A very inconsistent record.
The metal parts, for the majority, are an absolute abomination: leads are extremely sloppy, and Haughm's vocals sound so thin it's actually difficult to hear him.
Drum production is horrific, with blastbeats and faster patterns being ruined and losing their effect due to the terrible mixing. There is no breadth to the sound, the toms all sound flat as though no sound travels through the barrel of the drum.
The record sounds as though it was recorded during practice, with none of the guitars actually being properly tuned, evident throughout attrocious leads across all songs. There is little to no cohesion during the majority of the record, and many concepts do not appear to be fully realised.
However, I am summing up the negatives here, which unfortunately, are quite strong especially throughout the first half of the album. The second half sees the glue of proper, more conceived ideas holding realisations together better, and a bleak atmosphere finally takes shape with some direction. Reports of the band returning to their roots hold fruit here, you *can* hear characteristics of the first few recordings up until (and including) The Mantle.
The second half of the record's production sounds more effective than the first, but the bad taste of the drumming mix stains the entire album.
I've heard that there was an intention to have and older and rawer production style. Raw yes, but not in a way that works. Any intended warm or analogue feel simply doesn't come across.
These observations are from first listen only. Perhaps my feelings will change over time...
