EL CIELO

A masterpiece. Sorry, but there is no compromise for me. I love this album with every ounce of my soul, and with good reason. El Cielo is an album about a rare disorder called "Sleep Paralysis" where one wakes up, but cannot move or speak, and may experience immensely frightening things, or very sublime and calm things. This album covers all of those. From its most intense to the most beautiful passages, this album is a real achievement. The band shows obvious talent through the whole album, from the most jarring (Of The Room) to the most beautiful (Brushstroke: Walk In The Park) the bands instrumental prowess is very evident. Gavin Hayes' vocal performance is astounding, you can feel the emotion in every note, a very soothing voice.

If you've heard Leitmotif beforehand, you'll notice a large change in their sound. Gavin uses his voice very differently and the music if much more melodic and tight. Leitmotif was an excellent record, but El cielo is leaps and bounds ahead, a massive improvement. Some standout tracks are "Triangle" , "Scissor Lock" , "Eighteen people live in harmony" and the BRILLIANT and epic closer "The Canyon Behind her" - my definite favourite off the album. Dredg create a wall of sound, chaotic yet beautiful, reaching the highest peaks and the lowest valleys. Turn off the lights, put on some headphones, and lose yourself in this amazing album.

-con safo