Attalus's bio on Facebook says this: “The music is original. The message isn't.” I skipped over this when I first checked out these guys a few months. It wasn't until I got an email from one of the members wondering if I would check out their music that I actually took notice, and boy am I lucky I finally did! Attalus is an “alternative” rock band out of Raleigh, NC. Post Tenebras Lux is their first full-length effort as a complete band. It was released in 2011 to much praise from critics around the Christian and secular scenes.

The music incorporates many bands' sounds and techniques, but the ones that came to my mind instantly are Reliant K, Blood & Water, and Dead Poetic. Attalus mixes a pop punk or pop rock style with an alternative rock sound, which is starting to be a big pratice in the music scene. A weird and intriguing feature is Seth Davey's vocals can sometimes dip into a blues or R&B sound, I kid you not! I really liked all the mixture of sounds found on this album, even when they didn't all work. Sometimes it gave me a headache, flip-flopping around from sound to sound. All in all, they were still solid on the musical side at the end of this album.

“The message isn't original” rings true here. What I like is they don't care; they understand that the lyrics aren't new, but they are deep. They bring a message that is unapologetic and one that will keep the listener thinking for hours on what Seth just sang. "Post Tenebras Lux" means Light After Darkness, which in itself is pretty deep. On this album, which takes it to another step, think Hands and A Hope For Home.

While it might have taken me a long time to notice these guys, I am glad I did. The music is intricate and interesting with never a dull moment. The lyrics are very good and contain a great message. It is amazing that Post Tenebras Lux came from such a young, inexperienced band, and one without a label. After this release, I can't imagine what Attalus might be able to create in the future. We can only wait and see. For the price this album is definitely worth it.

41/2/5 Stars: Great album overall! One of the forgotten albums of last year.