From their EPK, "although unmistakably the work of the same band that made "Pitfalls," "Aphelion" immediately stands out as a radical statement by this endlessly inventive band. Veering from some of the heaviest and most intense material of their career to some of the most delicate and heart-breaking music in the LEPROUS canon, "Aphelion" is an album of
beautifully crafted and meticulously arranged mini-masterworks."

The album contains ten tracks. "Running Low" opens the album, with ominous piano notes, and the chorus there for the taking. Solberg's vocals are thick with emotion, as the song strikes out and then retreats. It's a simple but effective melody. "Out of Here" is a shorter song that begins with calm vocals and a little electronica. The mood is so calm it's almost eerie. It's not until just after the half-way mark that the guitars make themselves known. "Silhouette" is an even shorter song, opening with electronica and an easy listening guitar riff. Bass notes thump under a bed of strings, creating this lush atmosphere, perfect for the poignant vocals of Einar Solberg. The chorus is rich with melody.

"All The Moments" begins with some bluesy guitar offerings. It eases into the melody, then it comes in waves. It retreats again, hiding in the shadows. Piano notes ring out, and then it begins a crescendo with some really nice drum kit moments from Baard Kolstad. "Have You Ever" begins with fat keyboard notes and the steady ticking of a clock. This song has a certain rhythmic swing to it, with a good deal of soul bearing vocals and lyrics. It is quite mesmerizing. "The Silent Revelation" opens with a more traditional riff and some really soulful drums and bass guitar. It retreats until the chorus, then it's fully on with the soaring vocals of Solberg. Though he often sings in falsetto, it's one of the far-reaching moments where this style just works. His control is amazing, and if it doesn't get to you, you might be dead inside. That guitar riff is absolutely addictive.

"The Shadow Side" is a shorter song that begins with strings and a slow, calm pace of vocals and the steady beat of drums. You sway your head back and forth gently with the rhythms. This song would cross over into the Pop realm pretty easily. Climbing towards a crescendo, it leaves you with a smile on your face. "On Hold" is close to eight-minutes in length, opening with calm tones and soft vocals. It drips with thick, emotive qualities. As it moves towards the chorus, it teases you with a sneak peak of the main melody, but withdraws as fast as it arrived. "Castaway Angels" begins with nearly inaudible smooth vocals and a quiet guitar riff. It's the softest song on the album, wallowing in a sad tale of loss and regret.

"Nighttime Disguise" closes the album. It begins with heavy rhythms that are replaced by ethereal melodies, with piano notes. Again, it's the combination of the two competing styles that works so well here. Let this one soak in...it will cover you with emotion. I find the offerings on the album to be both unique and diverse, expecting nothing else from these Norwegian Prog masters. Many of the tracks are strange and odd, which again is akin to the band as a whole. There are strong and powerful moments, as well as more frail and calmer ones. But through it all, emotions run high, and you cannot deny the spirit of the band. They put everything into their songwriting, and it is one of their best albums to date.