A Pregnant Light- My Game Doesn't Have a Name: Review

A Pregnant Light

My Game Doesn't Have a Name

Damian Master’s A Pregnant Light holds a place in my 2014 catalog as “band I actually fell in love with.”  To me, truly discovering a new band means more than just enjoying the music or scouting out future tour dates.   To find a new band- one I actually want to listen to on a regular basis- is more akin to finding a new best friend than crafting a list.

APL began as a mysterious one-man black band from Grand Rapids, MI- a city a mere two hours from my hometown. Somewhere in between the release of countless EPs and the Before I Came compilation, Master aka Deathless Maranatha, also of Askumite, Body Stocking, Secret Creation, etc., revealed himself as the driving force behind APL.  For the APL full length release, My Game Doesn’t Have a Name, Master invited his Aksumite bandmates to record.   The result is pleasantly accessible, hook-y and emotionally raw.  Where Master shines is blending black metal influences and meaningful, introspective lyrics.  Master’s lyrical openness and vulnerability makes listening to My Game closer to having real talk with an old friend.   

There’s not a single on this album that isn’t a pleasure to listen to, making it almost impossible to pick a standout track.  If I had to pick, “Circle of Crying Women” is probably on the top for its frantic pacing.  That said, Master’s sweet crooning in the beginning of “You Cut Me From a Magazine” puts it not far behind.  The lyrics from “My Days in Nights and You” are perfection.  Beginning to end, this is dedication, passion and revelation, a much needed breath of real-ness and relatability. 

Somewhere in between releases, Master has ditched the “black metal” tag in favor of “purple metal” in order to sort of separate himself from black metal with more traditional themes.   Purple.  The color of royalty, of spirituality, fulfillment and good judgment.  Once you hear My Game, it’ll click immediately.   It needs to be heard to be understood.  Purple metal is more than just a catchy moniker; My Game Doesn’t Have a Name is a truly original album that blends goth rock, pop, black metal and global influences to create an album that transcends mere genre tags.

Stream the album here.
Stay tuned for an interview with Damian Master coming 19 Jan 2015.