Veil of Imagination

I previously reviewed Virus by Haken where I noted that its lack of over the top theatricality was a plus point. Of course, like Janus, this implies that there are releases where over the top theatricality is what makes it. 

This is that release. 

Everything about this album oozes florid bombast. Even the cover art cannot help but bring forth bucolic visions of Nature's bounty. The band logo looks organic and delicate with just a hint of steel. And we haven't even put it on yet. 

This sounds like early Opeth but with more metallic edge to them and a reduced tendency to dither in acoustic bits. There are plenty of those but they serve as codas or anacruses, as one part segues into another. They don't feel like overwrought homages to 70s prog like many of Opeth's do. Another Opeth feeling is the use of compound time, you will be going "one-two-three two-two-three" without realising it and it helps lull you into paying full attention to the album. 

The quality of songwriting on this is outstanding. The opening track is fifteen minutes long and you won't notice. The highlight, though, is "Far From Where Dreams Unfurl". One of the most memorable tunes I've ever heard, effortlessly anthemic with enough little tricky bits to qualify it as a genuine masterpiece. Overall this can only really be compared to classics from Opeth or possibly even Pink Floyd; if you like long windy tunes you will absolutely love this.