HELIOS FORSAKEN

Not so many of that can make me happy like it's the case when out of nowhere a great new album comes my way. And then I am in an euphoria for days, making each new listening session a totally new experience. The excitement is even bigger when it's a new, young band that has just learned swimming in an overcrowded ocean. Shepherds of Cassini is exactly that; a 'young' and 'unknown' band, and thanks to good folk at the Prog Sphere PR team I got myself introduced to this group hailing from New Zealand. 'Helios Forsaken' is their second full-length album, a follow-up to 2013's self-titled debut.

The band from Auckland in New Zealand is active since 2012, and it took them about two years to complete the work on their sophomore release. With already developed format of performing lengthy tunes, and featuring (un)conventional violin in the line-up, it's obvious that we talk about an ambitious project. And that they are. Their ambition is showed in a right way, and with 'Helios Forsaken' you get a real piece of art.

Though the band's self-titled debut is a very impressive release, with 'Helios Forsaken' Shepherds of Cassini have surpassed themselves. With a wise balance of instrumentation and vocal performance, Shepherds show that they are an experienced act with impressive technical skills. On long tracks 'The Amalgest,' 'Mauerfall' and 'Helios Forsaken' the band demonstrates these skills, dominance and diversity. They also show what Shepherds of Cassini is about by creating various sonic landscapes which bring plenty of different vibes. Probably the brightest side of the band beside knowing how to present themselves is ability of merging with the environment.

With 'Helios Forsaken' Shepherds of Cassini gave another homework both for themselves and the scene itself. This band is a genre per se. Quality, innovation, bravery, ambition and love towards music erupt from every tone. This is a band that certainly has quality and potential to become one of the leaders of the new generation progressive metal bands.