From their EPK, “following the dissolution of his previous band, Renwar formed LIGHTLORN as a solo project in 2021. After writing and recording a few songs, he enlisted Riaan to handle the drums. Renwar immediately started composing the seven songs that would become the debut full-length “At One with the Night Sky.” Although not a concept album, there is a common theme throughout: humanity’s relationship to the stars – that the stars are not something above us, but that our planet and species are an intrinsic part of the greater universe. Brimming with dark, melancholy passages and wistful bridges interspersed.” The album has seven songs.

“Amongst Stellar Remnants” is first. The contrast between an aggressive riff and harsh vocals with melodic sensibility hits me first. Following the bite of aggression, the track slows to clean guitars that are very warm. “A Tragedy in Starlight” has a stronger melody mixed with the sting of Black Metal, and you can almost sing along with the guitars. The heaviness carries through to the end but the melody emerges as the stronger suit. “Dimensionless Blackness” has some very pretty piano notes amidst the contentious blueprint, and the two competing styles are locked in a battle for life and death.

“Ghostly Soliloquies” is where things get a little repetitive. The guitar melody sounds similar to the previous three tracks, although it is still pleasing to me. If they would just let the melodies ride out a bit more, it would open up their sound. “Of Longing Spirit and Infinite Solitude” is another solid combination of Black Metal with melody. Of all of the styles of Metal, this might work best here, because the aggressiveness of Black Metal is so harsh, when harmonies come around, they feel stronger to the listener.

“Spiral Arms like Swirling Rivers” is where the melody starts to win the battle. It breaks through the thick black clouds with an unwavering way of sunshine. “Earthbound” closes the album. It has another strong combination of aggression and melody, and both are supplied in equal offering. Overall, this was a pleasing sound that became just a bit repetitive after a few songs. The musicians know how to temper the contentious sound, but some of the melodies sounded the same. If they could diversify them a little more, and let some of them ride out, this would go from a good release to an excellent one.