ONE-ARMED BANDIT

3.5 stars. My favourite of the three I own by this Norwegian band. I also have "What We Must" from 2005 and "Starfire" from 2015. Like Bonnek touches on in his review sometimes you just can't get into a band. Nothing wrong with that. And I've also given them a fair shot. A nine piece band with too many instruments to list. And we get as other reviewers have explained better than me a lot of percussion sounds including vibes and marimba. But they use programming and a drum machine(plus real drums) a variety of synths. And I'm just not into a lot of these sounds and sometimes the style of music itself.

It's not until we get to "Toccata" that I feel I get a consistent track that's also unique sounding as a bonus. Such a determined sound, an intense rhythm section. "Prognissekongen" is like a nod to KING CRIMSON's "Discipline" album. Pretty cool and a top three with the next track "Book Of Glass" which doesn't begin well for me but the rest is impressive all the way to the dark and experimental ending. I have to mention the distorted bass sounds on the closer hence the title "Touch Of Evil" I'm guessing is coming from a keyboard of some sort. Nasty stuff and a good way to end it all. Just wish the first half was better.

Most love this band and while I seem to be into most Norwegian bands this one is a miss based only on my taste in music.