EVENTUALITY...

This is one of the only bands in the metal scene today (At least that I'm familiar with) who take this approach to technical metal / jazz / fusion and execute it with such skill and precision, while simultaneously making a solid musical statement. This album immediately comes off as a throwback to the great older bands of this style, most notably Cynic, as you will hear plenty of the intricately woven interplay between the rhythm guitars and drums as well as the jazzy chording, clean passages and atmospheric textures you know so well. At the same time, there are enough differences in their approach to differentiate themselves from being a Cynic clone, or any other clone for that matter, and that will also be obvious upon first listen.

Virtuosity on every instrument is indeed in abundance. The only thing that strikes me as weak at certain points is the vocal approach. Most of the time relying on a strong middle of the road growl (not quite in death metal territory) with occasional clean vocals, at certain points they just leave me feeling that alot more emotion could have been poured into the performance. While the vocals are not bad, I just want to hear a little more because I think this album is so great that it deserves it.

The most impressive thing about this band is that they can play in this style without sounding forced or like they are trying too hard to be "tech" or heady. It sounds natural and confident. Every riff sounds perfectly in place and every passage is extremely satisfying. Even during the most pummeling "metal" moments, they retain a certain level of taste and restraint that keeps the album sounding like metal that is all together on a higher level, rather than a standard metal album with a few twists thrown in.

Obviously, fans of Cynic, Atheist, Pestilence, and even Death will find lots here to get excited about. Also those into the jazz/fusion side of things will have their interest piqued by this album. Check out the absolutely beautiful intro to "Remote Viewing" for proof of that. A big part of me views this as one of the great albums in technical metal history. A landmark of sorts. Perhaps in time it's more akward qualities (the vocals) will become endearing (much like Paul Masvidal's "robot" voice) and I will be able to catalog this album right alongside "Focus" among my top prog metal albums of all time.

I was tempted to give this album a 5, but since I can openly say it's not "perfect" in all respects I'd knock it down to a 4.5. But for any fans of the afore mentioned bands, consider it essential!