Sometimes heaviness may come from unexpectedly "soft" places. PYRE OF DESCENT describe themselves are Dark Rock, and although their music might sound quite soft and even atmospheric at times, it certainly carries a deep darkness within, one that goes hand in hand with remorse, disappointment and simple, pure unrest. This German trio evoke some unsettling mental pictures with music that sometimes is simply beautiful in an unnerving way. "Peaks Of Eternal Light" is a collection of four lengthy tracks that delve into Post-Rock, Post-Metal, Sludge and Desert Rock if we are to look at genres.

"Fyre" is the first seven-plus track we encounter here. Melodic clean guitars are accompanied by subtle distortion and deep layers of ambience. The song begins as a classic Heavy Metal ballad before setting into a mid-tempo Hard Rock groove. Vocals get a little lost on the mix yet still provide an enigmatic vibe. Solid musicianship and tight songwriting make sure it does not feel seven minutes long. It carries a Desert Rock feel, especially noticeable on the exquisite solo at the end, a little Knopfler-inspired.

"Eyes of the Blind" comes next, being another melancholic Post-Metal track with Desert Rock and Atmospheric Sludge vibes. Although a little more energetic than "Fyre", it feels less intriguing on a first listen and passes by seemingly without delivering anything new. Somehow, this familiar vibe has its place on the record, lulling you into a sense of comfort that last little more than a couple of minutes, before the best song among these four appears.

Female vocals layered together with male ones, in such a haunting way, signals the appearance of "†". As if it were an ancient chant, the layers and harmonies of vocals feel mysterious, sinister and yet a little heartfelt and vulnerable too. Beautiful spidery guitar lines and warm bass runs. The chord progression is filled with tension, threading moments of apparent joy with more melancholic sounds, creating an enchanting and unsettling feel at the same time. It builds towards a climax that never comes, and it ends up being a trick that works to a quietly devastating effect.

Closer "To See into the Dark (VI Wheel)" is a lengthy affair, that feels pure Post-Rock from the very start. Sinister, anguished vocals feel unnerving and build upon the repetitive guitar lines. It goes for a massive climax with distorted chords, pounding bass and violent drumming. A bit reminiscent of the darkest side of SIGUR RÓS and GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR apocalyptic ramblings. It is an outstanding closer that takes its time to build its explosive finale.

I was reminded a lot, instrumentally, of THRICE's more atmospheric side, with a dash of PELICAN and NEUROSIS (at their most focused.) Vocals are mixed quite low, something I am not entirely sure how much I liked or disliked, but mixing seems like a deliberate choice so it might be what the band was going for.

"Peaks of Eternal Light" is a solid record that might not be for everyone and that shows room for improvement, but definitely strikes a chord when it comes to building an atmosphere and finding darkness in beauty.