From Bandcamp, THE ENIGMA DIVISION are an Irish Progressive band formed in 2019. Their music comprises of eclectic elements, most notably film score, Synthwave & Progressive Metal. This is the long awaited debut album, and it has eight songs. "1977" is the first. There is a relatively slow build up, but when the sound hits, it hits big, with drum fills, heavy riffs, and Symphonic elements. Close your eyes, and you will feel yourself being transported to another world. "The Escapist" features heavy and aggressive rhythm guitars in tight sequences. The vocals come in and the chorus opens up with harmonies. Keyboards come in with support. The song is both catchy and threatening at the same time.

"Echoes in The Deep" brings the feeling of another world back to your conscience. Those familiar with the Fermi Paradox could wrestle with this one for years. Electronic elements combine with edgy riffs and some vocal harmonies. It doesn't take long before the melodies come busting through. It takes a couple detours along the way with some outstanding guitar leads. The ending is smooth and with some really nice hooks. "Afterglow" was the first song I heard from the band that caught my ear and made me want to hear more. It's simply one of the best and catchiest songs I have heard in a while, where the music melds with the vocals into a cohesive song that puts goosebumps on my body.

"The Age of Discovery" is where the Progressive elements come through, but not at the expense of the melody. The song has a dark quality, but also an innocence, like a child going outside for the first time on a warm spring day...all the sights, sounds, and tactile things they can experience are wonders for them. "Kaleidoscope" is a toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass or paper, whose reflections produce changing patterns. The smooth and mellow sound is bested only by the heavy rhythms that keep the tides turning underneath. Catchy melodies come in at the chorus, but there is still an undercurrent of mystery built into the song. Hankering for a guitar solo? This one will light a fire under your ass. "Clarity" was the second single I heard. The opening piano notes have all the allure of JOURNEY, and it's a fantastic and mesmerizing song, with gentle and charming qualities. Soak this one in slowly.

The epic "1977 - Ad Infinitum" closes the album. This song is an existential journey through the stars and into the heavens. Choppy accents enter with a zing of keyboards, followed by piano. Slowly, more layers are added, and at this point, your transformation to an extraterrestrial being is underway. It finally settles on a core sound, which is chunky and aggressive. From there it lightens, with prophetic spoken words, before the bit of aggression returns. Things start to shake, and bricks begin falling from the ceiling. For a minute, suspension holds, and time draws out like a blade. The final words are chilling. This is our earth, hope will not save us.

This album has a ton of replay-ability. Their musicianship is nearly impeccable, yet they create songs that you can identify with. Some of the songs are very catchy, while others have more depth, and stimulate your senses in other ways. One of the best compliments I can pay the album is that even fans who aren't particularly passionate about Progressive Metal can find a lot to love. This is one of the better debut albums I have heard in a while, and I can't wait to see where the band takes things from here.