Formed in 2003, Drowning the Light is a single man based atmospheric black metal band from Australia. Over the past seven years, Drowning the Light has seen an outstanding amount of releases, collaborating with groups such as Satanic Warmaster, Mutilation, Empire of Tharaphita on several splits, as well as releasing a multitude of their own EP's and full length albums. In the year 2009 alone, Drowning the Light released twelve records records, with the last being the excellent
The Fading Rays Of The Sun an EP that perfectly represents atmospheric black metal done right.
While most other black metal bands in the atmospheric section of the the genre concentrate mostly on creating melancholic and highly depressive tones and moods in their music, on
The Fading Rays Of The Sun, Drowning The Light does quite the opposite. Throughout the album there are many example of lush, joyous melodies that inspire to uplift rather then to defeat. For example opening song and title track "The Fading Rays Of The Sun" includes light touches of keyboard work, and simplistic yet effective lead guitar work amongst seething tremolo picked guitar sections and demonic vocal work. "Tides of Vengeance" features some great atmospheric guitar playing interspersed with some more standard black metal styled riffs, giving the short album some great variety. Also, besides the strong song-writing, this EP greatly benefits from the slightly muffled production, which significantly boosts the atmospheric qualities of the record.
While Drowning the Light may indeed be releasing numerous records per year, it is blatantly obvious that master mind Azgorh will not be running low on creative and interesting idea's anytime soon.
The Fading Rays Of The Sun is great black metal release, for veteran fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Whether it be the supremely melodic guitars sections or the excellent swathes of atmospheric keyboards,
The Fading Rays Of The Sun is an album that should be heard by everyone.
