FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE

They've done it again. Unexpect managed to take their absolute insanity and forge another masterpiece just as good, if not even better than In a Flesh Aquarium. Okay so it's more accessible and not as insane, but here they've proven that they can make a majestic melodic heaven to contrast their intense chaotic hell. I just got this today on it's release date and I cannot stop listening.

As I said, they have a more accessible controlled style here which should appeal to people who thought the previous album was too insane as well as prove a great starting point for people who don't want to plunge into the utter chaos right away. All of their influences (death metal, circus, cabaret, etc) are still here and it's definitely still got that claustrophobic (yet completely controlled) feeling idiosyncratic to Unexpect, but here it's a little easier on the ears.

Another notable characteristic here is Leilindel plays a much larger role in the sound of the album. She uses her beautiful voice just as good, perhaps better than on In a Flesh Aquarium and uses it more often. syriaK and Artagoth still provide their brutal harsh vocals to contrast Leilindel's angelic vocals to create a wonderfully satisfying listen.

Like metal? Buy this now. An undoubtable masterpiece of prog and metal that seems to get even better with more listens.