Light Is The Language The Void Falls Silent
Gladiator Records 2002
By Russell Garwood
Five-piece Connecticut progressive hardcore outfit, Light Is The Language, released theirlatest EP The Void Falls Silent, through Gladiator Records. There are evident Timothy Leary influences (the bands name is derived from a quote, also featured in the artwork) while the music is hardcore/metalcore. The progressive songs, however, also have a technicality that often brings to mind math metal and death. To break further stereotypes there are occasional acoustic guitars among the largely discordant tracks. Standouts include the technical ferocity and relaxed acoustics of Do You Wanna Play Bloody Knuckles, an unsurprisingly bleak and graphic The Mating Habits Of A Blind Misanthrope, and the energetic, nu-metal-influenced (but distinctly hardcore) I Was Born A Vietnam Vet.
Jeannes often discordant bass is prominent and well played, keeping up with the start-stop riffage and frequent drum fills. The guitars, courtesy of Donny and Brian, are largely un-melodic, but occasionally make use of tuneful sections which inject more emotion into the music. Despite technical elements and extremity the songs convey a great deal of feeling. Nicks drums are excellent; both tight and exact they play off the frequently syncopated guitars and deal with odd time signatures easily. Ryans vocals (with Jeane and Brian providing backing vox) are the average hardcore shout, suiting the music to perfection.
This raw and aggressive sound suits the largely socio-political/spiritual and tortured lyrics perfectly, and the bands abrasive yet complex music will appeal not only to hardcore fans but to the metal and math communities as well. Since The Void Falls Silent was released, Light Is The Language have acquired another member, Scott Caruso, who will be responsible for samples, additional vocals and other electronics. He will appear on a debut full-length already in the writing stages now. If the band can record The Void Falls Silent in four days, it will be extremely interesting to see what Light Is The Language will do with more studio time.
Gladiator Records 2002
By Russell Garwood
Five-piece Connecticut progressive hardcore outfit, Light Is The Language, released theirlatest EP The Void Falls Silent, through Gladiator Records. There are evident Timothy Leary influences (the bands name is derived from a quote, also featured in the artwork) while the music is hardcore/metalcore. The progressive songs, however, also have a technicality that often brings to mind math metal and death. To break further stereotypes there are occasional acoustic guitars among the largely discordant tracks. Standouts include the technical ferocity and relaxed acoustics of Do You Wanna Play Bloody Knuckles, an unsurprisingly bleak and graphic The Mating Habits Of A Blind Misanthrope, and the energetic, nu-metal-influenced (but distinctly hardcore) I Was Born A Vietnam Vet.
Jeannes often discordant bass is prominent and well played, keeping up with the start-stop riffage and frequent drum fills. The guitars, courtesy of Donny and Brian, are largely un-melodic, but occasionally make use of tuneful sections which inject more emotion into the music. Despite technical elements and extremity the songs convey a great deal of feeling. Nicks drums are excellent; both tight and exact they play off the frequently syncopated guitars and deal with odd time signatures easily. Ryans vocals (with Jeane and Brian providing backing vox) are the average hardcore shout, suiting the music to perfection.
This raw and aggressive sound suits the largely socio-political/spiritual and tortured lyrics perfectly, and the bands abrasive yet complex music will appeal not only to hardcore fans but to the metal and math communities as well. Since The Void Falls Silent was released, Light Is The Language have acquired another member, Scott Caruso, who will be responsible for samples, additional vocals and other electronics. He will appear on a debut full-length already in the writing stages now. If the band can record The Void Falls Silent in four days, it will be extremely interesting to see what Light Is The Language will do with more studio time.
