"Apophenia" is the first release from Swedish Metal merchants DIEVERGENCE. Rather than a doomy, dark-sounding group, which their name might imply, DIVERGENCE specializes in a more melodic, progressive form of Metal. The band was formed by Mazzaroth and Benny Hägglund, who each had considerable band experience prior to their meeting in 2012.

"The Final Battle" is the first of four intricate, multifaceted tracks. With its elegant piano playing, Mazzaroth's soaring vocals, and some heavy, impactful riffs, this song delivers from beginning to end. The band have no issues crossing genres for the sake of musical vision, which is exemplified in the song's epic, blast beat-driven chorus. On the next track, "Release of the Dragon", Mazzaroth continues to belt powerful vocal lines over Hägglund's impressive instrumentation. He cedes to Andreas Stenlund's death growls, which work to great effect, for a short time before jumping back into action for the song's operatic, QUEEN-esque main verse, one of "Apophenia"'s best individual moments. The playing is skilled throughout while still maintaining a song-oriented approach, with each instrument adding a different, yet equally-satisfying layer to the band's symphonic sound.

"Disheartening" is another strong track, somewhat darker and more straightforward than the others but still multi-layered and unique in its musical direction. It is a testament to the group's songwriting prowess that each of "Apophenia"'s four songs are different enough from each other while still adhering to the band's overall style. "Darkest Before the Light Goes Out" puts a stamp on things impressively. Well-composed, emotional, and bolstered by an impossibly catchy chorus, it is a captivating numbers that bookend the EP perfectly.

"Apophenia" is an impressive work of melodic Heavy Metal, as catchy as it is musically varied. Each one of the four tracks, clocking in at about five minutes apiece, has something different to offer, and check off many of the key elements of a quality Metal song. The band's penchant for writing memorable songs ensures that there is absolutely no filler here. I would highly recommend this to fans of Power, Symphonic, and traditional Heavy Metal, though honestly, there is something here for all fans of Metal music to enjoy.