You know what? I honestly have to say I liked this disc and it was even an improvement over their past work, a natural evolution to their sound; an almost effortless improvement. A high quality well produced honest recording of these guys and their first full-length published album. They are now clearly a Thrash act where-as before they seemed to be undecided as to their sound. This is another act that we, at the RRCA, saw at their very beginning and hope to watch them progress through their career.
Anyway, the music is solid contemporary/traditional Thrash sound (they dub it "Progressive Power Metal"; and it does have Progressive influences) with anger and angst but non-offensive or confronting, at the same time the "about life" subjects will make you think. A great example of all of this is Avonlea ( track 5 ) which is melodic, heavy and, although it appears like a fantasy story on the surface, it has something to say, this is clear from the first line, "What fear lives in the hearts of men, that makes them do evil, in the name of God?" This is just one example. The moody, haunting Labrynth ( track 6 ) was no less impressive, as was Retrofit ( track 8 ) with its genetic engineering message.
Eleven has many moods, at times it's hard and harsh then at others it softens up, but make no mistake, it never leaves its heavy roots. It features complex melodies and arrangements making it fresh and memorable; their own bumf says that and I agree! Each instrument is given its due space and time, letting your ears hear it all. A very nice job by these guys - bravo! Cool cover art too featuring dancing skeletons and one being sucked into a hovering sphere. Why this art? I don't know, but it's cool all the same.
BTW: B.E.N.T. stands for: Beyond Every Natural Thought. OK, that mystery is solved too!
Rock Record Collectors Association
Review
