DISILLUSION is a Melodic Death/Progressive Metal band from Germany. Originally formed in 1994, the band did not release their debut full-length until 2004, followed up by "Gloria" in 2006. Thirteen long years have passed, and Andy Schmidt got the band back together in 2015 for a show, and then four years later, we have their newest release, titled "The Liberation," which contains seven tracks.

"In Waking Hours" is a short instrumental leading track. Soft acoustical guitars open the song with a bit of ambiance and an alluring melody. It segues into "Wintertide," which is the longest song on the album, at over twelve minutes in length. A heavy riff opens the track, with some ominous tones. Spoken words lead to some harsh vocals. The sound shifts several times along the way, but always with this dark melody line and a sense of the grandiose. It culminates with clean vocals and a crescendo of sorts. "The Great Unknown" is much shorter. Spoken words and harsh vocals lead this song, with a galloping cadence and some fantastic drum work from Martin Schulz. It takes a darker acoustical turn after the half-way mark, with emotive clean vocals.

"A Shimmer in the Darkest Sea" opens with a steady bass line and come great vocal chants. The harmonized vocals make this song stand out here. The melodies are delicate, but easy to follow. It has a slight gothic tone to it as well. "The Liberation" is another lengthy song. It opens with an energetic riff but the cadence turns with the vocals some in. It's also another song with a darkness that permeates it, and the clean vocals give it a gothic edge as well. It has delicate melodies and some real charm overall. "Time to let go" is s shorter and more succinct song where the melody is on full display from the start. It comes at you hard and then releases at the end, with some really pretty guitar lines. "The Mountain" is a long closing song, opening with winds and some doleful piano tones. Again, those low clean vocals give the song a gothic edge. Combined with the overall darkness of the album, I would call it Progressive Gothic music, something I really haven't encountered before. The sound fades out a bit, like you drifted into outer space. Those trumpet notes are unique for sure.

Overall, it sounds like the band picked up right where they left off...with a fantastic album, full of dark tones, bright spots, melody and a somberness that is underscored. The entire album has a powerful presence on your senses. The only thing I didn't care much for were the low, clean vocals. The Progressive elements and the harsh vocals however were wonderful. They tempered their obviously dexterous musicianship in favor of songwriting which in my opinion was the right choice. An excellent album any way you slice it.