Whenever I see a musician who is deeply rooted in one style branch out to try something different whether it be within an already established band or creating a new one, I tend to stroke my beard slightly in interest. It’s one thing to become proficient at one style, but taking that know-how, approach to songwriting, and talent to a completely different sound can easily result in a work that is far from a by-the-numbers creation that we may get otherwise. Transitioning from punk to something more akin to post-doom, this new effort from a new band is definitely something worth checking out by all accounts.

I honestly couldn’t think of a bigger transition from punk than what the vast realm of post-doom is able to deliver simply because of the different subject matters, ways of performing, and even basic approach. Much slower and atmospheric, post-doom is something that many may take multiple albums to get a good grasp on, but it’s with a surprising array of know-how and an unmistakable drive to craft some music that can exude a specific set of emotions altogether, Devastating Light has done nothing but impresses with its debut album. Three tracks spread across 28 minutes, there isn’t a single piece about what “I Have Already Failed You” that doesn’t deliver on so much of what a quality post-doom metal record should have with so much more to offer as well. The work tackles very emotionally heavy subjects from mental health to its impact on others to the pain of modern existence all wrapped in this dark, dreary atmosphere that soaks the very soul of “I Have Already Failed You” such that it’s reflected plainly in the title, and even the band name itself takes that to an even further extent that’s explained in some of the lyrics which makes the entirety of both this album and the band’s existence itself something that plays a part in the overall performance that this one-man act brings forth with tremendous wonder.

An engorging listen right from the beginning, “I Have Already Failed You” succeeds where many other debuts in the world of post-doom falter on regular occasion with each of these three tracks playing into the potential glory that this band can reach should the man continue down this path to become a musician to know in post-doom just as well as he has become in punk. Devastating Light can really go places, and it’s with this tremendous start that I feel fortunate enough to already become acquainted with it.

LISTEN to “I Have Already Failed You” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Devastating Light on Facebook here.