REVIEW: DEF/LIGHT - Stygian Conclave

After releasing their EP Eternal Reign earlier this year, DEF/LIGHT have returned with their fifth full-length album Stygian Conclave. The duo from Ukraine has brought even more black and death metal to the scene, and aren't holding back one jot of potent power. Offering up ten songs to their willing listeners, Stygian Conclave brings chaos, dread and gnarly vocals, whilst following the musical thread started by Eternal Reign.

Starting with an intro titled The Silence Crowned, the track serves as a divider between the previous release and the new one, seamlessly connecting the two together with quiet synths and atmosphere. As DEF/LIGHT continues, the album's songs transition right into each other, creating one long narrative told by instrumentalist HELL, who plays all the instruments heard across the album, and vocalist AVEL, whose guttural tones can be heard throughout. The songs offer the distinctive double-pedal drumming of black and death metal, and whilst this is heard all the way through, the drums stand out furthest in Book V. The Crown of Guilt and Book VIII. Horned In Their Image. Apart from the drumming, these songs also offer intricate riffs and guitar solos, playing around with previous sounds and creating soundscapes that often repeat, but always have a new twist to them.

Focusing often on anti-religious, anti-totalitarianist and self-developmental themes, the songs are political and expressive. As the band comes from Ukraine, the current situation is projected into the lyrics and emotions, oftentimes as a form of opposing the Russian government, the war, and everything happening to the citizens. Some of the songs, such as Book X. Scorched Sky, Open Void are longer, more melodic in its sound and bring slower, but more melancholic atmosphere with them, while other songs like Book IX. Infernal Conclave are shorter, with more aggressive riffs and the iconic double-pedals piercing through the melody. It is, however, hard to take every element in, as the songs transition right into the next one and might become overwhelming after a while if the listeners decide to listen to the whole of Stygian Conclave in one go.

The closing song, Book XIII. The Resurrection of Self, is one of the shorter songs, although it still manages over four minutes of runtime. HELL’s mastery with instruments can be clearly heard here as the riffs intertwine with the drums, creating a beautifully melancholy melody. Creating a soundscape that implies one’s dedication to come back after failing, the song can serve as a powerful metaphor to not stop fighting for yourself and others, and to keep standing up and be proud of who you are and what you believe in. It's a fitting end to an album that's been full of heavy songs, and a conclusion that implies that there is always a way to fight for what is important.

Although the melodies sound very similar across the majority of the release, Stygian Conclave brought a powerful message with it about never giving in. DEF/LIGHT’s continuation of their earlier EP is a successful one. and serves as a reminder about everything that is happening in the world in the present time. Death and black metal have served as a platform to talk about political issues for a long time, and it is good to see it has not changed since then.

Score: 7/10

Stygian Conclave will be released on September 19th 2025.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: DEF/LIGHT