WOW! Ron Jarzombek has always been among my favorite guitarists and songwriters, but he and his fellow bludgeoners have outdown everyone here! Among the thickest, most-complex, boiling basslines I've every heard (felt?). Incredible percussion from Behold the Arctopus' Charlie Zelany (his best effort to date). This could be the heaviest fusion album ever conceived.

I've been a fan since the band's inception. I find this to be their best yet. Unique, technical, and sometimes awe-inspiring. If you enjoy heavy, challenging music layered atop folkish, sometimes nearly spoken-word, vocals, then you will find no better.

I don't need to write much here. One of my favorite bands for a long time, period. Romeo and Pinnela have never sounded better, although I was slightly disappointed by the lyrics. Even so, a must own.

The quirky brilliance that is Devin Townsend. Who else could create an appealing prog metal CD based upon an alien self-proclaimed guitar hero in search of our world's finest coffee?

This surprised me a bit. Emotive female vocals shrouded by a gripping, melodic, yet heavy muscial backdrop. Just enough variation to keep things lively and fresh.

My favorite technical death metal release of '07. Chops galore!

Not quite the allure or emotion of Materia, yet nearly a Top 10.

I was expecting more given the lasting appeal of prior releases. Production is muddy and this lacks the tribal rhythms and psychotic waltz-isms that I've grown to love. Still, a few outstanding tracks make this worthy of an honorable mention