Stoic, proud, unapologetic all of which are virtues of an age long lost to the throes of time forever cast unto the obsolescent memory of dying souls - such ideologies are rarities in terms of admirable qualities as the greater portion of their common description is most often used to describe the abrasive world of egotists, nihilist, and narcissists; and yet, in some small intrepid quantity these elements remain free of scorn and prejudice, and is with most other sacrosanct values, lie predominantly in music. ANGBAND is no stranger to such carefully crafted designations and uses their esoteric mannerisms to craft a sound strengthened by its unique approaches.

The album opens with a syncopated drum beat segueing the rest of the band's arrival in the song, "Fighters." Of a sound striking and numbing the song rolls on seamlessly blending verse and chorus through haunting melodies. "Visions In My Head" opts for a more indirect and eldritch delivery incorporating off-time accentuations and a flute. "Atena" changes course once more into something more of a jazz fusion inspired percussive beat as the guitars manage themselves in rhythmic harmony. Commencing with a panned guitar saturated in a phaser, "Insane" is just that whereat on the adjoining of both guitars and the drums coupling the rhythm only heavier and more cryptic as the percussion slowly departs more and more from convention. The flute makes a comeback from earlier in the album, seeming to bite and latch onto separate sections of the rhythm. "Cyrus The Great" contains an intensive dynamic commencing with dry panned guitars and immediately switching to a panning clean played over by the flute.

The music as a whole invokes odd and eldritch sensations, bearing stark dynamics between string, percussion, and woodwind. The guitars are dialed down a bit compared to other records but are themselves in such great synchronicity with one another that they cut through in striking definition. The bass is near hidden behind the overdriven guitars only coming to greater distinction during the clean sections where we can hear it as potent and strong but not nearly powerful enough to drive the foundation of the song. The drums are of a great and mysterious construction being composed of both traditional progressions and more jazz-fusion type of grooves. The flute is an odd addition sounding as if someone picked up a shakuhachi it attempt to play in analogue to, IAN ANDERSON. The flute stands resolute in its integration striking a name for itself with the eerie addition. The vocals are reaching have some manner of screaming and vocal fry applied to them in near every occasion.

"IV" sounds as the natural evolution of the band which brings them into uncharted waters wherein they are captains. The fidelity of the recording is remarkable and triumphant, the composition of the tracks is unique and eldritch, and the overall impression of the music is that of distinction, clarity, and inspiration. While the music type might be a bit odd for some listeners it is a piece definitely worth your attention.