Astronomicon

Progressive metal is an avenue that has allowed for some spectacular epics, as well as a genre that has seen its share of bland releases, as bands are often carried away and wind up creating lengthy songs that never manage to travel successfully from point A to point B. Luckily, Without Face falls in the category of invigorating prog metal groups whose creativity is nurtured and excellently crafted, as the band's Earache debut is a mesmerizing six-song album that clocks in at roughly 45 minutes. Frontwoman Juliette's beautiful vocals stand out over the intricacy of her fellow bandmates, so that Astronomicon in itself becomes a sort of unique short story, capturing listeners and leaving them spellbound as songs rise and fall with elegance. Those not accustomed to the longer format of prog metal may find themselves lost here, as five out of six tracks range from seven to nine minutes in length. Nonetheless, Astronomicon is a wonderful experimental album that should leave listeners in a daze long after the haunting conclusion of "Daimonion." ~ Jason D. Taylor, Rovi