One man musical force Erick Duran Manard has created a stunningly moving testimony of faith and personal transformation in his hard-hitting and luminous ‘Lament of the Weary / Light So Shine (Isolation Kills).’ But Manard’s sound draws from classic rock titans and prog legends alike, layering soaring melodies and orchestral grandeur into a richly cinematic tapestry. What makes this offering so powerful is the gutting emotional authenticity poured into every resonant vocal performance and impassioned musical flourish, and the conceptual narrative about which Manard is constructing ‘Isolation Kills’: Manard makes the parable out of turning his isolation and struggles with agoraphobia into stepping into the light.
His sweet, emotive vocals lay the blueprint for us to softly climb from the pits of self imposed exile and dig ourselves from the depths of despair into the promise of freedom and spiritual renewal through the power of the humans.It’s clear from the opening door creaks, this isn’t any normal rock opus. The metaphorical and biblical imagery awaken one out of a metaphorical bushel and imprisoning mental bubble to shine their light unto the world. But what lingers is not a nihilistic howl to the abyss, but a resounding affirmation of hope and salvational purpose. A life affirming, uplifting, faith affirming chorus radiates clear conviction that to walk the path lit by one’s faith is the right one. This is a true artistic and personal triumph.
Manard’s musicianship and alchemical ability to transform the personal into the universal has resulted in a truly special ‘Isolation Kills.’ A powerful sonic reckoning and an inspiring exhortation to stop self destructive patterns and bravely follow one’s higher calling. It’s not so much music, it is a resonant call to rise from the abyss and into the warm light of meaning, community, and spiritual sustenance, and what Manard has achieved is so needed in the face of our demons: none of us must walk through them unattended. All of us can find our own courage to break out of isolation’s reach and allow our own lights to shine.
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