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The first time I heard this album it left
me cold. I made the mistake of trying to listen to it in
my car and not giving it my undivided attention. In terms
of the effort it takes to fully appreciate the complexity
and stunning musical virtuosity at work here I am reminded
of my first encounter with (Dream Theater's) "Scenes From
a Memory". Play it loud on a decent hi-fi, listen without
distraction, and let the dynamics blow you away. Three or
four listens into this album I came to realise that this
really is one of those rare masterpieces that come along
once in very long while.
The sound is very different to "Milliontown"
which was full-on prog synthesizer heaven. There is a much
more contemporary sound and the sound is not really "prog"
at all, at times pop, metal and even industrial. The way
the very complicated wall of sound is built up reminds me
of (Devin Townsend) from the progressive metal world. The
parts normally played on keyboard are being played on "Mitchell's"
guitar and "Jowett's" bass. The melodies are strong,
the flow of songs perfect. The drumming at times is insane
and the vocals much stronger than on the previous album.
Very much like listning to (Muse) I can play this and not
feel my age; it is rock in the true "progressive" sense
rather than a pastiche of 70's progressive rock. Those of
you expecting another "Milliontown" will be shocked
but ultimately rewarded with a musical experience that is
going to blow your mind away.
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