Step Through the Reflection” represents a strong showing for As Light Dies’ first, proper full length. There is a very good chance this album will make an excellent impression on fans of any of the above bands. Everything about this album is superb, except the production. While the production may not be terrible in the sense of a necro black metal album, the music overpowers the vocals. If As Light Dies shows improvement, both musically and production wise, their next album will be a true masterpiece.