EP Review: A Light Within – Epilogue (Self Released)

On February 2nd 2018, A Light Within will release Epilogue. The follow-up to their acclaimed 2015 release, Body Matter.

Vocalist Kyle Brandt commented: “Epilogue is the final conceptual instalment in a three part series containing transcribed diary entries written from the perspective of a reflective mind.Throughout the pages be prepared to hit an emotional remembrance of life experiences, love scenarios, and a metaphorical loss of it all.”

There is a lot of genre hopping within A Light Within but at the core it’s about delivering heavy music. Music that has an emotive & reflective edge but not to the extent that the message is lost.

That being said though, Page #9 (Shells) gets things off to nothing more than an alright start. It’s a bit disjointed & the vocals/drums dominate everything. It’s not that they are bad but things are definitely better balanced on Page #54 (Chemical Drive). Here the blend of guitar melody, subtle drum beats & powerful vocals really work. It’s helped by a catchy & memorable chorus.

There is no denying the clear influence that the likes of Deftones seem to have had on A Light Within. No where is that more prevalent than on Surrounded by Astronauts. A trippy guitar sound with crunching beats & soaring/crooning vocals make its mark even if it does feel a little familiar.

While there is a lot to enjoy about Epilogue, such as the medley of off-base guitars & haunting melodies, it does feel a little half-hearted. Which in turn makes the final track Page #35 (An Educated Gentleman) feel just a bit dour & disappointing.

A Light Within – Epilogue Full Track Listing:

1. Page #9 (Shells)
2. Page #54 (Chemical Drive)
3. Page #27 (Surrounded by Astronauts)
4. Page #35 (An Educated Gentleman)

You can pick up earlier releases on Bandcamp & find out more about A Light Within on Facebook & Twitter.