is yet another miraculous progression on the frantic rock and prog is so adept at constructing -- the album backs down from the straightforward energy of records like their self-titled release, and manages to add an epic melodic sense that could even suggest vague comparisons to . The rock is still there, of course -- returns to the tight, intense riffing of previous records just often enough -- but there's a definite rise in the level of sophistication, making for slightly more atmospheric and slanted compositions. The fact that this stands as a large improvement over the already brilliant albums which preceded is nothing short of amazing. ~ Nitsuh Abebe