Forgive me for being so excited about this band, but the guys from DAGOBA have proved that they are one of the best newcomers in the modern Metal scene. I guess you have heard of their previous album What Hell Is About, since it was the one that made their name known throughout the Metal scene, with the help of their label Season Of Mist Records.

The French metallers managed to prove that Season Of Mist was right to have high hopes about this band, since What Hell Is About was even better than what the fans expected. To tell you the truth - not that they have a long running history in the Metal scene - I didn't believe that they could release an equally good album, and maybe I was right, since whether they would try to pointlessly copy the successful recipe of What Hell Is About or they would make some adjustments to their sound. And so they did...

Drawing influences from their idols (FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, PANTERA), DAGOBA managed to create a distinctive sound with insane breaks, cold industrial sound and a modern aesthetic. Songs like The Year Of The Scapegoat and The Things Within from their last album are still visiting my ears really often. The thing is, why did DAGOBA didn't try to preserve their style? Many of you will say that music is all about progression. And I will agree, but may I add not when you lose your distinctive sound in favor of something catchier and more modern.

Shawter's vocals have changed a bit (and in my opinion they've gotten a bit worse, even though they have 'progressed'). Let me add here that I read many comments throughout the net that had a slightly disappointed tone regarding the vocals. The drumming is not as frenzy as it used to be since there are more classic rhythms here and there is much more melody than expected. The sound has also changed and has lost this Industrial coldness making the overall result a bit 'warmer' for the listener.

I am not trying to 'bury' the album, but I can say that I was slightly disappointed by the band that was one of the most pleasant surprises for the 21st century's Metal music for me. Things change and time will tell if their move was something helpful or not. Whether it is a boost on their career or a dive. As for me, I think I should better stick to the amazing What Hell Is About and leave this album to more 'open minded' listeners.