PROGRESSIVE

Don't get fooled by what other people think about this album. I don't need to have a privileged hearing to realize that this IS progressive metal, more progressive than other supposedly progressive bands like Opeth; in fact, this is REAL progressive death metal. It is a smart and outstanding attempt to do what few bands at the moment were doing (e. g. Cynic): fuse speed and death metal in a progressive and melodic melting-pot, crowned with lyrical content that is even better (for it is coherent and very critical) than that of the band's following albums (yes, the fact the other albums have some latin gibberish included doesn't make them outstanding). The production is dark and murky, which fits the underground context in which the album was conceived. The music is eclectic and experimental, musically offering a wide range of influences from classical tremolo riffing to experimental arabic/persian soloing. There are many tempo changes throughout the songs, always accompanied by an intuitive drumming. The overall product is extremely pleasing for any REAL progressive death metal fans. It is complex, technical, almost avant-garde metal music born from a real impetus to create something powerful. This album is the proof that Haggard didn't need 15+ members to produce outstanding music.