There's more than one reason for Behold...The Arctopus' cult status, but perhaps the one that sticks out the most is the fact that the music this group create is entirely not made for the mainstream. Essentially a brainy prog-ridden freakout of jazz, metal and whatever else the band can fit in, the material here isn't so much played as "songs" as they are abrasive, challenging jam sessions. With technical ability abound, the group share a penchant for pushing the limits of genres and their instruments with the end result akin to taking a trip to the seedy red light district of John Zorn's Naked City.

Still, while this will likely be the first introduction to the band for many, it is basically a remastered reissue of their previous 2005 outing of the same name along with some extra bonus live tracks. But remastered or not, the only real mastering job that those who listen to Behold...The Arctopus will likely be interested in is the bands mastery of their instruments.

Sure the trio is entirely accomplished and could easily give the like-minded musicians in both Ephel Duath and the Dillinger Escape Plan a run for their money, but the real star of this instrumental opus is Colin Marston and his agile usage of the "Warr Guitar" - a 12-string instrument that covers both the ranges of the guitar and bass and is played primarily through tapping.

With the band comprised of a drummer a guitarist and the aforementioned Warr guitarist, Marston is left to log double duty as both a bassist and guitarist and his sharp playing style, combined with the plucky tapped tones, do steal much of the virtuosic spotlight. This is not to put down the bands two other musicians by any means though, as they both have more chops than the RZA's kung-fu film collection.

The thing is, as the band do lay down a considerable amount of melody and metal throughout their consistent noodling and mind-bending sonic exploration, fluidity and restraint are not exactly their strong points. It's easy to appreciate the talent these gentlemen have, but it's not easy to appreciate it and stay interested for this efforts entire 53 minute running time.