TELLURIAN

I can't figure out why this album isn't resonating with me. Certainly bands like TOOL, OPETH, RIVERSIDE and KATATONIA come to mind when playing this album and they are all bands I enjoy but this just isn't clicking with me for some reason. SOEN is a Swedish band and this is their second studio album. They have a new bassist and drummer for this one and it is significant that ex-OPETH drummer Martin Lopez is the drummer this time around. The cover art is different and I can't say i'm a fan of it but with two vegetarians in the band it is kind of humerous with this rino sitting down to eat all these mini humans.

"Komenco" is a short intro to "Tabula Rasa" and we get this tribal drumming with guitar expressions to start before it all turns fuller as it blends into track two. I like when the vocals stop each time and I can focus on the instrumental work. A calm before 4 minutes which lasts to the end and it includes reserved vocals. "Kuraman" is fairly uptempo to start but it settles back when the vocals arrive well before a minute. It kicks back in and I really like the heaviness half-way through this song. I love the tone of the guitar to start the next track called "The Words". Laid back vocals join in and we get strings as well 2 1/2 minutes in and later after 5 1/2 minutes. Sad and beautiful sections.

"Pluton" opens reminding me of OPETH because of the drumming not so surprisingly. It does settle back though when the vocals arrive. The guitar grinds it out over top. A calm follows and themes are repeated in this one. "Koniskas" is my favourite. Relaxed vocals and guitar early on then the drums and chunky bass are added. I'm reminded of RIVERSIDE here. Love the instrumental section from 3 1/2 minutes to almost 4 minutes when the vocals return with some passion. Nice. "Ennui" has a great intro but it settles back quickly and vocals join in. Some emotion in those vocals after 4 minutes. Love the heavy ending as well. "Void" is another mid-paced tune with plenty of vocals. I really like the bass 4 1/2 minutes in and the mellow section after 6 minutes. "The Others Fall" is a pretty cool track especially the bass/ drum sections. Although check out the guitar/ drum passage 2 1/2 minutes in.

I wish there were some experimental sections and more heavier passages but also that the vocals were more adventerous and emotional like the way Maynard James Keenan sings.