Impending Doom’s latest EP, Towards the Light, marks the return of one of the biggest Christian death metal bands, but it comes with a mix of highs and lows. While there’s an eerie atmosphere and undeniable heaviness throughout the record, the first half feels uninspired and somewhat predictable. The opening tracks, Christ is King and Punishment, have the signature weighty chugs and gritty vocal delivery, yet they lack the freshness or intensity expected from a band with such an extensive catalog. If this were a release from a lesser-known band, it might leave a stronger impression, but from Impending Doom, it feels like familiar ground being retread.
However, the latter half of the EP takes a turn for the better. Towards the Light and Will You See God? inject a much-needed sense of energy and groove, blending old-school Impending Doom heaviness with a more engaging, dynamic approach. The riffs feel tighter, the pacing more intense, and the instrumentation sharper. These tracks manage to capture the essence of the band’s earlier days while incorporating a fresher, more invigorating take on their sound.
Vocally, this EP doesn’t quite reach the intensity of Nailed. Dead. Risen., but that era of raw aggression is likely long gone. Instead, the vocal performance varies between solid yet unspectacular (Punishment) to commanding and visceral (Snakes and Saints). On the latter, the growls carry more weight, hitting with a deeper, more menacing tone.
Drumming remains serviceable throughout but only truly stands out on Will You See God?, where the percussion gains a deeper, heartier resonance. While the drum work across the record is never outright bad, it sometimes feels stiff and lacks the standout moments that would elevate the songs. The bass also sits in a similar position—adequate but rarely memorable, aside from the mix on Snakes and Saints, where it adds to the track’s ominous atmosphere.
One of the strongest aspects of Towards the Light is its production quality. Every element is crisp and well-balanced, making it easy to hear and understand the vocals and instrumentation clearly. However, while this level of clarity is usually a positive, it somewhat strips away the mystique that made earlier Impending Doom releases feel darker and more enigmatic.
Christ Is King sets the tone with an eerie ambiance and crushing chugs. Brook Reeves’ vocals remain gritty and commanding, and the drum work is solid, but the track ultimately feels like well-trodden territory.
Punishment continues the heaviness but falls into similar pitfalls. The drum patterns feel somewhat rigid, and while the riffs hit hard, they lack the standout moments needed to make a lasting impact. There are glimpses of solid groove, but overall, it’s a track that feels just “okay” rather than exceptional.
Towards the Light brings a much-needed shift. While it starts in familiar fashion, the riffs gradually evolve, adding more layers and a dynamic touch reminiscent of early 2010s deathcore. The bass and drums feel livelier, and the balance between chugging breakdowns and more intricate guitar work makes this track one of the EP’s stronger moments.
Snakes and Saints introduces more aggression into the mix, with a more forceful vocal delivery and hard-hitting drums. The eerie background elements add a sense of unease, helping to elevate the track’s overall feel. The bass finally finds a stronger presence, giving the song a more full-bodied sound.
Will You See God? closes the EP on a high note, featuring some of the most energetic and engaging instrumentation. The riffs move at a faster pace, incorporating a blend of old-school deathcore elements with some refreshing modern touches. The drums feel deeper and more powerful here, making this the standout track on the EP.
Towards the Light is a mixed bag. It starts off feeling predictable and somewhat underwhelming but redeems itself in the latter half with stronger songwriting and more engaging instrumentation. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Impending Doom’s best work, it still delivers enough heaviness and grit to satisfy longtime fans. The band’s ability to balance eerie atmospheres, crushing riffs, and deep vocal growls remains intact, even if the execution isn’t always as compelling as it could be. For those who have followed Impending Doom for years, this EP might not break new ground, but it still offers a few moments of classic brutality worth revisiting.
RATING: 7/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Towards The Light
Snakes & Saints