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Given the somewhat ecstatic review this album received in Terrorizer magazine, I was eager to pick it up, so I snapped it up when a copy appeared at a local store. I hadn’t heard any of this English death metal band’s previous material beforehand, so I knew little of what to expect. This album starts in a great way with a very enjoyable intro that lasts for over five minutes. It is a very unpredictable mix of chilling synthesized sounds, soaring special effects and choir-like vocals, and more than twice it seems to have ended before it comes back in with another section. Perplexingly, there are lyrics printed for this track, although unless it is the choir that are singing them, they don’t seem to be featured. After this intro then, and the title track comes in. The production at first seemed very muddy and indefinite, but perhaps that was due to just hearing five minutes of sound effects! I think the sound will definitely benefit from being re-mastered and released on their new label - Candlelight. The vocals at first didn’t impress me particularly much, but after listening further I think they fit well, although nothing special. The musicianship is very impressive, and particularly so due to the multiple parts the two members play. The drums are very tight and precise, while at the same time being very fast and driving, and the guitar work is also very impressive. The sound draws heavily from the likes of Morbid Angel, but the addition of atmospheric sections and synthesized elements give it an interesting quality. Furious brutality gives way to long, sweeping sections of special effects, and this adds a lot of variety. The cover and lyrical concept of this album is based around a cosmic theme, and the use of the long instrumental sections really enhances this imagery. Overall, this is an extremely enjoyable album which mixes interesting atmospheric features with a healthy dose of brutality, and although perhaps not deserving of the flawless Terrorizer evaluation, it is nonetheless a more than worthy addition to any metal fan's collection. Brilliant stuff!
| Tracklist |
| 1. Portal To The... |
| 2. Worlds Beyond The Veil |
| 3. Bequeath Thy Visions |
| 4. The Caller And The Listener |
| 5. Break The Worlds Divide |
| 6. Lords And Masters |
| 7. Psyrens |
| 8. Voices In The Void |
| 9. The Sands Of Time |
| 10. Search The Endless Planes |
| 11. They Came And You Were Silent |
| 12. Transcendence |
| 13. Beyond The Eyes Of Man |
: 67.43
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