Album opener “Freder“ is a fitting microcosm of the band’s sound. After a minute or two of atmospheric noises and piano, the band launches into the heavier stuff. The Tool influence is immediately apparent in the odd time signature riff that kicks things off. The violin rises above the crunching electric guitars and gives the song a haunting feel. After jamming on this riff for a while, the vocalist joins in with wordless wailing. Though the song is little more than explorations of the opening riff, it works surprisingly well. The album was recorded live in the studio, a fact that would explain the improvisational and spontaneous nature of the whole thing. It relaxes the listener and lures them into a hypnotic state, yet it still retains a heavy and technical edge. The band’s more introspective side is shown on “Cold Inside… I.” The song sounds like a heavier version of something King Crimson would put out. Vocals are used sparingly throughout the CD, but when they do come in they fit the music perfectly.

The press materials that came with this CD advertised it as being heavily influenced by Tool and King Crimson, and that is certainly an accurate assessment of the music. Though the Tool influence would seem to suggest that the band is a mere cookie cutter imitation, that assumption is not fair at all. Indukti have crafted a unique hypnotic world on S.U.S.A.R. and fans of prog would do themselves a favor by checking this band out.

written by Scott Huffard

Playing time: 47.41