The Acacia Strain - Step Into The Light Review

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Fast. Brutal. Relentless.

The Acacia Strain have set their sights on the future of heavy music with this new album, delivering an onslaught of blistering speed and crushing intensity. From the very first note, it’s a non-stop onslaught of massive, bone-breaking riffs that hit so hard and fast that before I even knew it, the album was over—and I couldn’t wait to start it again.

One of the biggest standout elements here is the guitar tone. It’s absolutely huge, crunchy, and downright suffocating in the best way possible. At first, I thought the guitars might have been a bit too loud, but as the album progressed, I realized they were the defining element of the entire experience. I’m guessing that Mike’s inclusion is responsible for this extra level of heaviness, bringing an extra layer of thick, beefy aggression to the sound.

The bass also gets a lot more love on this record than usual. Griffin absolutely delivers, providing deep, punishing low-end that isn’t just buried in the mix but actually given space to breathe—which is rare in albums this heavy. Meanwhile, Kevin once again proves he’s on another level as a drummer. His playing is as tight and punishing as ever, but what stands out is the experimentation. It feels like he’s carried over some of the unique rhythmic ideas from It Comes In Waves, adding fresh patterns and unpredictable drum fills that elevate each track.

And then there’s Vincent, who continues to cement his status as one of the most devastating vocalists in the game. His delivery is ferocious, his lyrics apocalyptic, and his voice? Somehow, it sounds even more powerful than ever—like he’s tapping into the raw energy of his younger self but with even more control and refinement.

The features on this album are another major highlight, adding extra layers of depth and intensity to the already brutal soundscape. The production is also massive, with a mix that’s 95% spot-on. However, there are a few moments where the vocals get slightly drowned out, making some lines hard to hear. If there’s one minor wish I had, it would be for a few more catchy hooks to give certain tracks a little more staying power.

Overall, this album is a beast. It’s fast, it’s brutal, and it’s one of The Acacia Strain’s strongest releases yet. Check the last page for our full review.