Forthcoming release “Distant Glow” EP is a bold and complex record, pushing the boundaries of technical musicianship, song construction, sonic production and more. The band’s finely-crafted and fully mature songwriting delivers beyond musical excellence – the songs on offer across the EP are written with interwoven multiple themes. An exploration of the consequences of choices that are made languish at the surface. Lyrically set during a dust bowl-like apocalyptic event which centers around a father and son tangled in a web of conspiracy, the EP explores coincidental events during his son's birth, the father must make a choice to believe whether his son is an innocent soul or a harbinger of annihilation.

“Two-Faced Star” is first. Piano leads off the song, followed by heavy riff accents and vocal harmonies. The Djent accents are only bested by the bright melodies, and the vocal prowess of Shay Lewis—he has a versatile voice and can hit the high notes. “Rain Follows” showcases the band’s sense of musicianship and timing. Listen to how smoothly and effortlessly the band can shift gears up and down at will. “Stranded” shows the band softer side, and sense of melody, and they come pouring out like crystal clear water from a pitcher. I hear little of Boston based band AVIATIONS here, and when the song slows a bit, you can really pluck the melodies out of the air.

“House of Horded Sands” is a bit more exploratory. Both the staccato guitar strikes and melody are present here, but the sound shifts into some unexpected territory that is quite pleasing. The mysterious “Skinwalker” closes the album, with a touch of UNPROCESSED guitar work. The rhythms of the guitar work are so very complicated on the backend of the composition, but in the music, they are fronted with a straightforward and easy to assimilate melody. The bass work is also excellent. Obviously talented as a band, this album has a little bit of everything that I like with my multiple course meal of Metal, including choppy, tight-spun guitar and bass arrangements, dexterous drumming, the right amount of keyboards (although this guy would not complain if there were more), and an excellent, versatile vocalist.