LONG DISTANCE CALLING

This album just shot up to the top of my best of 2011 list, mind you I haven't heard a lot of new releases so far this year but still I can't see this not being in my top five.They did it again ! I was so impressed with the previous album "Avoid The Light" and it was cool to hear Jonas from KATATONIA sing on a track that he had also written.This time they got ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush to sing on a track (that he also wrote). Interesting to read that that track was recorded by former ARMORED SAINT bassist Joey Vera who of course went on to play in FATES WARNING. As far as the music goes here I really can't detect much in the way of Post-Rock. Post-Metal for sure. It's dark and quite heavy with dual guitars along with bass and drums. Some added electronics as well for atmosphere which is a nice touch.The sound quality is perfect.The drumming is amazing !

"Into The Black Wide Open" opens with faint atmosphere then a heavy bass / drum section comes in. Some spoken words which are both funny and alarming. It then turns heavier then the tempo picks up before 3 minutes. Nice. It settles back before 4 minutes with bass then builds. "The Figrin D'an Boogie" has some incredible drumming on it. It settles back before 2 1/2 minutes then the guitar comes to the fore a minute later. It kicks in before 5 minutes.

"Invisible Giants" builds to a heavy soundscape. Kicking ass and taking names right here folks. "Timebends" features atmosphere before it kicks in just before a minute. Great sound here. Sounds like keys after 1 1/2 minutes. Check out the bass before 3 1/2 minutes. "Arecibo (Long Distance Calling)" is a great track. Heavy with plenty of guitars and check out the insane section 4 minutes in.

"Middleville" is the vocal track. Fantastic sound here a minute in followed by vocals. Love the guitar before 2 minutes.Vocals stop before 5 minutes as a heavy and dark soundscape takes over with the guitar making noise over top. So good.Vocals are back after 6 minutes.The guitars are setting the soundscape on fire 8 minutes in. "Beyond The Void" has lots of atmosphere then the sound starts to pick up. It kicks in before 3 1/2 minutes.The drums and bass sound amazing ! Keys before 6 1/2 minutes. It stays heavy to the end although it does get experimental.

These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands to listen to. 4.5 stars just seem too low for this beast.