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Just when you thought SB were running out of new ideas along comes an album so totally out of the blue that I have been left completely shellshocked. I've been trying to work out what the major change in the sound is - although it is still quite recognisably SB - and I've come to the conclusion it is the keyboard textures which create a different soundscape here. Ryo's shrill, high pitched wail has been replaced with much mellower, melodic playing and this in turn has revitalised the Beard. Another aspect of the album is the quality of writing both musically and lyrically. Not a filler in sight which has been a criticism of some recent SB releases.The songs themselves flow along nicely culminating in the climactic crescendo Jaws Of Heaven - a 16 minute opus which nails the album well and truly. I don't want to delve very deeply into individual tracks and their diverse styles because the listener should approach the album with a clear mind and let the musical feast offered flow over the senses. Spock's Beard are in overdrive on this release. The musicianship and vocals are first class. They have finally cleared the shadow of Neal Morse and set down their own canvas from which they can move onwards and upwards. Outstanding stuff.