EVOLUTION - CREATIO EX NIHILIO

4.5 stars. ENOCHIAN THEORY are a trio out of the UK who play an atmospheric and dark brand of Metal that could easily be considered Post-Metal. I have to thank UMUR who recommended this band to me almost a year ago, I did purchase this album shortly there- after but am just now finally getting around to putting up a review. Besides these three talented guys we also have what's called "The Lost Orchestra" who add atmosphere, pianos, synths and orchestration.They are very important to the sound here. Also David Castillo mixed and mastered this album. Some will know him for his work with OPETH and KATATONIA. By the way those two bands are great reference points and I did think of TOOL as well. Some of these songs blend together and as I listened to this one more time before the review it happened to be pouring rain outside and it couldn't be more perfect for music such as this. Love the picture on the back of the liner notes of this gigantic grasshopper the size of a transport truck at the top of this massive tree.

"Every Ending Has A beginning..." is a short piece of atmospheric music where we get these haunting waves of sound. Next up is the three song suite called "The Dimensionless Monologue". It begins with "Tedium" with the laid back guitar and atmosphere as reserved vocals join in. Drums and bass too. It kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes. Hell ya ! It blends into "The Dimensioless Monologue" where we get this emotional yell to start. Man this is so moving. Check out the fat bass lines too. It turns heavier after 1 1/2 minutes.Then back to those amazing vocals. Strings end it as it blends into "T.D.M.". Love the atmosphere to start this one and throughout really. "At Great Odds With..." kicks in fairly quickly then settles a minute in with strings then picked guitar. Reserved vocals before 2 minutes then it kicks back in around 4 minutes. Great sound before 5 minutes.

"Apathia" opens with guitar before the growly vocals come in spitting out the lyrics. They stop after he screams and this powerful instrumental soundscape takes over. It sounds so good after 2 1/2 minutes.The tempo picks up 3 minutes in. "Triumvirate" opens with experimental sounds before the powerful atmosphere takes over. "Movement" continues with amosphere before the reserved vocals with strings take over. Guitar and drums join in. A fuller sound 2 minutes in to the end. Nice. "After Movement" features waves after wave of sound. "Waves Of Ascension" is powerful to start then it settles some when the vocals arrive before 1 1/2 minutes. Contrasts continue. "The Fire Around The Lotus" opens with strings as processed reserved vocals come in reminding me of Akerfeldt. It kicks in with growls before 2 minutes. Contrasts continue. Great tune ! "The Living Continuum" is mostly atmosphere and strange sounds. "A Monument To The Death Of An Idea" builds as vocals join in. It turns heavier as growls kick in. Contrasts continue.

I am so looking forward to spending more time with this album. It wouldn't surprise me if this grows to 5 stars down the road. It's loaded with atmosphere just the way I like it.