Vocals always at the same level, phrases always with the same contour, instruments always playing the same arpeggios, there's not much imagination in here. There's a kind of metal that plays standard phrases, standard progressions and are using a standard instrumentation that simply substitutes level for passion. The general idea seems to be: put the same old chord progressions and associated metal riffs, and shout for a while, and you'll get music full of feeling.

If you are one of those that listen to the surface, the general timbre may appeal to you. If you delve deeper, you'll see it's the same old pop-rock thing.

Absolute enjoyment! This album is a hidden treasure. "Il-ya (イリヤ)" is a second release of a japanese post metal band "Mutyumu (夢中夢)". Though released in 2008, this CD could rank one of my finest discovery of this year and the last. First I put the CD in to my player and WOW...what a beautiful piece of music! Last year with this album and this year with Mono's Hymn To The Immortal Wind, I really love japan!

Talented band, beautiful sound, great mixing and production. Mutyumu entertained me with multi-layer of music. Altogether from classic element of piano and violin, glassy and emotional overdriven Stratocaster, funky running bass, fusion-rock drum and above all an angelic, sometime screaming, voice of the vocalist (think she appears in the CD package, supremely gorgeous!). These instrumentalists interplay beautifully in almost every track. One minute you are floating above the cloud and the next you will feel like you are drowning deep in the ocean, their music is just like that-- extremely emotional and adventurous.

I think I feel a bit lost in words of how to convey you such a fantastic experience I encountered in this album. One thing I do certain is that this is a very well-crafted piece of art. If you like post metal, I truly hope you would not miss this gem. Highly recommend!