The melodies on the album are glorious in their defiance. Like streaks of golden light cutting through storm clouds, they emerge through tremolo lines, layered harmonies, and swelling, mournful leads. In many moments, it feels less like the darkness is being accompanied by beauty, and more like it’s being challenged by it. Devastating in its weight, but luminous in its execution, it pulls you into shadow, only to show you how much light still lives there. It’s a breathtaking storm where melody triumphs not by avoiding the darkness, but by illuminating it.