ALBUM REVIEW: Destroyer of Light - "Chamber of Horrors"

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 14/07/ 2017

Label: Heavy Friends Records

I will have to say that this album falls into an epic category for its great compositions, the honest heart involved in creating such a journey of ebb and flow, the range of emotion that continues what true music is about; music that continues what early St. Vitus and Trouble were doing, but DoL are creating it their own way.

“Chamber of Horrors” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Whispers Into the Threshold

2. Into The Smoke

3. The Virgin

4. Twilight Procession

5. Lux Crusher

6. Prisoner of Eternity

7. Buried Alive

The Review:

With them guitwangers a twangin’ and them vocals be sangin’ these TX fellas know how to doom! Texas doom-mongering road dogs Destroyer of Lighthave created a masterpiece of an album with “Chamber of Horrors” right down to the magnificent and dreary artwork by Adam Burke. I have had the pleasure to play with these guys and hang out with them on various occasions, and I tell you, they only continue to get better and better. This album from beginning to end is full testimony of that growth.

“Whispers Into The Threshold”leads the charge on this provocative release, with a slow build into a drive that you want to hear keep going, but alas, it’s a 1:38 intro track that already sets the tone and leads you into a heavy wanting for more. There’s more, so be ready to just sit back and really, and I mean really, take it all in. Songs like “Into The Smoke,” “Lux Crusher,” and their single, “Prisoner of Eternity” will have you pounding your fists and raising your chalice for their powerful nature and great feel. Tones are blending perfectly between Jeff (Bass) Keegan and Steve (Guitars) building these sonic stories with absolute perfection, solos that will peel the skin off your face and vocals that will sooth away all that pain. Steve’s vocals continue to impress me as he is at the top of his game on this album, vocal wizardry throughout. His delivery is strong and confident, commanding the presence deserved. Penny’s drumming is a key element to bring all this together. He’s solid and in the pocket when he needs to be, but accents moments perfectly, but not everything is about heaviness and drive, there are subtleties and even instrumental passages that give you a chance to just sink back and reflect, like “Twilight Procession.”

My personal favorites have become “The Virgin,” and “Buried Alive.” Both tracks seem to take their time to construct a story, especially the latter being 10 minutes long, but man, what an honest treat. I know a lot of people throw around the term Epic, so much so that it really has lost its meaning and impact. I will have to say that this album falls into an epic category for its great compositions, the honest heart involved to create such a journey of ebb and flow / range of emotion that continues what true music is about; music that continues what early St. Vitus and Trouble were doing, but creating their own way. “Chamber of Horrors” is a must have, or at least check it out and give it a full listen through. It just gets better and better with every listen for me. Amazing job DoL, amazing!

“Chambers of Horrors”is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp