NEBULAE

On the one hand, you could say that the second album from Hemina is more accessible than the first. Which it is. But, on the other hand, there is so much packed into this mighty opus that you could easily find yourself a little dizzy after the first hearing. Like all good prog, the deepest rewards come from subsequent listenings.

In a decade that has old guardians of prog issuing work of little substance (Yes, I think you know who I mean), these guys are not in the business of missing opportunities to add depth, detail, and dynamics whenever it is in the service of taking the listener on a journey of drama and nuance.

This is not prog metal in one flavour; from beginning to end we are guided through multiple sound landscapes with a metal that moves from djent through to steely (sic), but never losing its way as a cohesive whole. Incidentally, speaking of sound landscapes, it turns out Skene is more than a creative front man, he is also a fine sound engineer. The 'outsourced' mixes of the previous album now pale next his own work here.

That these musicians know their instruments could not be questioned, though this album is clearly not intended as music that showcases their respective skills so much as skilful musicianship that showcases the music. (Unless you are still in the sad business of willing Dream Theatre to play 'even faster', it's the right agenda.) And, with every member of Hemina but the drummer pitching in at the microphone, these musicians also know their voices.

Stand out tracks for me; 'Strength' and 'Nightlives'.