Although already releasing three albums, it is the first time that I hear about the Australian Death Metal band BE'LAKOR. From the first session I noticed that they bring something different to the world of melodic Death Metal. They have their own special touch, an unusual signature with a blink to the Progressive zone. Many questions of mine rose just by their chosen name, so to make it clear once again - the name was taken from a role part game which is very popular "War Hammer" game which several of the members used to play. Their new album consists of brutality by the massive, bombastic and power of their Death Metal attack and the low end vocals loaded with rage aside to melodies by the guitars provided it with a wide range.

"Abeyance", the opening track, seems to me like an influence by PARADISE LOST. The song is very dynamic, starts with melodic part that melts into a clean break and goes to another journey through the Death Metal journey. There are groove sections in the song which are easy to connect to, especially because those are built by nice melodies lines. However, I did have a problem with the song. It is about 8 minutes long and I felt a sort of exhaustion after the first 5 minutes even though the instrumental features were nice. For an opener it's hard to get into a long runner right from the start. "Fraught" has melancholic atmosphere, the breaking sections which are aspects of the progressive genre are the reason for the sophistication and show that we are dealing with not just another group. The ending part that changes the tempo and rhythm of the song is brilliant, from a typical melodic part into something bombastic. Their drummer is gifted and with his playing manners he takes the band to a different level.

"In Parting" starts with a maintained tension that has that "keep on tight" rhythm all the way but suddenly enters a melodic epic piece with a miserable atmosphere. Nothing can't go wrong here, the epic part becoming to an aggressive Death Metal pester loaded by powerful guitar riffs and low end growl vocals. The emphasis in the middle of the song with the piano parts is brilliant. No doubt that this is another sign that these are professional musicians. "The Dream and Waking" is a good example of how a song turns to an anthem by the lead guitars lines and the melancholic parts that enables one to identify with whether he or she wants it or not. The intro piano module is unique, shows that melodic guitar lines with piano part is a perfect combination, especially when it's going to a minor sadly atmosphere. Their last song "By Moon and Star" is a little bit different, has less dramatic spirit and presenting the more brutal side of the band. The formula remains the same by the melodic parts, but delivered with a measure of speed.

There are many highlights and good points on the album, no doubt that I enjoyed it but I had trouble with getting into it from the first listening due to the length of nearly each song. The magic in them is that they have their way to challenge the listener by the changing of moods in the melodic parts, but I felt that from time to time the song reaches a high point already in the middle and then drops. I can see the evolution process this band has been going through and I am sure that they have a lot to offer to all Headbangers out there.