Earth Crisis were one of the most illustrious bands to ever bear the straightedge title and fans worldwide mourned their split in 2001, yet were eager to hear what the members had in store for future endeavors. Karl Buechner, Eric Edwards and Bulldog have remained together as a unit, enlisting drummer Corey Koniz and guitarist/vocalist Darian Lizotte to form Freya, a band that not only expands upon the musical concepts Earth Crisis had experimented with prior to their break-up, but goes one step further in their plight to mine emotional territory. What should come as a surprise is in the process Freya have exorcised all issues related to personal lifestyle choices and instead use "As The Last Light Drains" as a way to focus upon the ways of the heart.

The album moves at a brisk pace, never allowing itself to be bogged down or overwhelmed by it's multi-faceted design, and as such the songs flow forth with seamless continuity. Musically nothing truly catches your attention, as these men have concocted solid hardcore songs that never stray too far from the conventional path. Instead Freya only manage to sow fertile ground towards the disc's end, as the album's most promising cuts are found here, including the cathartic tsunami of emotion that is "Seize The Day". Buechner & Lizotte seem to mold their differing vocal mannerisms fluidly and with impressive results on this song and it is a shame that the two never quite click until the album's final moments, or this could have been a much more exciting excursion for the listener.

"As The Last Light Drains" is an effective thematic departure for the Earth Crisis members, yet it would be a lie to consider Freya anything more then your average emotional hardcore group. With their formulaic song structures and reliance on the throaty scream/emotive melody dynamic, these men have created nothing more than the logical follow-up to EC's "Slither", albeit without the vegan/animal rights activism protruding from every orifice. In the process Freya have also inadvertently exposed Karl's weaknesses as a singer, with his attempts at melody falling flat in direct contrast with Lizotte's emotive exposition. Freya do have a certain knack for this style, yet if they wish to be noticed in a scene as convoluted as the modern hardcore circuit, they will need to bring more to the table with future offerings or settle for the niche they have already found themselves inhabiting.