Review: 100 Demons – Embrace The Black Light

Twenty-two years. That’s how long it’s been since 100 Demons last unleashed a full-length album. The Connecticut hardcore/metalcore legends could’ve easily rested on their laurels, but obvously had an itch that needed to be attended. “Embrace The Black Light” proves they’ve lost none of their edge. From the opening notes of “The Nightmare,” the album sets a dark, atmospheric tone, keeping thhe riffs monstrous and the breakdowns devastating – exactly what you’d want from a band that helped define the sound of early 2000s metalcore. Songs like “Cold Wind Of The Crossroads” and “Made For Nothing” showcase the band’s ability to blend death metal influences with their signature hardcore aggression, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh – and the overall vibe unapologetically heavy.

“Embrace The Black Light” is no filler, all killer. At just under 40 minutes, the album doesn’t overstay its welcome, instead opting for a tight, focused assault. The riffs are infectious, the grooves irresistible, mkaing the kind of record that makes you want to two-step until your legs give out, then pick yourself up and do it all over again. 100 Demons have a triumphant return with a record that proves the band still has plenty of fire left in them. It’s is a brutal, riff-heavy return, worthy of a legend.