The American Metal machine will pump out band after band, as one would expect with the vast size of the country. Some will go on to make huge waves in the community, trailblazing a path for others to follow. Others will tread carefully along, becoming known but not necessarily reaching the dizzying heights that are there for the taking.

CROOKED HEART. A band conceived in 2013 and slowly building their support base, catapulted by the successes of their debut album, "Stranger Things" they have recently released their second full length album "Perpetual Twilight".

The artwork for the cover is exactly that, a work of art. You can see that a lot of attention to detail, a careful eye and pride were put into this. So, Valisa Bernardino, take a bow for your accomplishments!

Straight away the Post Hardcore and Post Punk stylings come flying out in swathes. Attitude, a bouncy, pounding rhythm and just overall enjoyable sound makes my ears prick up and CROOKED HEARTS have my attention with their storming opening track "Stupid Prizes". The energy and passion for their music continues into "Aboard The Unreliable" with some sweeping guitar runs, flickers of Prog styles and just a driving momentum that can't be stopped.

"A Visitor" slows down a tad, a new voice is heard in the tracking... Is this the visitor that is mentioned in the title? This track plays more to the Prog side of things that the band are trying to portray within their music. The respite in the drive is short lived, "The Connections" shifts down a gear and we are once again flying with some electric energy and that familiar attitude that we have come to appreciate from the band.

As we hit the titular track, passing the half way point the album already feels to me to be passing at a rate of knots, but hey, time flies when you're having fun! "Perpetual Twilight" is an odd track. With ebbing and flowing dynamics. Peaceful serene verses, playing to the twilight theme, accented by energetic and almost alarming or confusing chorus sections, expertly done. "They're Here "is beautifully chaotic. Slick silky bass lines are the order of the track, supported with some absolutely sublime control of the drums to create a well rounded and complete track.

"Sacred Agony" is confusing. Very confusing. Upon hearing the drum complicated introduction, I was taken aback. There is some serious skill being portrayed there. Go back and listen to it, again and again until you can appreciate just how hard it is to play like that! And it doesn't just stop there, all throughout there is just an untiring display of prowess and finesse by drummer Aaron. The final track, "Into The Vale" takes all the elements we have seen demonstrated throughout and throws them together into a mesmerising mash up and final assault of the listener.

Overall, I have to say that this is a fantastic album. All facets of the record come together to deliver and powerful, memorable and most importantly enjoyable performance that I will remember for some time. I always like to imagine an album being played live and I can only see an amazing show being put on by CROOKED HEARTS, something I hope I will get to see if they get to the UK.