Review by Adam M on August 5, 2019.

This new album by The Odious is spontaneous in an inventive and interesting way.  Vesica Piscis switches between Meshuggah like rapid fire rhythm guitar sections and some more mellow moments that recall the likes of Alice in Chains.  The latter comparison is appropriate because the vocalist sounds like Layne Staley when then music is in a subtler mode.  The combination of sounds makes for one of the more compelling albums of the year so far.  There aren't many weak moments on the disc as the band switches things up in an interesting manner.

There really is the same number of dynamics as the most interesting Opeth album and this keeps the songs fresh at all times.  This type of music is also very original and new, so it has a greater impact on the proceedings.  The problem in the disc lies in its inability to reach Alice in Chains or Opeth's greatest peaks and it is relegated to a slightly lower place in the overall scheme of things.  Still, the music shifts so much that you won’t notice this and be more compelled to listen to what the band has to offer next.  This really is one of the more innovative recordings I’ve heard this year and subsequent listens put the pieces of the puzzle together more thoroughly.  It’s not the greatest progressive release, but it is certainly a quality one and worthy of your attention.

There is simply so much going on in the songs that it takes time to decipher the parts and you will enjoy doing so.  The sound of the band is somewhat mechanical, but brought back to normality by the more earthly Alice in Chains type sequences.  There is always something interesting to offer to any metal fan, even when the album gets more subtle.  Vesica Piscis gets a strong recommendation to progressive metal fans.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10