USTUQUS-AL-USS

Progressive metal is the name of the game here, but in a manner I suspect few have ever heard before - if any. From the opening classical symphonic number you just know that you're in for something special here; and as the compositions come one after the other, blending Arask' pretty distinct guitar sound and quirky drum and riff patterns with violin soloing and dark synths, this band really takes it's listener on a ride.

The compositions are short, but explore several themes, and also have the time to revisit quite a few of them. Without ever becoming predictable, and taking care to add in the odd dissonant or arhytmic segment, the gritty guitars and swirling violins create stunning contrasts - and quite often exotic sounding flurries adds some sice to the proceedings as well.

It's an instrumental album though, which will limit it's audience a bit. Still, cleary an album to get if innovative and creative music in a prog metal style sounds intriguing.