This is what happens when a promising band fulfills all expectations: Better and more even songwriting; Crystal-clear production and excellent instrument separation; Better playing from all musicians -- I particularly like all those melodic runs and chords on the bass but everybody does a great job; Better singing (Clarke should particularly be proud of his deep and rich singing on Atlas (Regrets his Choices)).

For those who are still unfamiliar with the band, they are a power-trio playing a breed of progressive-metal. Fear not, this isn't a Dream Theater clone; I mean progressive in an exploratory, extended song-structures and no-holds-barred kind of way. Their brand of song-based metal falls somewhere between the conservative-wankers and those crazy avant-garde loons we all love. There are still some -- but less so than on last album --  Alice in Chains similarities but they seem to be moving away from that with more focus on prolonged instrumental sections. Did I mention that they came up with some really good melodies too? This stuff won't turn the scene upside-down but it's enjoyable music and I recommend you, dear reader, to check it out.

I must also mention that the album packaging is, in a quiet way, some of the most beautiful stuff I've seen. It's very original - design and paper.

For more information or to order the album ($5), go to the band's website.