Out Of Darkness by In The Midst Of Lions: A Heavy, Gritty Journey You Won’t Forget
Man, Out Of Darkness by In The Midst Of Lions is one of those albums that just grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Released in 2009 under Strike First Records, this US-based band dived headfirst into a brutal mix of Deathcore, Heavy Metal, and Death Metal with enough raw energy to power a small city. And while it's got some pop/rock vibes sneaking through here and there, make no mistake—this album is heavy as hell.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk: “Herod’s Demise” and “Out Of Darkness.”
First off, “Herod’s Demise.” Holy crap, does this song hit hard. Matt Janssen’s vocals are absolutely ferocious—he sounds like he’s screaming straight from the depths of despair, but somehow it feels… cathartic? Like listening to someone rip apart their demons right in front of you. The breakdowns? Brutal. The drums from Alex Livingston? Relentless. It’s the kind of track where you can practically feel your ribs vibrating if you crank up the volume (which, honestly, you should). I remember thinking halfway through, “This isn’t just music; this is war.”
Then there’s the title track, “Out Of Darkness.” This one caught me off guard because it starts off almost eerie, like something ominous is creeping up behind you. But then—BOOM—it explodes into this crushing wall of sound. Lance Bettis’ rhythm guitar work paired with Ryan McAllister’s lead riffs creates this chaotic yet oddly melodic vibe. There’s a moment near the end where everything drops out except for these haunting vocals, and dude, I got chills. Not the cute kind either—the kind that makes you glance over your shoulder even though you KNOW nothing’s there.
The whole album was recorded at Finale Studios, which clearly knew how to capture every guttural growl and thunderous drumbeat without losing any intensity. Shoutout to Logan Lambert for the artwork too—it’s dark, gritty, and matches the vibe perfectly. Props to Louis Probst on bass for holding down the low end like a boss. Honestly, everyone involved crushed it.
Now, here’s the thing: when an album gets its hooks into you this deep, it leaves a mark. Listening to Out Of Darkness felt less like entertainment and more like surviving a storm. By the time it ended, I wasn’t sure whether to cheer or crawl into bed and stare at the ceiling for a bit. Maybe both.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something that’ll punch you in the soul and leave you gasping for air, check this out. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining about the noise—or if you find yourself questioning all your life choices afterward.
