Haunting melodies sweep your feet out from under the proverbial rug on this giant of a debut record by A Storm of Light. Signed to the artistically heavy label, Neurot Recordings founded by members of Neurosis. While this is truly a one-of-a-kind aural experience, “And We Wept the Black Ocean Within” conjures forth intense visuals; no surprise when you consider that this Brooklyn trio features Neurosis’ visual director and none other than former Red Sparowes guitarist Josh Graham who also tacks on Battle of Mice and Blood and Time to his storied resume. Rounding out the brutal pummeling alongside the guitarist/vocalist Graham is Pete Angevine (Satanized) and ex-Tombs member Domenic Seita who tackles the bass and back-up vocal duties. Unsane and ex-Swans member Vinny Signorelli joined the group as a drummer post-release. The album tells a story in first-person following degrees of grief and loss though there are no specifics such that anyone listening can jump right in and align their own life story. Grimy guitars weep through multiple layers of distortion and guitar effects. Percussive explosions narrate the march through anger and depression and denial until the bass lays on the denouement with effortless groove and sickly timing. Very dark, very dense, and very essential.

Listen to Mass [mp3].