I have grown accustomed to solo projects from a number of prominent metal musicians; John Petrucci, Neal Wakefield, James Labrie, Ihsahn among them. However, recently I paid my attention to something new; a solo project from a very-much-so underground musician. Multi-instrumentalist Johnny Hornanvasara has managed to pull off something seminally impressive; an ambitious solo-project, all performances and compositions borne of a single mind, which sounds absolutely fantastic.

From tracks 1 to 8, they are all instrumental, as it is with many solo Prog albums. "Retrospective" is Progressive magic, combining the FLOYDian guitars capes of DREAM THEATRE and the uplifting, melodic and rhythmic arrangements akin to ANGRA. His proficiency on each of the instruments is well-explored, and very obvious. "Well Done Mankind" is quaintly-pretentious but also highly likeable, combining funky drum patterns in some places, with Proggy transitions marking a shift to unexpected Punk-like riff passages, before being broken down yet another time to smooth interludes.

"Against the Rest of the World" defeats the purpose of attempting to concretely label this album with a genre. Aggressive and forward-steamrolling riffs are reminiscent of old-school Thrash, broken up with Progressive, melodic spikes and smoothed out by heavy grooves. "Limbo Convict" ends the album on yet another different, metallic note, taking influences from Doom akin to CANDLEMASS and classic Metal precursory not unlike BLACK SABBATH. Less of a virtuosic approach is featured here, showing a stark contrast in atmosphere; a darker, grittier side to the album.

"Insanely Epic Album Title" is quite literally insane; I can guarantee you never know where your ears will be at with this piece. If you are a fan of Progressive music, like myself, this will surely be a selling-point for you. As the man said, there is "something in it for everyone".