NUCLEUS

Honestly, I couldn't expect any more out of an Art Rock band! This album takes a genre, what I usually consider (with the exception of The Mars Volta) to be a little too poppy and narcacisstic, to a whole new level with an extremely gothic theme, elaborate instrumental/symphonic solos and interesting/ well incorporated lyrics.

The album starts off relatively hard, almost prog metal-ish with aggressive vocal and fast playing. Then, somewhere around track 5 it shifts to almost a whole different album. It becomes soft, melodic and the song This Far From the Sky is, to me anyway, an epic. Excellently executed and it probably deserves several listening because you make any rash decision, wheater or not you like the first listening. I definately think that most any fan of prog would enjoy this album.

The only thing, I think, this album should have done differently is have the softer part in the beginning and then make the transition into the HARD ROCKIN playing that they do. Not to say that the original transition from hard to light isn't good, but it sort of seems like they just ran out of energy to play. Since I think this is mostly the idea I didn't grade this album too harshly on that, I would have simply rather it be different. After all, it is Art Rock and not Prog Metal so... figure it out for yourself.

A must listen but not a must have for all people. For me! This peice of work is going comfortably into my collection between Anglagard and Anathema. Can't wait to get my hands on some of Anekdoten's more acclaimed albums.