Review by Adam M on February 11, 2014.

This is an album that is quiet and relaxed in a fashion that is even greater than the previous release. It is a robotic sounding album that is more subdued than ever.

The band wants to appeal to a lighter progressive metal segment clearly with this album and it shows. The improvisation feels like interlude sections and this is the manner the band wants to present itself. The natural methods they became subtle like this are emphasized by the EP Carbon Based Anatomy. There is very little in common with the ancient classics like Atheist – Unquestionable Presence or Death – Human anymore, the band is totally removed into a calm atmospheric portrayal.

The more melodic aspect of the band may be welcomed by the more recent fans of the last Traced In Air album. Focus fans that want the tech type complexity and elevated thought patterns might be disappointed slightly by this album, however. The band never tries to become too witty on this new album, but instead sticks to a new path of a more composed nature.

In the future, I would like more death metal added to the formula that is crafted by Cynic. In an opposing manner, I would hope the next Ulcerate album is more composed in this manner. Once the dualities have merged, there will then be a more interesting death metal genre to observe overall. This album is composed reasonably, but is slightly disappointing. It will appeal more to fans of the Traced In Air album, easily.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7
Originality: 6.5
Overall: 7.5

Rating: 7.1 out of 10