It's all about branding and familiarity nowadays - hence why members of established acts who have gone splitsville slug it out over the rights to a band name and associated trademarks, enabling them to make a living touring flanked by ring-ins.
Bucking that trend and in a change seemingly necessitated by legal dramas, after two albums building up Devil You Know this metal outfit has been rechristened Light The Torch. This has also facilitated the opportunity for tweaking their sound. Thus, the band plays to its strengths here; most notably, Howard Jones' (ex-Killswitch Engage) soulful clean singing being stamped all over this record. This increased presence means his harsh vocals, utilised more sparingly, have an enhanced effect. And Jones' knack for taking an already anthemic chorus to new heights is apparent; Die Alone boasts a hook so large it could land Moby Dick. Ditto Calm Before The Storm and The Safety Of Disbelief. The more accessible tack works a treat in conjunction with Francesco Artusato's taut riffing. Not that the quartet have neglected the heaviness factor; note the sheer aggression of The Sound Of Violence, or intensity exhibited in passages of Lost In The Fire.
This may be the most motivated Jones has sounded since Killswith Engage's landmark The End Of Heartache, and his bandmates are up to the songwriting task. An exciting new beginning is upon us.
