Most definitely, this group needs no introduction. Trendsetters, never followers. Crafters of a sound that influenced almost everyone, developing a style that contains the pounding Metal that would make the Pope moshing, and the introspect to attract the alternative hipster Metalheads.

I was an early teen, watching some random late-night Metal TV show, and the clip of "Fatherland" popped up; my life changed for good, it had the power of JUDAS PRIEST, the dynamics and gothic innuendos of nineties DEPECHE MODE, and most important: The voice, a man wailing between the existentialism of FISH and the mannerisms and vibrato of DAVID BOWIE.

Without no further ado, let´s sink our teeth unto this masterpiece: "Vision 2020 Vision", opening track, have all with the usual suspects: keyboard-oriented riffs, closing-opening hihat on the upbeat towards the pre-chorus or the chorus (A technique that MARILYN MANSON would use and abuse in the near future), weird modulation on the bridge (in this industrial case, is the guitar player who tends to change the tonality, yet the keyboard-riff maintains the loop, great arrangement.) A cornucopia of great lyrics is all the way around. "Wolfen (Her Pack)," has a suckerpunch riff with a half-beat open cymbal, which helps in the headbanging department. The catchy chorus keeps you interested.

"Extinction Time" puts pedal to the Metal, increasing the tempos, modulating on the verses with rhythmic vocals towards the first part of the verses. Yes, these fine gentlemen are positively worried regarding the details, there is no randomness chordal wankery here, and everything they do has a where and a wherefore (Quoting QUEEN). Great solo. "The Carpet Crawlers" appeals to my David Bowie obsession, with a frantic Brian Eno-Esque keyboard line and a free tempo poetic vocal line. These guys are geniuses on their art:  check how subtly the programmed drumming enters. A terrific low-register vocal range is delivered, Peter Murphy would be proud.

Analyzing this record in a song-per-song way is blasphemy; the curious of heart and the melomaniacs should give a spin or two and discover in wonder, this precious gem.