It’s notable that the structures are a little more traditional this time round, and lead vocalist Mike Vennart seems a bit more to the fore, maybe to emphasise the more political lyrics.

The full six-minute 20 version of recent single ‘Heaven Alive’ has even more of a majestic sweep to it than the radio edit, and definitely grows on you after repeated listens. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t want to give the impression the band’s sophomore album has seen a major departure in a more commercial direction. Slightly more accessible maybe, but their invention isn’t lost.

‘A Homage To Shame’ is a heavier number that uses their three-guitar assault to good effect, though not without a melodic side too. Meanwhile ‘Music For A Nurse’ is probably more like their older stuff, including various effects and beeps that could’ve been hospital equipment, and even made me press pause to find out if the noise was coming from the CD or outside! Such is the epic nature of the songs that such details as verses and choruses are soon lost, as they flow organically from heavy bit to quieter interlude, meandering first one way and then another, sometimes confounding expectations just when you think you know what’s coming.

At times veering on the pretentious and overblown, it’s an album of contrasts, between heavy and melodic, light and dark. The only thing that isn’t so variable though is the consistently high quality. Still an acquired taste, this is an album of grand proportions that, while a slight change musically, admirably lives up to the high standards of their debut.

(4/5)

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