Australian proggers CALIGULA'S HORSE are back with "Rise Radiant," the follow-up to 2017's critically acclaimed "In Contact." Following such a masterpiece of a record is no easy task and the band should be commended for not intending to do "In Contact, part 2." This album is less ambitious in scope and length but not necessarily less eclectic than previous recordings. "Rise Radiant" certainly finds the band in flux, showing different paths they could take, without fully compromising to any of them.

The record opens with a one-two Modern Metal punch "The Tempest" and "Slow Violence" take the more Djent side of the band and filters it through a straightforward, even poppy, kind of songwriting. The former is quite synth heavy and features some electronic elements, especially in its atmospheric soft passages, as well as some exquisite soloing by Sam Vallen. "Slow Violence" has some nasty rhythmic shifts and even feels reminiscent of late-era LEPROUS. Jim Grey puts his falsetto to work on both tracks, especially on their powerful choruses.

"Salt" begins with delicate piano playing before exploding into a powerful, heavy section. This jazzy and theatrical song has some truly strong 70's prog influences. In fact, at points it sounds like a heavier version of a lost YES or GENESIS track. The band seems to reach back in feel to their early records like "Moments From Ephemeral City" or "The Tide, The Ride & River's End." Josh Griffin lays down some of his most complex rhythm patterns on "Rise Radiant" in this track, brimming with syncopation.

Possibly the most experimental moment on the record comes in the form of interlude "Resonate," with little more than synths, programmed beats and soulful vocals by Grey. It takes a couple of pages from 90's trip hop and some indie electronica stuff, being quite fun if a bit out of place. "Oceanrise" falls down a djenty hole again, and even if its chorus is appealing, it does feel a tad repetitive in comparison with previous songs.

"Valkyrie" nasty main riff and synth and guitar combo makes it a really enjoyable track and one of the best of the bunch. A couple of interesting, technical solos let Vallen show off his skills. This track seems to incorporate in a better way the djenty, more modern side of the band with their more traditionally proggy and eclectic influences. A good synthesis of the two sides of the band seemingly "in conflict" here.

"Autumn" is a wonderful acoustic-tingled ballad. Vulnerable and raw, Grey's vocals carry a lot of emotion and sensitivity. There is also a vaguely sinister feel underneath its charming melodies. I found a bit of an OPETH influence on a harmonic level, as well as on the acoustic guitar work. It builds towards a quiet explosion and perfectly gives way to "The Ascent," feeling like its first half or even a lengthy intro in a way.

Closing "Rising Radiant" is the dark and heavy closer "The Ascent." A true Prog Metal suite, it goes through several sections, with high-energy, djenty bits, brooding acoustic passages, and soaring choruses. It feels less technical than some of the more modern-oriented tracks on the record, but it is still complex and shifting in structure. The highlight of the record alongside "Autumn," both being the best written tracks on "Rise Radiant". Its abrupt ending feels haunting.

"Rise Radiant" is a solid record but it also feels like a transitional and exploratory one, a second debut in a sense. The band's path from "Moments From Ephemeral City" to "In Contact" was one of constant evolution and working towards a clear point. "Bloom" allowed the band to focus musically, smoothing some of their experimental edges without losing them, and "In Contact" felt like a climax point of their career, a consolidation of sorts.

CALIGULA'S HORSE is a talented band and seem to be exploring different sounds and ideas, searching for a path to continue growing. "Rise Radiant" is as immediate as their last two releases, but lacks the focus even if the songwriting sometimes falls into more straightforward places. It tries to be at least two different records and do not always fit together as nicely as they could. It is a matter of time to see where this Australian quintet goes as they keep on searching for new sounds and feels.