Review by Adam M on December 13, 2025.

This was a very addictive platter that is somewhat revolutionary in nature because it has an approach that is very post-metal oriented. This was a unique sounding recording that had a very stoner vibe along with the Neurosis type of flavour to be found. It is also interesting in that it brought a different style of singing to the table with a very harsh and appropriate type of feeling.

The musicianship on the work is very strong. There are a cascading variety of post metal guitars and strong drumming to form the backbone of the recording. There is also a very passionate singer who takes center stage here and puts on a strong performance. The entire affair is tight and strongly performed music that is very forward thinking.

The problem with the disc lies in how it would be surpassed by the likes of Neurosis and others and does not show enough of a forward-thinking vibe to be the absolute best album in the band’s discography. There is still a lack of thoughtfulness to some degree that would be made up for on later prog metal recordings. 

All in all, this is a very solid recording with great production and strong performances. It is one of the premier post-metal albums and very instrumental to the build-up of the genre and its formation. It could be improved upon, but has a number of standout tracks like “Elegy” and is very interesting indeed.

RatingL 7.9 out of 10