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This concept album is an absolute masterpiece and I have listened to it during hard and good times, thus it has a memorable nostalgia for me. - This is probrably one of the greatest concept albums ever written (behind Dream Theater's "Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory").

While this album does not top some of Pain of Salvation's other work, notable "Remedy Lane" it stands as an example of their trade sound and the amazing imagination of front man Daniel Gildenlow. The man is capable of writing songs that have melodic properties that instantly hook inside your mind, while keeping it progressive and interesting reaching new musical grounds not touched before.

You'll hear alot of influences in the sound, most notably I feel alot of parts of Pain of Salvation's sound routes from Faith No More, and Mike Pattons style of singing. Daniel builds on this base and takes flight and does wonders with it.

Stand out tracks for me are- "Lilium Cruentus", which was instantly my favorite track off the album, with an amazingly atmospheric and memorable intro. - "Dea Pecuniae" which is the best example of a "Rock Opera" style vocal delivary as various characters deliver lyrical lines and Daniel sings them magnificently so you are able to distinguish which is which. and also the highly notable epic - "Iter Impius" which has beautiful piano work and a very catchy melodic chorus and extremely beautiful lyrics. - Also on the live DVD is the most crucial and emotional moment of the performance.

I cannot recommend this album enough to fans of prog and conceptual works of art!!