This is something very special from Down Under.  I was only introduced to the music of Ne Obliviscaris a short while ago, but have been completely addicted to them since then. 

Their sole output prior to this release was a 3 track self-released demo CD in 2007, which has been on constant play since I managed to secure a copy of it recently (at significant expense!).  After a gap of 5 years, the debut album is unleashed, clocking in at 71 minutes of accomplished Extreme Progressive Metal.

Both harsh, varied clean vocals and violins round out the long tracks to pull you through the captivating journey, taking in elements of Black, Thrash, Death, Progressive and Melodic Metal… whilst incorporating other influences and melding them perfectly. It defies categorisation, in a very good way.

Despite being released on (I assume) a small Australian label, it has very quickly been picked up by Italian label Code666 for distribution.

Having taken their time to get this the way the Melbourne band want it, I am blown away by how good this is, it is a very strong contender for my Album Of The Year.