Produced by late Nasum vocalist Mieszko Talarczyk, Callisto's "True Nature Unfolds" is a sonic behemoth of an album that restlessly lumbers on with the weight of the world perched upon its shoulders. Now trudging its way to North American shores via Earache, the Finnish bands progressive blend of droner rock should have no trouble endearing itself to anyone already smitten by the likes of Isis and Cult Of Luna.

One of the ever growing legion of disciples of all that is Neurosis to be sure, much of what Callisto provide is almost listless in feel. The instruments slowly unfurl themselves with timid pacing, while husks of throat scorching vocals are precariously tossed in their way. Whether wading through waves of immense distortion or prolonging the ringing of jangling notes underneath ethereal female vocals, the band merely funnel the expansive noise they create, rather than trying to structure it into 'actual songs.'

Yes, there are moments that are shockingly direct with vehement aggression, but the bulk of the material featured drags on with the contempt and exhaustion of an overworked slave. Monolithic in design yet experimental in implementation, the bands creativity and talented musicianship is as impressive as it is grueling. But even though this album is finely crafted on nearly all accounts, it still doesn't stop them from barely peering out from the shadows of the bands they have so visibly been inspired by. An excellent release by all means, but one you have likely heard 80% of many times before.