“The title of this new album came to me in the summer of 2024, when the UK was going through a turbulent time in the wake of the Southport killings. There was also the ongoing war in Ukraine, the seemingly endless plight in Gaza, and the prospect of China vs Taiwan. It did seem as though we were headed Into Darkness. This new album deals with the various ways in which we can find our way into these dark places. It’s easy to look at the world and make us believe that this darkness is some kind of alien entity, a malignant force that could never be us… but it is. It always is. And believing that this darkness doesn’t live within each of us is a sure-fire way to land yourself with a one-way ticket to some bad places. The road to Hell isn’t paved with good intentions, but it is paved by people that don’t want to look at what they’re doing.”

The album has seven songs, and “A Father’s Love” is first. That darkness he talks about is evident from the first few bars. The bass work is excellent, and there is a good deal of tension as well. But there are also some lovely melodies, and a great balance between the two. “Someday” has 80’s electronic vibes, and I love the change of pace. The subtle shifts within the melodies almost happen without you noticing them, and the skies shift from overcast to grey and back to moments of sunshine. Is it just me, or do you hear some Peter Gabriel vibes in this song? “Ordinary Men” features some gentle piano notes and vocals, and it sort of slows the album to an area where you are given time to contemplate things. The heavy bass notes really hold things down well and keep the music grounded.

“Left Behind” has more positive sounds out of the gate, and there is a hasty longing that I can’t shake. One of the best things that he does in this song is hold back the melody line until just the right time, and when it’s released, it warms me. “The Ant” is a briefer two minutes of rousing Metal that will get your blood pumping from the pulse of its energy. I just can’t say enough about the bass work on the album…it is outstanding. “The Antidote to Life” begins with gentle keys, and segues into an ominous sound, complete with backing choirs. From there, things even out, to a catchy song with jazzy bass notes and hooks. “Bleeding Hearts” closes the album, and it's like the flip of a switch into a heavy emotional presentation with wondrous crescendos. The story does not end happily however, as is the case with many of our lives.

This is an album steeped in grief, alienation, and shadow, yet it refuses to wallow. Instead, it gazes unflinchingly into the abyss and manages to illuminate the tiniest flickers of hope buried deep within. It’s a testament to the human spirit—not triumphant, but resilient. For me, it’s a single ember glowing in the dark.