Prog Metal fans have been licking their chops at the thought of new LEPROUS music since they announced their upcoming album. Our thirst has been satisfied and with epic magnitude! "The Congregation" is their brilliant May 2015 release which was met with much gladness. The quartet from Oslo meticulously reviewed every single detail of this album and the monument to their efforts is evident.

These guys have long since established themselves as pioneers of Progressive Metal and "The Congregation" is their latest chapter in their evolution of innovation. They are extremely skilled musicians, songwriters, and performers, using a variety of sounds, styles, and techniques in their music that easily made LEPROUS one of the foremost bands in the genre. I am completely awe­struck by the absolute mastery I found on this album.

Bearing a strong resemblance to similar work by BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and "Juggernaut" by PERIPHERY, this album kicks up to a level that tells me that it was made for the intelligent Metalhead. There is plenty of that tasty open­-chord resonance on a down-­tuned guitar or two, perfect for satisfying a hardcore junkie's lust. Generous uses of synthesizer and clean vocals (very little in the way of harsh or growls, most noticeable on "Rewind") keep the mood set on curious. Speaking of vocals, I should mention that Einar Soldberg has a beautifully haunting voice, capable of insane highs and melodies, the likes of which can send chills over your skin!

There is honestly so many changes to the music, so many nuances that resonate from the speakers, and so many fluctuations in style that I was constantly kept in suspense as to what the next stanza would bring. From an major-scale staccato breakdown in the "Down" intro, to the soft, mystifying synths of "The Flood" intro (which the song then goes into a massive, wall-­of­-sound approach), and the atmospheric tonality in "Lower" I was lead to believe that there is surely something for everyone on "The Congregation." Without a doubt, this is a 2015 must­-have for fans of LEPROUS or Prog Metal in general!