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Critic Reviews
90
Devouring Radiant Light is like the James Bond of metal albums — it's mature and well-composed, yet lethal enough to be badass.
7y
90
Devouring Radiant Light is a gargantuan statement that somehow tucks itself into three quarters of an hour. From songwriting to production value, from performance mastery to the control and channeling of influences, everything about Devouring Radiant Light is exciting, commanding and compelling.
7y
80
With Skeletonwitch, by and large, falling under the umbrella term of black metal, it’s unsurprising that Devouring Radiant Light should be as heavy and as blisteringly uncompromising a record as it is. That said, while certainly an exercise in catharsis, it’s also a nuanced release, perfectly exhibiting the band’s understanding of black metal’s more refined facets.
7y
80
Devouring Radiant Light is a very strong effort. Any new fans of the band that are into the genre will be into it. Anyone expecting a new Skeletonwitch record will be in for a shock though.
7y
79
For the first time in their decade-plus career, nuance is just as important as nastiness, and it pays off in spades.
7y
78
Devouring Radiant Light is anything but commercial or standard; it’s a raucous and vicious black metal record in the vein of Reinkaos era Dissection, with heavy middle-era Enslaved implications.
7y
75
Itβs unpretentious, meaty stuff built for headbanging and not much more.
7y
I do prefer the sound they had prior to this but this was still a pleasant record and continuation forward.
"Fen Of Shadows" begins the record, a somber but piercing melody. The electricity provides a cold heavy wind, snow in the facial hair kind of heavy. Good speed injection for the verses, the melodic undertones are pleasant. I also enjoy the the bit of groove present, lively energy to mix with the blackened soundscape. The leadwork and violin melody are well utilized, I like the ... read more
Skeletonwitch have always been a good band, but you felt like they were holding back a little bit, or were capable of so much more. With 'Devouring Radiant Light,' such a critique no longer exists.
Immediately when opener "Fen of Shadows" begins its blatant onslaught on the listener's ears, it is evident that this is an album that exudes confidence. This is due to a level of songwriting and production prowess of monolithic proportions. "Temple of the Sun" is one of the more ... read more
I do prefer the sound they had prior to this but this was still a pleasant record and continuation forward.
"Fen Of Shadows" begins the record, a somber but piercing melody. The electricity provides a cold heavy wind, snow in the facial hair kind of heavy. Good speed injection for the verses, the melodic undertones are pleasant. I also enjoy the the bit of groove present, lively energy to mix with the blackened soundscape. The leadwork and violin melody are well utilized, I like the ... read more
Blackened thrash perfection. One of the best thrash metal records I've ever heard, period.
I honestly don't see myself coming back to it but for a black metal album i find it pretty much decent and faithful to the genre's essence. The thrash metal elements made me like it a bit more, however the songs feel too much alike imo, with the exception of "Devouring Radiant Light" and "The Vault".
My favorites: "When Paradise Fades", "Temple Of The Sun", "Devouring Radiant Light", "The Vault"
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Track List
| 1 | Fen of Shadows 7:58 | |
| 2 | Where Paradise Fades 4:00 | |
| 3 | Temple of the Sun 4:42 | |
| 4 | Devouring Radiant Light 6:46 | |
| 5 | The Luminous Sky 4:01 | |
| 6 | The Vault 8:57 | |
| 7 | Carnarium Eternal 3:00 | |
| 8 | Sacred Soil 6:39 |
Total Length: 46 minutes
