There are albums that aspire to create atmosphere and dynamics. And then there is CHRCH’s Light Will Consume Us All (Neurot). It’s the type of recording that oozes sinister and gloom from its opening notes. When its guitars click into gear it’s the sound of creatures cloaked by the cover of night.

From that opening paragraph, you should be able to deduce that CHRCH is a bit of an acquired taste. Album opening track ‘Infinite’ is much longer and certainly heavier than most bands’ EPs. Don’t believe me on that heaviness bit? Listen to it and I challenge you to find me current musical acts that can drop the sonic hammer like CHRCH can. No hyperbole here, just amp-wrecking noise. But it’s not all artillery fire, notice the interplay between light and dark on aforementioned ‘Infinite’ and on ‘Aether.’ The blood and fire give way to contemplative and moody riffs and haunting vocals provided by Eva Rose that feel just as engaging as the heaviest bits.

Rose is also the ace in the hole for ‘Portals’ in which her whispered but tuneful singing stands out on a track that sounds like it’s raining cinder blocks. The song then transitions to a more melodic Stoner Metal sound ripe with guitar leads that come across like some kind of alternate future Black Sabbath. But if heart desires the mother of all transitions, pay close attention to how CHRCH switches from the weary passages of ‘Aether’ onto a potent full-on Black Metal jam.

Light Will Consume Us All is not an album for those who lack in the attention span department and it doesn’t have to be. A band shouldn’t have to worry about keeping their potential or ambition in line because an audience wouldn’t know how to handle it. CHRCH is the type of band that demands your attention and will not let you down for it.

8.0/10

HANS LOPEZ