Sometimes it is quite difficult to put the right genre to the music you are listening to. I have that 'problem' with SPECIES, as I feel that this is predominantly Progressive Metal mixed with Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Technical Metal, which is quite a varied and diverse mix of styles. This SPECIES is from Warsaw in Poland, and they have been making music since 2018. Releases so far have been an EP ("The Monument Of Envy") in 2019 and the debut album ("To Find Deliverance") in 2022. They obviously like the three year gaps, as now, another three years later, to be precise 19 September 2025, they have their second studio album "Changelings", being brought to us by the (for me) unknown record company 20 Buck Spin. And as so often, this is the first I have ever listened to what kind of music they make and how good SPECIES really is. First, I need to heed you a warning; the voice of bassist Piotr Drobina will definitely not be to everyone's taste, as the high pitched gravelly vocals are very much a step away from the standard, but also very much in your face. Thankfully there are also very long pauses in which he doesn't sing, giving the music on its own to make an impression. Plus, sometimes he tones it down a bit and decides to sing in a clear voice, which does sound rather good. And before I continue with the rest of my review, there is no two ways about it; this is good. Musically you just can't fault SPECIES on "Changelings". They have their brand of Progressive/Technical Thrash/Death Metal down like a pro. I regularly think of what I hear as a combination of CONTROL DENIED and the debut album of CYNIC. What also does help is that the sound is such that it retains a rough edge throughout the whole of the record. It gives the Metal on here just the right kind of atmosphere and vibe that is drawing you in like honey does Pooh Bear. As for the songs themselves, they are all well written, properly arranged and professionally executed, giving them all the seal of my approval. I like that the Progressive elements are the main ones, and that the way that SPECIES has been able to mix and match all their influences makes it all sound just right in my ears. In that respect I have to tell you that if you can stand the vocals on "Changelings" you should not shy away in trying out how what SPECIES is offering will go down in your brain. I look forward to hearing the shouts of amazement as people find out how good this is.