The Blinding Light capture the essence of extreme despair, rage, urgency, and attention-getting panic that only an un-suspecting, murder victim can project just before their attacker shows them the door (so to speak). The entire approach to the music is an all-out attacking mixed with reflective, meditative moments. The heaviness of the record is equal to that of a mickey'd set of eyes just barely upholding the weight of their eyelashes. Once floored by the bludgeoning breakdowns, you're not getting up. Regarding the breakdowns, I think it is critical to mention the impact they have. The band mixes up the traditional hardcore chugging, tight, metal voicings and discordant screeches brilliantly.

Creatively, artistically, and imaginatively, we read from a child-hood storybook whose intent is to help the children flourish in society and to nurture a more well-rounded individual….inspiring and guiding them toward a brighter, more vibrant future. This is the most imaginative release I have heard this year…hands down. This record does for me what Botch's "We Are The Romans" did for me at the time of its release. I use to sit and marvel at the completely surreal listening experience I received from that album. Each Blinding Light song takes the listener through a rigorous, emotional journey which feels dreamlike at times. There are incredible eerie and dark passages throughout that really sound amazing and allow that blurred vision to set in like when you stare so long at something you lose focus from lack of attention. These lofty, musical flotations are followed up by a complete eruption that jerks you out of the clouds and sends you plummeting back to earth in a bloody mess.

Time and time again, while listening to this record, I find myself just dropping what I was doing and listening intensely in utter amazement. The album, for me, is of the type that never gets old. The Ascension Attempt's production sounds great. The guitars are heavy, slightly sludgy with razor-like metal-influenced tweakings blazing around. There are also plenty of those classic metalcore hybrid squeals rummaging around. Heavy as hell, brutal and tight drumming that really make the drama in this record that much more impressive. The vocals are amazing - strong, decipherable, stressed-out, commanding, desperate and all around blinding? The bass must be fun as hell to play in songs like this because the overall sound of the music is very bass heavy and the slower, haunting movements in the songs allow this instrument to step forward and gain additional exposure. Another really cool feature of the release is the artwork. I love that there is no text on the front layout…just a beautifully colored image of an ascending bird, somewhat vaguely drawn atop. Really nice.

Verdict: Highly recommended release for all fans of hardcore metal music as well as people looking for something fresh, interesting, well thought out and a product of hard work and pure genius. Fascinating, creative, and downright classic record that ascends far above the flock, blazing a turbulent flight pattern that others will find difficult to navigate if they so choose to follow.

written by Pete Faher

Playing time: 42 min