Brisbane-based CALIGULA’s HORSE has grown into one of the premiere progressive metal bands in the world since their inception in 2011. Combining raw rock power with immense emotional depth, the group returns with their 6th studio album, “Charcoal Grace,” born of the static hopelessness that the pandemic forced upon the band and, indeed, much of the world, these past few years. It is an album reckoning with the experiences and outcomes of this time geared, ultimately, towards catharsis - moving towards a more hopeful future.

 “The World Breathes with me” is first, and it has a delicate beauty at first, followed by some deeper and heavier structures. As with a lot of Progressive music, the way the chords progress is unexpected and exciting. One thing that the listener can pick up on immediately is the way that the band holds back and lets it out, and when it comes out, it is like a multi-colored palate with more depth than anything else you have seen or heard in a while. “Golem” is both heavier and hastier, and the bass work is hardened. The band also flexes some of their prowess here as the riffs are dangerous, but harmonies shine brightly in the chorus. Thus is a funky and catchy song.

 Next up is the 24-minute title track, divided into four parts. Fat electronic tones combine with graceful melodies that are just a bit hidden. It’s almost like getting a blocked view of a rare bird with vibrant markings. When it needs to be, it is as ardent as anything, but it also breathes with clean air that cleanses. Part two is much dreamier and more ethereal. The vocals are very delicate, and the emotional impact of the song is massive. Let it smack you on the head and just ride along with it…especially the leads…they are spine-tingling.

 Part three is a short, introspective song with clean guitars and soothing, calming vocals. “Welcome the silence in her charcoal grace” he muses. The poignant quality of this song will sneak up on you for sure. Part four is the culminating song of the title track. The way that the band uses deep emotional swells on the album is probably best represented in this song. It creates a dynamic texture that is enough to raise goosebumps on your arms. “Sails” is so damn pretty that it’s like looking into a mirror and finally seeing the beauty inside you reflected in the outside as well. It is very calming, welcoming, and even cathartic at times.

 “The Stormchaser” is a shining example of what the band does best on the album…equal doses of musicianship, delicate, ethereal passages, and heavy elements. It’s like being hit with a strong downpour of rain just long enough to nearly drown you, and without warning it is gone again. “Mute” closes the album. It has an expansive sound that will swallow you whole at times, but much of that pig punch that you can feel coming is subdued in favor of coy and sweet tones. They let the weighted guitar sound out just long enough to pummel you and the way is synergizes with the rest of the music is impeccable. Talk about a crescendo…this one will lift you up out of your grey haze of doubt and give you cause to focus only on the good in your life.

For me, this is a landmark album for the band. They have always existed in the outer recesses of Progressive Metal in the past. But here, they put it all together into a synergistic whole of outstanding musicianship and wondrous melodies that encapsulate the listener. This is an early contender for album of the year for sure.