Although I was a bit perplexed when I saw that Jacob Hansen didn't take part in this release, aside from producingit, I was still interested to listen to what the new ANUBIS GATE has to offer for 2011. Listening to it made me realize that I was fortunate. This self-titled release, via Nightmare Records, along with the band's bass player, Henrik Fevre, on vocals instead of Hansen, turned out to be something a little different yet intelligent, harmonic and in general, plain amazing.

The main difference between this new ANUBIS GATE venture in comparison tothe other albums, aside from the vocal post that Fevre filled with flying colors, is that here there is a none unified concept, at least from where I am sitting. The material seems like a joining of thoughts, emotional experiences, and possible wishsbrainstormed by Fevre's mind. This is pretty spiritualand mysteriousstuff I might add. Furthermore, this release soundsmusicallymore genuine than the other albumsas those took strong inspiration from newer DREAM THEATER or PAGAN'S MIND works. Not that this one didn't have any of the latter bands' elements, yet I could sense a promising new beginning for this group.

For a Progressive Metal album, it didn't sound as such. When I listen to a Progressive Metal album I usually stumble upon long musical moments that can go on and on while shutting every light in their soon to be dark tunnel. Moreover, I think that most Progressive Metal albums, although artistic in nature, are pretty much a showcase of the players' technical abilities. Of course that there are far out examples of inner depth themes and well written lyrics but in the end the large majority lacks the flow or that captivating flair that would have held a listener tight without letting go. In the case of ANUBIS GATE, they captured me and made me a fan of their creative personality. ANUBIS GATE's qualities of flow and genuine line of thought when it comes to special material haven't changed throughout their albums, including this present one, and I am pleased with that.

One of my top favorite tracks on the album was "Oh My Precious Life". At first it was as if it was taking a calmer course, yet it developed into an energetic and impressive modern Power Metal onslaught drawing an amazing main riff. The atmospheric cloud made by the Synth played by Kim Olesen eased up the intensity alongside the enchanting vocal efforts of Fevre that showed his amazing talents and how similar his vocal pattern to Hansen's. "Facing Dawn" was a moderately easier track as it was less complex and rather more commercialized. It was catchy, pretty Popish in nature but equally awesome as the latter. Additionally, the lead section was impressive and dynamic. The final track, the epic plate of "Circumstanced", was an intriguing artistic experience. With a dreamy rhythm section that had a few notion of psychedelic vintage music. In general, this song had everything to offer, from an inexplicable AOR harmonic moments through modern tough Metal passage that elevated into captivating catchy chorus.

Though I mentioned only three tracks, I liked the whole album. I did miss some of the energetic solos these guys used to implement more on their earlier releases, yet I understood the idea behind what Fevre and the guys meant. The album was less quality driven music and more into the lyrical themes. Nevertheless, there were several of elements that compensated nicely. Hail ANUBIS GATE!!