If A Perfect Circle ever settled down and pursued a more standard rock approach, 10 Years would be the likely result. A moody and emotional take on textured prog-rock, the accessible nature of the band is inviting, while the lingering tenseness suggests hints of something more.

There's no mistaking the reserved feel of the bands material. Much of it remains restrained and gloomy with sullen vocals wading through crisp waves of dense, plodding instrumentation. But through the darkness there's also a sense of light that seems to guide the band on, providing an element of methodical contrast - however bleak it may be.

The music is often vast in scope, yet the persistent momentum keeps the songs from capsizing. Still, the adverse side of this lean direction is that the material doesn't exactly astound or explore new territories. There's a sense of complacency that soon sets in, and aside from an unexpected electronic medley, repetition can rapidly begin to take a toll.

The heavily Maynard James Keenan-reminiscent vocals are also problematic for the band, offering up a clouded sense of identity. These shortcomings, combined with a mopey progression, soon become draining. Plus, with a fairly rigid song format implemented at nearly ever turn, surprises are few and far between. The tracks are too slick and calculated to be mind-expanding and too weighty to be uplifting. An earnest album to be sure, but one that sadly falls short of captivating like it should.