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Imagine a band whose entire sound
is modeled after one Rush song: Natural Science. That is the
foundation for this band. That is actually a bit unfair -
Sieges Even are too talented for me to generalize their sound
with such a statement. The average proghead will notice the
absence of keyboards in the lineup and may be very afraid.
Don't worry - much like early Opeth, this band doesn't need
keyboards - they use overlaid guitar structures and very complicated
riffs to make you forget there are no foreground keys. Seriously.
I'm not just saying that.***
The major change here from previous
albums is a new singer. Seems like this band could never settle
down in the vocals department - and most think this is because
none of them were any good. It is true that their past singers
have been rather lackluster - but I can definitely state that
the vocals problem has been solved. Arno Menses does rather
well with his midrange voice - and he is made much better
by the amazing vocal harmonies throughout this record.***
So - musically - what do we have
here? Very complex riffs that border on, but never reach,
prog-metal - with some general themes repeated throughout
the album. Though it seems cliché for reviewers of this band,
I must again reference the "Natural Science-ish" sound of
this band, but they are more complex than Rush by far. The
album is supposed to be one long song, but there are usually
"gaps" between most tracks. Intricate, longish songs that
change pace on a dime and actually compliment the vocals very
well. To me - this is their best work as it combines all the
previous changes they have been through with much better production
and melodies. I did not think this album was a step backwards
in the progressive department as some have - to the contrary,
I think it is their most "progressive" work so far. This is
not an album to judge right away - it takes many listens to
fully appreciate the twists and turns.
Highly recommended for those wanting
some intricacy that still retains melody! Rating: 4.5 stars
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