For a musical venture that takes its name after a word that means "wondrous", the aptly-named SELCOUTH are indeed an unusual project. SELCOUTH are a multi-national ensemble of singers and instrumentalists who share the same goal of creating music that cannot be shoehorned into one particular category. The music of "Heart Is The Star Of Chaos" simply transcends musical boundaries and propels listeners towards otherworldly realms. A multi-faceted production, "Heart Is The Star Of Chaos" witnesses a concoction of diverse musical genres, ranging from Progressive Metal, Jazz and Opera, beautifully merged with poems penned by Jukka "Koba" Ylisyvanto. The large number of personnel involved is testament to the fact that "Heart Is The Star Of Chaos" is not simply a mere album, but an ambitious work of art that knows no limitations.

A trippy, sci-fi inspired piece, "Strange Before The Calm" might remind one of the fantastical musical tracks of AYREON. A dramatic tune that reflects the eccentricities of SELCOUTH's music, this track witnesses strange robotic voices interspersed between vocalist Juuso Juntunen's voice. A dynamic key change is witnessed halfway through the tune, accompanied by riffs and increasingly rapid drumming before coming to an abrupt end. "Nightspirit" is perhaps one of the best tracks on this album. Andrés Ruiz's voice has a soothing effect and is a perfect choice for this sentimental track. Meltiis's haunting voice complements the former's vocals really well, adding a touch of mystery and eeriness to it.

"Gaia" is another atmospheric piece that features the vocal talents of Ai Vihervaara. Her dulcet, Jazz-influenced vocal style is emotive and powerful, penetrating the lush soundscapes that make up the ambience of this painstakingly crafted track. The upbeat "Querencia" features a generous dose of riffs and the return of Andrés Ruiz's calming vocals, which represents a stark contrast to the ever-encroaching mass of drum beats and bass lines.

The operatic "Of Hopes And Lost Treasures" is indeed a compelling display of musical dynamics and sees the melancholic mezzo-soprano vocals of Meltiis blend with the rich, soaring voice of Juuso Juntunen, evoking a strong sense of sobriety. However, the previously wistful ambience is soon crushed and takes on a psychedelic turn, with Juuso employing a wide variety of vocal styles, including wails and regular singing. The bizarre "Below Hope" is a concoction that can only be labeled as "chaotic beauty", for it is a piece crafted with strange time signatures, and its chaotic factor is heightened with Juuso's melodramatic vocal performance.

"Sunless Weather" might function on a more relaxed pace in comparison with its predecessor, and features a different singer, Tuukka Myllymäki. His style of singing is encroaching - moving yet strangely calming at certain points, bringing with it an ominous vibe. Again, Juuso resumes vocal duties on "Flying Canopies", showcasing his enormous and dynamic vocal range. The layering of his different vocal styles, ranging from rich to downright raspy, serves to heighten the turbulent nature of this track. The show-stopping "Rusticus" kicks off with an eerily magical keyboard solo, which then makes way for vocalist Nightmarer's dreamy voice amidst a sea of guitar riffs and drum beats. The song takes a surprising turn when raspy growls/snarls are then thrown into the combination as well. Towards the end, Meltiis graces the song with her haunting operatic voice, thus wrapping up a tastefully wonderful album.

As a whole, "Heart Is The Star Of Chaos" might strike some - especially those who do not regularly listen to avant-garde Metal - as weird and quirky due to all the unconventionalities employed in its songwriting and composition. However, it is precisely this weirdness that makes SELCOUTH's debut album shine amidst a sea of bland and cliché albums that flood the Metal scene. The highly experimental nature of "Heart Is The Star Of Chaos" and its refusal to cling on to traditional musical conventions is what gives life to this ensemble. In short, SELCOUTH has certainly done an unforgettable and astounding job with its debut production.