SPIRITUAL VERTIGO

SONUS UMBRA are a band from Mexico, this is their second record and it's a concept album. I must say there's no way I thought i'd be debating about giving this 4 stars after the first couple of listens, but it has grown on me big time. The male vocals are mostly reserved with an accent and there is a guest female vocalist (Lisa from KURGAN'S BANE) helping out. She'll take on a greater role on the next album. The band thanks ILLUVATAR, CHAOS CODE and CEREBUS EFFECT among others.

"Bone Machines" opens with some atmosphere before these banging sounds come in followed by a fairly heavy soundscape. Vocals join in with female backing vocals helping out. The bass is killer throughout this album. "Fool's Arcadia" opens with the sound of the wind as acoustic guitar and keys come in. Bass comes in followed by vocals. A fuller drum led section comes in around 3 minutes. It settles back 6 minutes in. "Man Of Anger And Light" opens with percussion and drums with acoustic guitar before the vocals join in. The bass is chunky. Nice guitar solo 3 minutes in. "Fascinoma" opens with some atmosphere before the piano comes in. The tempo picks up before 1 1/2 minutes. The guitar makes some noise after 3 1/2 minutes. "Self-Erosion" opens with acoustic guitar as vocals and a full sound join in quickly. Love the chorus. The guitar is good after 5 minutes. My favourite track.

"Amnesia Junkies Part I" opens with guitar as different vocal samples come and go. Male then female vocals. A calm before 4 minutes as we get some atmosphere to end it. "Amnesia Junkies Part II" has more spoken word samples then it picks up before a minute as piano, vocals and drums stand out. "Timequake" opens with vocal samples then we get music with vocals before a minute. The guitar sounds great 1 1/2 minutes in. A heavy sound comes and goes. "Rust In My Sleep" kicks in quickly. I'm reminded of the band UNDER THE SUN here. "Snakes & Ladders" opens with acoustic guitar as reserved vocals come in. It gets fuller as female vocals come and go. It's heavier 4 minutes in. Spoken words around 5 1/2 minutes. It kicks back in with some fat bass lines.

3.5 stars but i'm still listening so the rating may go up. Regardless this is a good album.