This is the Welsh Prog metaller’s 5th full length release, and sees the band expanding their sound as well as the line up – with the addition of drummer Tom Price, and guitarist Gavin Bushell. Darren Charles has an amazing and unique vocal style, that I would say sounds like a cross between Layne Stanley and Tom Yorke.
This is a superb record from start to finish. There are some very heavy and djenty moments that appear throughout the record, but it’s the quieter more angelic, ambient moments that really give the album that something special. I don’t know if any of you have heard of a Norwegian band called Jack In the Box, but listen to Relief and it’s an absolute ringer for that band. I love this track, as the off time groove and vocal are brilliant. An almost post rock vibe drives Surrender Maidstone, an amazing vocal from Darren and there is also a short but killer solo towards the end. Tracks like Breathe and Resist are really special, but Numb is the one that gets me every time. An amazing groove and the weird drop note in the main riff is pure genius.
Superb band, that I highly recommend.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
