I’ll admit to loving this band, as I find them quite refreshing in their approach. They are celebrating their 21st anniversary this year. It’s very hard to pin them down musically as they cover multiple styles and genres within songs, but tech metal seems to fit what they do quite accurately.
This album is Part 1 of a 2 album set that released separately in 2018. The concept behind this masterpiece is “what if you were able to view the dreams of others” like broadcasting them to the world. 6 tracks clocking in at 35 minutes. First track, Condemned To The Gallows, basically introduces the dream scenario with the music, which is all over the map with deep chunky grooves, soaring vocals, and the usual great guitar playing. The relatively short, House Organ, is supremely heavy and leads into the Side 1 showpiece, Yellow Eyes, which takes the listener through a myriad of styles, but the playing from all concerned is stellar.
Millions opens up Side 2 and has a serene opening with an earworm vocal before heaviness returns – it is a real progressive track. The short connecting piece, Gold Distance, ushers in Side 2 showcase track, Blot. There is not a spare second of time that is wasted and not filled with awesome notes that fly forth from all involved. This is one of my favourite BTBAM tracks as it has everything that I love about this band. This is Prog metal heaven. It’s worth the price alone. The only thing is it’s over way too quick. Automata II anyone???
9/10 from The Grooveman.
