A band with a very talented guitarist (Tosin Abasi), politically geared vocalist (Ash Avildsen), bassist - Evan Brewer - with major influences of Reggie and Victor Wooten in his playing and styles, and jazz fusion style drumming of Vinny Vinh. With such an uncommon combination of talents, it makes for one of the greatest metalcore albums I've heard in quite some time.
Above the pyramid and the eye
This song starts off with a heavy guitar, leading into heavy drumming, then leads into Ash's vocals. This song has great vocals and riffs. 4.5/5
Thoughts Dictate Reality
Taking a slowe edge in the beginning, adding a calmer mood for the album. Ash's initial singing is a welcome change to his equally good screams, with a lighter feel. Then it goes into great guitaring again, overall good song. 5/5
An Ode to the Evolution of Human Consciousness
Starting with a nice riff, it brings you slowly out of the mood that 'Thoughts Dictate Reality' brought you into. The first lyrical line is a very truthful quote from Gandhi – “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." Which has a lot of meaning, as does the rest of Ash's writings. If you read the lyrics along side with Ash, it's quite an impressive song. So far, this album has no downsides. 4.5/5
The Sudden Realization
Adding in a sewer feeling, with dripping water, and a sort of manicidal guitar riff, it brings on a much darker mood than the past songs. Then comes the drums with a chinese chimes sound. Then it goes into lighter guitar compared to the other songs, and Ash singing. 4/5
...of What You Were Missing
Starting with a bluesy type feeling, it brings in Ash speaking a statement about politics semi-quietly. Then it builds to a smooth guitar and drums that fit perfectly with the rest of the song/instruments. Double bass is incredible in this song. 5/5
=[*]=
Sadly, my CD only plays about 7 seconds becase of (something). I'm not sure why, but unfortunately I cannot rate it. You'll just have to listen to it yourself. :) I can comment on the name, it's quite unique, and impossible to pronounce (haha). rating - N/A
Single File to Bliss
My favorite song off of the entire album. Starts off with slight guitar harmonics, and then Ash screaming. Builds for a minute to a face melting solo. The most impressive solo I've seen from any newer band in awhile. Near the end of a song is yet another great solo. 6/5
There's No Sunlight in My Cubicle
Again, unique name. Nothing out of the ordinary compared to the rest of the album, still a great song and just makes the album ---that--- much better. Begins with simple guitar, then bass comes in with a Cliff Burton like reminisance. 4/5
The Keats Persona
Drumming in this song is simply awesome. This is the main feature I'd like to point out with this song. guitar and singing are good too, but Vinny really stands out in here. 4.5/5
1984-2004
Guitar makes you feel "drunk" - for lack of a better word. It seems slurred, but it has quite an astounding speed to it. Basically only instrumental song. 4.5/5
Modern Day Babylon
Cool vocals in this song, which makes it stand out from the rest of the album, and brings it to a fantastic closing. About the middle of the song has a little speech on the government of today and what's being done. Must listen. 5/5
Overall this album ranks very high on my "awesome meter", but I'd love to hear =[*]=, which is making me very excited for another copy of the cd. I'd say if you enjoy metal, metalcore, and all related genres, you MUST check out this album! I can see htis band becoming huge in the future, much like another Pantera.
Overall 5/5
