Reviewed by Greg Sammons

Perhaps one day Fire Fly will produce a dud but that day doesn't seem too near right now. After a long hiatus (has it really been three years since the release of the classic "Blue Eyed Boy" single?) the Midlands progressive hard music team return with a truly epic album. I've got to admit that upon the first play I was a little surprised, if not slightly let down, as I'd got so used to the earlier versions of a number of the songs that had appeared prior to their final version on this album. The album initially seems rather alien to their previous material, although you can't hide Simon Bibby's brilliant vocals. But then the full effect of the band's shift in style to a much more European, almost gothic, feel - no doubt influenced by their many European tours, particularly Poland, begins to take hold. It is in fact a Pole who designed the artwork. As with some of the more prog metal bands, it takes a number of listens to fully appreciate each track, getting something new from each listen until the full picture becomes ever more beautiful and intricate. With some intricate guitar and keys interplay one might occasionally compare the band with the mighty Extol. (Norway's finest have, like Fire Fly, taken a turn to a more intricate style of metal, which will perhaps annoy the straight riff lovers but will whet the appetite of anyone looking for something original and different. The lyrics and messages purveyed are equally original and interesting, with many thought provoking images and concepts and some themes well worth touching that may not have been thought of before. All in all, a highly intricate, original, relevant and best of all; entertaining album which, if there's any justice, will soon be eulogised in the pages of Kerrang!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.