NORD

YEAR OF NO LIGHT play a style of music that matches their apocalyptic name. This is Post-Metal in the ISIS mode. With 2 guitarists, a bass player, a drummer, and a vocalist who sounds like he just came out of the pit of hell, YEAR OF NO LIGHT's goal is to pummel you into submission. I gave up rather quickly. I was surprised to learn these guys are from France.

"Selenite" is a great opening instrumental track. It's heavy yet catchy with some Post Rock style guitars before 3 minutes. The second song with the title that doesn't end is rather fast paced with screaming vocals that are down in the mix quite a bit thankfully. Actually this is the case with the vocals throughout this record as they are almost used like another instrument. This song smokes,an amazing tune ! "Traversee" has a slower paced beat with guitar sounds that fill the air. Nice. The vocals 3 minutes in are screaming out but the guitars are screaming louder. The melody is actually catchy but the sound is so loud ! This is a sonic assault like I have never heard before. "Librium" is a short,spacey instrumental that allows my speakers to cool down.

"Les Mains De L'Impereur" is a crushing song with crushing vocals. 2 minutes in a doom like atmosphere arrives with a BLACK SABBATH feel to it. Lots of bass and bottom end.The song does get close to being pastoral before some ripping guitars come in to end it. "Tu As Fait De Moi Un Homme Meilleur" might just have the best sounding instrumental work yet. The guitar melodies are heavy and the vocals are from the depths. Check it out 2 1/2 minutes in. "Somnaubule" is a little faster paced. It's a catchy instrumental that ends with a few minutes of spacey atmosphere. "Prosodia" is another instrumental that is mellow with slowly picked guitars Post Rock style. There is some computer generated sounds to end it. The ninth song has another very long title and the vocals are back. This song has an amazing soundscape with great bass and scorching guitar. "La Bouche De Vitus Bering" is the final song and the hardest to listen to. I usually skip it because the vocals are throat ripping in this slow paced tune.

This should have come with a warning label ! Anyway I really liked it but listen at your own risk. 3.5 stars.