I don't quite get the hate for Jared (especially here), his YouTube channel is supremely entertaining for any metal-head and he has time and time again shown some insane instrumental skills with his covers, parody videos, and "If ______ band was metal" remixes. The Dark and Light EP's are his first foray into original, serious, solo music. Singing, screaming, writing and performing all the instruments himself, Jared once again shows he's more talented than most musicians who have garnered a following in the "scene" in recent years. The Light EP is considerably more metalcore than the deathcore leaning Dark EP, but makes for an even more enjoyable listen. The guitar work is solid and there are interesting drum fills everywhere, and Jared's clean vocals are surprisingly close to being on par with his impressive screaming ability, which effortlessly reaches all ranges from low growls to screeching highs. "Rebuild" is a highlight, taking influence from Parkway Drive, while the Born of Osiris-esque "Gaze into the Iris" ought to please many a djent fan. Lyrical content is perhaps the only weak point of the release, as it is on the Dark as well. As a whole, however, The Light EP is a great metalcore release by an insanely talented dude, who hopefully intends to create more original music alongside his successful YouTube channel. {Its not the best release of the year, but it is certainly much better than a 1.0}
4 Bumps | Bump |
