Review: The Lucidia Project EP

From the very first note of The Twilight Affliction, it’s clear that The Lucidia Project have evolved into something truly special. Their blend of symphonic metal, death growls, post-rock atmospherics and emotional songwriting has always been ambitious - but now it feels refined, focused and fully realised.

Formed in 2022 by vocalist/keyboardist Chase Baldwin and guitarist/bassist Benjamin Jacobs, The Lucidia Project quickly made a name for themselves with a unique hybrid of symphonic, death and alternative metal. The early recognition from indie radio for tracks like “In the Fray” and the original demo of “Lights Out” was well-earned, but it was 2023’s Requiem that really hinted at their potential.

The EP opens with “Prophecy” - a track that soars in every sense. A sweeping combination of piano, guitars and drums lifts you from the outset, creating an immediate sense of scale and emotion. The vocal contrast - melodic and serene over the top of crushing instrumentation - is stunning. It's operatic, cinematic and immersive. It feels like a statement: this is who we are now.

“Bloodlines” leans into the heavier, more aggressive side of the band without losing their hallmark layering and theatrical flair. It’s here that the duality of The Lucidia Project is most evident. They effortlessly move between light and dark, melody and chaos, without ever sounding forced. The fusion of death metal snare work, staccato riffing and those cleaner symphonic elements shouldn’t work - but it absolutely does.

“December” continues to build on that momentum. It's a beautifully structured song that knows when to unleash and when to retreat. The slightly off-kilter verse sections provide just enough tension before the chorus releases it all in a wave of soaring vocals and orchestral brilliance. There’s desperation in the delivery and it's that emotional honesty that really sets the band apart.

Then comes “Lockdown” -a masterclass in balance. It begins with the signature Lucidia swell of beauty before dropping into one of their heaviest grooves yet. The vocal performance here is particularly strong, carrying a melodic hook that clings to you. There’s an artful restraint in the guitar solo, simple yet deeply effective. It's not about shredding - it's about serving the song and that ethos runs through the entire EP.

“Lights Out” - reimagined here from its original demo version - is breathtaking. It opens with a haunting piano and delicate vocal, setting the stage for one of the band’s most emotional performances to date. This is their ballad, but it doesn’t fall into clichés. Instead, it leans into vulnerability with grace and honesty. If there were any justice in the mainstream industry, this would be a global hit. It is, without question, their masterpiece - layered, mournful, beautiful.

Closing track “In My Sleep” fades in with intent and builds into a melodic storm of post-metal textures, crushing drums and echo-laden keys. The dual vocal chorus is an absolute standout, propelling the track with a dynamic push and pull between heavy and haunting. It’s a brilliant closer - full of weight and wonder that encapsulates the entire EP’s mission: to find beauty in brutality and emotion in chaos.

The Twilight Affliction is not just a step up for The Lucidia Project - it’s a full leap into a more sophisticated, powerful and emotionally driven space. Every track here feels deliberate, layered and overflowing with intent. The band aren’t just writing songs anymore - they’re creating sonic worlds.

It’s rare for a release to feel this ambitious and this personal. But The Lucidia Project have done it. They’ve turned affliction into art - and by the sound of it, this twilight is only the beginning.