A STORM OF LIGHT, led at least in principle by NEUROSIS' visual collaborator Josh Graham, are relatively new in the grand scheme of things. A STORM OF LIGHT is a band that, while relatively unknown, have slowly been building a following and etching out a sound from the dense rock of NEUROSIS under which damn near everyone's shoe gazing Post Metal shadow is cast. Fittingly putting out their experiments in abject drone on Neurot, A STORM OF LIGHT may just shine in your window one day. It will be a slow, arguably monotonous shine, but shine nonetheless.

"Forgive Us Our Trespasses" is, in a word, tiring. The composition is no doubt there and so is the forethought in terms of how to properly arrange Post Metal. But, alas, with an average song length of five and a half minutes, the exercise quickly becomes a daunting one due to plain and simple heft. This album is no doubt heavy and Metal and yet is tempered with a distinct melancholy which makes the listener sit back and feel, well, sad. It is then appropriate that given that A STORM OF LIGHT are relatively new, their sound approximates Doom much more readily than anything remotely METALGAZER. As an example, smash any new (or old) MY DYING BRIDE with "Through Silver In Blood" and you will have a close idea of just what A STORM OF LIGHT are all atempest about. (If "atempest" is even a word.)

A STORM OF LIGHT have made music to fall asleep to, and that is not necessarily a bad thing ,although I would hesitate to call it Metal in the true sense of the word. The guitars just aren't loud enough, or something. "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" is an alright listen, and may prove to be a grower, but prospective fans should approach knowing that they are not getting anything like NEUROSIS, or even TRIBES OF NEUROT, and insofar as bucking the bandwagon of late leaning that way, A STORM OF LIGHT should be praised. Quietly.