This is the band’s fourth studio album, released in 2020. The band formed in Toronto in 2011. What started as a band is now a solo instrumental project, with guitarist Aaron Marshall having hired guns as band mates. Originally, the band were treading a path very similar to Periphery, who were flag bearers of the new djent wave of bands. I can still hear similarities in the rhythms. But now Aaron has taken an almost Joe Satriani style of playing melodies as leads for the main part of songs.
If you like modern, technical, progressive, instrumental, metal music then you will really dig this. I love the fact that the vocals are gone as the music can breath on its own. Stand out tracks are opener 5HTP which just smokes with stunning rhythms, grooves, and some killer guitar. I love the melody on Lock & Key with the added keys, and the grooves are so good. Favourite track is Signal Hill, a lot of different vibes and grooves with even a straight up 4-4 beat. The middle section even has a return to old djenty vibes. With all the changes, I am stunned Aaron is still around. But, the band are touring heavily in 2023 so if they are near you go and check them out.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
