From Bandcamp, “At its core, “Beyond the Reach of the Sun” is about perseverance. Just as the enslaved discover spiritual knowledge by way of a cosmic entity, writing these songs also lead the band to uncover new wellsprings of inspiration. On “Beyond the Reach of the Sun,” they climb to the summit of progressive metal.” “Forbidden Sanctuary” is the first cut, and it eases in slowly. From there, it’s still relatively smooth and melodic with melancholy string threaded throughout. The harsh vocals however usher in much darker and more heavily structured sound that culminates in a blaze of gun fire.

“Despoiled” has a thicker, hastier, and more dangerous sound out of the gates, and the band flexes some Progressive prowess. In that regard, the listener is treated to some OPETH vibes. “Is It Your God” has a good dose of tension in the beginning, and it’s followed by smooth, melancholy, and harmonized vocals. The question they pose lingers on your palate for what seems like an eternity. “Melt the Crown” is more wide open in terms of its embracement of melody. It remains dark, but quite accessible at the same time. The midsection of the song is very powerful, and eerie at times, and they end it in a totally different and vibrant melody.

“Cloak of the Vast and Black” has a much hastier sound, and the band proves they are capable of many different styles of music. Harsh vocals give the song a thick angular sound, while the cleans are more palatable. “Celestial Tyrant” has meaty bass notes to go along with the fast-moving riff and drums, and the harsh vocals cut the melancholy like a razor slicing through virgin flesh. The ending sequence is a masterful display of musicianship as well. “Beyond our Minds” has a balanced sound that hangs by a string…sometimes it is full attack mode, while other times, it remain coiled and ready.  

“Candescence” enter with thudding bass notes and a shit ton of attitude. Much of the instrumental remains in the shadows in skies of varying grey colors. “In the Absence of Wisdom” closes the album. There is a long and smooth lead up to the main sound, which has some nifty meter shifts and melancholy, harmonized vocals. The sound is both refined and classy, and there is just enough ummph to give it that swift kick that accompanies much of the album, especially in the harsh vocals.  Overall, what strikes me most about the album, besides the fantastic musicianship, is the band’s sense of unwavering confidence. Every note seems calculated, and each track interconnected, but yet the album breathes, and deeply. This is indeed a new pinnacle of Progressive Metal, and the band carries that flag high.