Feral Light – Psychic Contortions

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Black ‘N Roll duo FERAL LIGHT was formed in Minnesota, USA in 2015. No information was provided in the EPK however. I was able to garner that “Psychic Contortions” is the band’s fourth full-length release, on the enigmatic label I,Voidhanger Records. The album contains seven tracks.

“Enveloped and Transformed” leads off the album. The opening sounds are dissonant and a bit amateur sounding. I am also surprised at the general lack of clear production. I get that this is Black Metal, but let’s pour a little money into the project. “Ills of Closure” begins with a faster and more harrowing pace. The riff straightens out a bit after the half-way mark, and this is where you can pick up in the “Black ‘N Roll” elements. “Self Disavow” begins with a more traditional riff and some angry, soul-filled vocals. The chaos comes after, in waves of hatred.

“Attainment” opens with a blistering sound out of the starting gate. It settles into a horrid groove from there. It moves forward with some dissonance as the riff ventures out a bit. “Wells of Blackness” begins with scarier tones and some notable bass guitar work. When the riff gets going, it blacks out the sky with its massive wall of sound. “Communication and Reckoning” opens with a more cunning and hateful groove. The slower sound that follows is both desperate and hopeless, but the anger resumes…bubbling beneath the surface before roaring up and taking charge.

“From Fog” closes the album. It’s a short and somewhat unique instrumental, featuring subdued keyboard parts and tense guitar tones. Unfortunately, and this is a bit of a surprise considering the record label, this isn’t very inventive music. Noted, the sound is horrid and harrowing. Beyond that however, the songs sound very similar to one another, and the constant presence of screaming Black Metal vocals gets old after a while.

Songwriting: 5
Musicianship: 6
Memorability: 3
Production: 7