FEAR AND TREMBLING

The best way to describe this band's sound is Yes-like vocal harmonies over a complex, metal- inspired storm of twin guitars, guitar synth, and extended-range (seven and eight strings!) bass guitar. They have a fairly consistent sonic formula: the bass plays steady, melodic counterpoint under complex riffs and a lead guitar line (or vocals). There's also frequent use of guitar synth, and occasional keyboard synths (but always tasteful about it). There's no doubt Lord Only is "heavy prog", and they even border on progressive metal.

The centerpiece of this album is the "Nosferatu" suite, a three-part ("Minuet," "Allemande," and "Verismo"), twenty-minute piece primarily great for the virtuosity of the musicians and the numerous mood changes. Unlike other suites, such as 2112 or Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, I'm not certain what the overarching theme is, as I can't find lyrics for it as of this writing. However, the mood coaster it takes one on is enough.

There are other standout tracks too: the openers, "Time Out" and "Spiritual Animal", are a great duo of songs that make an early showcase of their sonic signature before they launch into "Nosferatu". Later on the album we have "Fear", the only song so far I have found on YouTube, and another standout, "Versatile Residue", a twelve-minute instrumental. It kinda reminds me of La Villa Strangiato, though obviously a ways longer and more complex, with another instrument playing.

To conclude, this is an excellent album, though not for those who dislike heavier music. This album is definitely heavy, but definitely sonically complex, and well worth listening to multiple times.