It's been eight long years since Sweden's Progressive Metal veterans SEVENTH WONDER released an album. That's a long time to be out of the game, but fortunately, fans have rabidly been awaiting this release and it doesn't seem to have affected the band's fan base. Indeed, quite the opposite. People have been lining up and waiting for this release for some time now. "Arrival" is a short keyboard opening piece, setting an ominous tone for what it to come. It segues into "The Everones," which opens with a somber and intense guitar riff, leading to vocal harmonies and some Proggy time meters. A big chorus ensues, with plenty of emotions, where vocalist Tommy really stretches out, followed by a keyboard solo that will really get your juices flowing. "Dream Machines" features a chugging guitar riff that explores here and there, and some tender vocals. The sound is all over the place, cutting in and out with snippets of melody but hardly lasting long enough for you to get used to one particular passage. He caps it with a high wail at the end.

"Against the Grain" opens with acoustical guitars that leads to a lead guitar passage that climbs the scale with grace and beauty, and a keyboard solo that follows the melody line very well. What follows is an exercise in Progressive Metal madness...trading off passages of pure beauty with ones that rattle with shifting meters and changing keys. "Victorious" is a proclamation of winning; a stalwart sound that rings with the gloats of a conquering hero. The chorus reflects this with a full and rich sound and something that you can sing along with easily. It makes you feel alive, and capable of taking on anything. Then comes the "Farewell" trilogy, which in total is close to 20 minutes in length. "Tiara's Song" is the first movement; a charming track that features equal parts of guitar pyrotechnics and vocal domination. The second movement, "Goodbye" a heart-felt anguish. Supple piano keys open the song with vocals that are throb with expressive sorrow. It culminates in a crescendo and then slowly fades away.

"Beyond Today" is the third and final movement. Piano notes and background vocals dance together in unison, while Tommy delivers one of the most memorable vocal performances on the album, where they end with talking about "how the best is yet to come," and they have convinced you of this. "The Truth" features bass guitar notes dancing under a track of heavy endearment that also features a brief passage of female vocals that join in with the fantasy with power and beauty. "By the Light of the Funeral Pyres" is an anthem of pure aggression and fast-moving guitars that never lets up. The pyrotechnics illuminate the sky in tones of deep red and bright purple, something that freezes you in your footsteps and draws you in to its stunning sound. "Damnation Below" opens with fanciful guitar riff that is soon followed by a heavy sound with solemn tones. Moments of levity break up the feeling of censure that you get from the title of the song.

The very brief "Procession" leads to the closer and the longest song on the album, "Exhale." This song has it all...rowdy and firey passages of pure angst and emotion, thoughtful and preserved passages that swirl with beauty and charm, and a feeling of something closing around you, as it ends in a celebration of all that is good in your life with a satisfying smile and inward peace. Eight long years was well worth the wait. They have their craft so honed now, that they can practically finish each other's sentences. The production is key here, so consummate that everything can be heard in its proper place. Every note, every key change and time change, performed so flawlessly that it is remarkable and thrilling to listen to. Yet, the pure beauty of it remains....what made you fall in love with the band in the first place.