These Portuguese newcomers perform melancholy prog metal that inevitably recalls the Swedish masters, and perhaps they do take one too many pages out of the Opeth book, especially in the vocal department. Similarities aside, I am hard-pressed to find any significant flaws with this album. They lack a drummer, but Daniel Cardasso from VME steps in to fill that void, avoiding the possibility if having their progressive explorations marred by inevitably annoying and unsatisfying programming. The rhythm section is usually just regarded as background filler in albums of this sort, but if they fuck up, than the entire record is ruined, no matter how skilled the guitarist(s) may be. As with Opeth, they are also able to sustain a melody for the full duration of five to ten minutes per song with misleading ease, with multiple layers and textures to get lost in.

The CD design is superb -- there's little to suggest that they are an unsigned band. But they don't skimp on the musicianship or recording, so why ruin it with a cheesy package? I can't imagine why they are unsigned; I think their manager needs to start earning his keep!