Dead Light Shines Brighter Than Ever With New EP

Dead Light Shines

Several months ago, I wrote about the debut release of Arizona's Dead Light Shines.  Now, they are back with a new lineup and a new EP, "Face Your Fears".  Not only does the band still include Norm Wall scratching out the riffs on the guitar and Kelly  Morales slapping the bass, but the band has added Stephen Mallicoat pounding out the drums and the sparkling Janette Martyn on vocals, who brings a new attitude to the band's music.

The EP gives us five new tunes that show us how the band has grown as musicians and songwriters.  The opening title track pummels us right from the get-go with driving force, Martyn's plaintive voice encouraging us to leave our fears behind.  It is a bit reminiscent of Lacuna Coil, but, true to this band's nature, they take us through a roller coaster ride of changes, the tempo grinding to a halt to give us a Black Sabbath dirge before launching back into the frenzy.

The next track, "Reach the Sky", explores this dichotomy of thumping metal and pop sensitivity. Bring Me Down" starts out with a rhythm that rolls forward like a freight train, offset by Martyn's shimmering voice.  "Leave You Behind", probably one of my favorite tracks, explores more of this polarity, featuring some simply lovely vocal harmonies in tandem with some shredding screams.  The final track, "Haunt Your Dreams", features some pyrotechnic lyrics set to some of some furious riffs that would make Metallica proud.
coalescing to create a kaleidoscope of chaos.  "

Dead Light Shines is showing some real growth, keeping their powerhouse metal edge and combining it with some definitive hooks, reminding me of equal parts Paramore and Flyleaf.  These guys are ready for the big time, in my opinion.

If you haven't seen them live, and you are in the Phoenix area, you can see them October 23rd at:

The Rock Bar

4245 N. Craftsman Ct.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Show starts at 6:30.  Go check them out!  And get their new EP on iTunes!