Their previous album _A Treacherous Ascension_ left no doubt that this was a band to be taken seriously, and _Between Elation and Despair_ does nothing but reinforce that impression. The music is dead serious, slow and heavy, but with enough musical nous to remain expressive. They also know how to stay away from clichés, which helps keep the experience intact. _Between Elation and Despair_ is one of those albums you can lose yourself in -- just don't approach it when you feel like headbanging. The music is thoroughly morose and depressive, though not on an even remotely whiny sense, and never allows the listener any respite with a more rocking, aggressive or upbeat passage.

_Between Elation and Despair_ is an album for funeral doom purists to enjoy, but while it is bound to leave more casual listeners a bit cold, this is a band that deserves kudos for the integrity of their approach and the quality of their work.