As a longtime fan of Spinefarm Records, I was eagerly awaiting this to cross my desk. AMARANTHE released their first, self-titled CD in 2011 and it was a thunderclap. I said then that I was very eager to see what the future held for this band and I stand by that even more now that I have heard the second release.

"The Nexus" starts off with the face melting "Afterlife". This song exemplifies everything that is great about this band. The guitars are razor sharp, the drums are huge sounding, and the keys take it all to another level. What really sets this band apart though is the three vocal approaches they use. When you combine the combine the clean vocals of Jake E. and Elize with the screams of Andy, it gives you something you don't hear in any other band. It's like a complete cyclone of sound.

Of course, most people will hear the NIGHTWISH influence but this band is so much more than that. This is a band that is incredible on every level. The closest thing to compare this too is the new Trance Metal movement of bands like CROSSFAITH and BLOOD STAIN CHILD. I, personally, love the genre and find it one of the most interesting styles currently in Metal.

The title track is a crushing, swirl of sound that once again showcases the three vocalists working together. It's the thing about this album that really set it above the rest of the music out today. The songwriting and lyrics are also top notch work. The lyrical themes make perfect sense and have a positive tone. It's a "we'll never give up the fight" theme throughout.

"The Nexus" is the logical next progression for this band and perfectly takes the sound created on the first CD to the next level. This is a band on the rise and should be considered a major force in heavy music. Heavily recommended to anyone that is a fan of Metal.