From Bandcamp, "NIGHTSHADE, the alienating and passionate Swiss duo, returns to the music scene with a refreshed sonic identity, offering some of the band's most mesmerizing songs to date. Infusing moods ranging from dark and psychedelic, to heavy and galloping riffs, "In Essence Divided" is a captivating creature inspired by the roots of Progressive from the 70's, by Avantgarde Black Metal of the last decade, by the melodic Metal of the 90's. "In Essence Divided" is the first concept album of a trilogy. It explores the motives of cosmogonies as told in mythologies from all around the world. "In Essence Divided" should delight fans of Progressive Metal à la OPETH, but also those enjoying an uncanny mix of styles and influences from PINK FLOYD to BLOOD INCANTATION, from SAMAEL to GOJIRA."

"Stateless Journey" is first. It's oddly calming, in a death sort of way. Heavy electronica that pushes solemn melodies combine with harmonized vocals that sound ritualistic. Harsh vocals enter, and the sound becomes more aggressive. Thick, thumping bass notes take over from there and ride out. "The Crucible" features more synths and dirty bass notes with vocals that sound like Coldwave, at least until the advent of harsh vocals. Odd chord progressions commence, but melody is kept high within the mid-tempo groove. "Night Torn" is a beastly ten minutes. It's dark, mysterious, and smooth. A steady pulse of synths also makes it a bit tense, and that comes to fruition with a heavy riff and raspy vocals. Eerie sax notes enter, and the song turns strange…in a good way of course. It's easy to get hooked on their music, and it doesn't seem like ten minutes have even passed.

"Dissonant Void" is a concise three and a half minutes, and not only does it present a more linear melody, it also brings a measure of darkness with it. The lead guitar breaks are excellent as well. "Baiterek" has a groovy guitar riff that combines nicely with synth notes, and the band smartly does not seem interested in categorizing their sound. It slows to an eerie fog that hangs in the morning mist, as voices in your head become louder and clearer…are they real? "Ov Seas & Seeds" offers a bit of psychedelica along with calm vocals, smooth synths, and a riff that can harden in seconds. Those synths are just as catchy as the riffs, and he speaks of something forbidden…something that doesn't often come up. "Come Undone" might recount the time when you felt you were losing it, perhaps forever, and a dark, aggressive riff reflects those feelings. The clean vocals are smooth, and there is plenty of electronica, but harsh vocals roar up without warning.

"Brother of Sleep" is the final song. Thick bass notes combine with smooth vocals and synths, again until the bark of harsh vocals rise up. The synths have a catchy quality to them within the framework of madness. It's an uncanny combination. When you really stop to think about it, Progressive music can be anything you want it to be, and this album was an example of how far the genre can be pushed. The part of me who has to categorize everything he hears for my own reference point and for a guide for listeners is frustrated that I can't find the proper word to describe their music. However, the other part of me who knows good music when he hears it is completely satisfied.