I’ll admit to not knowing a whole bunch about these Prog metallers from the Netherlands, other than there are ex-members of Cynic and Pestilence in the band. I was totally blown away when I first heard this as I was not expecting the depth and beauty of the songs. Couple that with some amazing playing – this is one of my surprise finds of recent times.
The album begins with the epic Unravel which showcases the amazing talents of the band. Great playing, fantastic arrangements with crystal clear production, and some interesting chord and key changes – ladies and germs, we are on to a winner. Second track, Weeping Lead, reminds me of Radiohead at the beginning until the track opens out into another epic prog-tastic experience. Tymon Kruidenier’s vocals are sublime, and the feeling and emotion he puts into each piece is a joy to behold. The Hearts Whisper has a hint of Steven Wilson and a very singer/songwriter vibe at the beginning – until the power comes – and Tymon’s voice explodes with power and range. Motherly Flame starts with a slow off-time groove with picked chords and a very melancholy vibe – this is as good as modern Prog gets with an amazing middle section. Side 1 closes out with Passing By and it is a slow, very melancholic piece with bare instrumentation, and a very emotive vocal – until the switch gets flicked and the tune explodes and all emotions are laid bare. Such feeling in this genre is hard to express, but these guys do it so well.
Side 2 starts with the off-time up-tempo burst of Face Them – this will have the drummers amongst us working out what time the song is in. It sounds as though there are three songs being played at once – lots of dissonant guitar tones as well. Fantastic song! Your Night, My Dawn follows and starts with a great drum pattern with a very Muse style vibe with killer harmonies – this is one of my favourites on the album. You Take is one of the best love songs I have ever heard – it’s not your usual syrupy-schmoo. It feels as though it is written from the point of view of a stalker. Dark indeed! With Hands Torn Open closes out the album and what an epic groove to start proceedings…until the crunch of the opening chords and the off time beats are messing with your head again. Soaring vocals and melodies ensue, with the occasional chunk of heaviness interspersed with some monster playing. I love surprises and this was a great one. This is an album that keeps on giving.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
