Review by JD on March 21, 2010.

How does a band go on after one of its driving force in the form of a member dies a tragically painful death due to the scourge of cancer? One listen to Holland’s Autumnal Reaper... one long and heart filled listen from first track to last... and that will be more than obvious unless you’re a idiot.

Musically technical, earth shakingly heavy and above all: completely uncompromising from start to finish... Autumnal Reaper come from such a darkened place of losing one of their own (Roeland De Haas) but then gathering themselves up and delivering an album that is as stunning as it is bombastically heavy. Every single note is like using Napalm in a crowded space, sets things on fire while it sticks in your very mind.

This is one group that has used every last ounce of pure darkness and anguish in their lives, to construct some of the most awe-inspiring and devastatingly intense albums that has ever been put out. It literally shakes you to the very core while still giving this large than life sense of musicality. Deep as it is heavy, every song seemed to be made out of the tragedy that has befallen the group.

I have said this more than once since I was a kid...I knew that Metal was therapeutic, even though my parents thought I was simply certifiable. It saved me from a childhood of pure craziness. Who needs to pay a shrink to get there head right, just buy this damn album and keep your cash and use it to buy beer!!!

Categorical Rating Breakdown　

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10