EXTERNAL is a Progressive Metal trio from Finland, formed in 2014. This is the band’s sophomore release, and it has nine songs. I was unable to find out any other information about the band. “To Weight, To Wear” is first. What strikes me hardest about the song is the balance between heavy, staccato strikes, and smooth, dreamy ones, and the deft combination of both harsh and clean vocals. They have a sound that is all to their own, but familiar at the same time. “Serotonin” mixes in some electronica with the tight chord structures, and here comes the dreamy verses once again, but it’s the chorus where the band shine brightest. They show restraint, which is difficult for many bands to do.

 “Last Fading Color” has strong melodies, vocal harmonies, and a hint of sadness and loss, to go along with the heavy structures underneath. The bass and drums work very well together in this song. “Lucid” means “expressed clearly; easy to understand.” What comes through most for me in this song are the delicate melodies, and attention to the way the song flows. It’s short, but it flows so easily to the listener, and the band pours it on towards the end. It’s one of the prettiest songs on the album. “Sudden Wave” saunters in with piano and heavy, Djent structures that highlight the charming melodies, and there are some Jazzy elements and sultry saxophone notes here.

 “Fall with Me” has another strong combination of melody and ardent tones, and the band shows great restraint once again. This song is about a beautiful journey rather than a destination, and the tones are absorbing and engaging. “Ghost House” is both darker and uses a different vocal style in the verses. Heavy bass notes thud under a thick guitar sound and it sounds like a warning not to enter. Here, the band shows no restraint and goes straight for the throat. “Limbo” is where the album takes an odd turn. Electronica combines with spoken word vocals in a dark corner where shadows lay. Add in the sampled drums, and you have a completely different sound.

 “Hypnagogia” is the 12 minute closer. It offers the best of what the band does on the album. It explores, but never loses sight of the central melody, dragging it behind them like a rope of someone who doesn’t want to get lost. The use of hypnotic piano contributes to a feeling and sense of acute paranoia. Overall, the combination of ruggedness and melody suggests a dynamic and multifaceted musical experience. They also have an adventurous approach to their craft, which is often a hallmark of great musicianship. It's exciting to imagine where their musical journey could take them with just a bit more refinement and polish.