A TOWER OF SILENCE

Hometown bias aside, Anubis' second album really is a lovely piece of work. Solidifying the eclectic sound of their previous album, this takes a fair few of the traditional elements of progressive rock, mixes in a number of interesting twists and a modern flavour to create a Symphonic Prog masterpiece. Unlike another reviewer here, I also find that it's the memorable vocal melodies and harmonies that lift this album above similar sounding prog releases.

Australia is home to plenty of Pink Floyd cover bands and readily welcomes international Pink Floyd tribute bands (and Roger Waters) to its shores, but new, original progressive rock has been a rare thing until lately. Here we have two guitarists bringing their own influences and capable of excellent expressive guitar solos, solid syncopated drumming, lots of piano, mellotron, synths, keys and interesting basslines backing expressive vocals and meaningful lyrics.

This is a brooding, dark and climactic record, which is partially why I like it so much, and while it's fair to say that some of it has been done by someone, somewhere before, they mix it into their own unique sound. So all power to the guys, this is a superb album, I keep wanting to listen to it and I cannot find a fault with it, hence 'Masterpiece'.