OCTAHEDRON

Who gives a flying sexual penetration if this isn't as flawless or fresh as "...Comatorium." That's not a pinnacle a band can be expected to attain more than once. The Mars Volta hasn't sold out--maybe this is easier on the ears than their previous work, but it's still far more challenging than, say, anything Porcupine Tree has ever put to tape. This isn't radio music--other stuff that gets five stars in the Heavy Prog category here might as well be.

"With Twilight as my Guide" is the definitely high-point here for me. Sounds like something Yes might've created after being frozen in carbonite soon after creating "Relayer," only to be thawed out in 2009. My only criticism is the repetitive and ridiculous opening to Cotopaxi. Copernicus and Luciforms also leave quite a bit to be desired.