A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Somewhat less ambitious than the previous records and much more streamline towards mainstream metal. Some songs are very accessible with average melodies and simple rhythms with usual guitar riffs. The strength of the album lies within compositional and sonic variety; next to harder tracks stand mellow acoustic or piano led songs with gentler voice. The weakness of the vocals is the lack of emotion and monotonous slight touch of depression, just like for Katatonia. There are no female vocals this time.

Instrumentation has been simplified with mainly guitars, bass, drums and Hammond playing, sometimes piano, violin. The first song "Crush to dust" can be considered a rock anthem by the band. "Lullaby in winter" is more ambitious with instrumental intermezzo and nice Hammond sound. "Writing on the wall" is a quite monotonous track. "Into deep" fares better with metal hooks and slight doomy mood. "The boy in the attic" has orchestral twist and various shifts. "Two seconds in life" can be considered a ballad with a catchy melody.

"Rain" is with its sound and ambition a bit related to the previous long album.

This is a good album for a metal fan but can be overlooked by a prog head without any concern.