Abandoning the lovely soundscapes of , delved into layered guitar and synthesizers similar to those of 's on the impressive . Part of the reason behind the shift in musical direction was the label's insistence that venture into more commercial territory after the experimental , and it is true that the music on is more akin to traditional English progressive rock, even though it does occasionally dip into jazz-fusion territory with syncopated rhythms and shimmering keyboards. Furthermore, the songs are a little more concise and accessible than those of its predecessor. That doesn't mean has abandoned art. is indeed a concept album, based loosely on the personalities of each member -- is and . Certainly, it's a concept that is considerably less defined than that of , and the music isn't quite as challenging, yet that doesn't mean that is devoid of pleasure. In fact, with its long stretches of atmospheric instrumentals and spacy solos, it's quite rewarding. ~ Daevid Jehnzen