IRLYA - IL Y A -

Mutyumu's combination of operatic vocals, ambient soundscapes, metal guitars, post-rock and math-rock influences, and production quality make for a fantastic album. The absolute standout track is track 2, Die Ewige Wiederkunft. This track features a driving guitar-leading tempo with a memorable piano sub-melody, which transitions seamlessly into a vocal and violin melody with a beautiful, albeit repetitive, piano counter-melody; finally, the "chorus" in so much as one could call it that, is absolutely brilliant, crescendoing into a post-rock riff, and then continuing to mix all of the previously-mentioned elements to form a beautiful demonstration of Mutyumu's talent. Other notable tracks include "1 - Intro Il Y A", "8 - Raison D'etre", and "11 - Hai No Hi" being not far behind in quality or beauty. At times slow and melodic, at other times driving and upbeat, Mutyumu strikes a delicate balance on this album. Recommended for fans of any of the genre's listed at the beginning of this review.