When trying to describe Sweden's Cult Of Luna there are two contemporary references that assuredly spring to mind. One being the genre-pioneering Neurosis, the other being their spiritual successors, Isis. Both comparisons prove to be equally fitting as Cult Of Luna demonstrate on this latest outing that they may very well be the offspring that the aforementioned two groups never had together. Having added some new members to their line-up since the release of their 2003 outing "The Beyond"; this now 7-piece outfit are able to excavate all that much more depth for their monolithic brand of doomy metal.

With a sound both large and heavy enough to turn granite into powder Cult Of Luna rancorously explore the outer fringes of metal, melody and sonic experimentation. Often leaving faint atmospheric flourishes as place markers for the listener to follow along, the band drone forth with lumbering determination. Of course, to accomplish this they proceed to defy most forms of conventional song writing and instead wholeheartedly pursue their exploratory metallic urges with equal parts curiosity and malice. Throaty repugnant vocals, formless instrumentation, sparse ambiance and spikes of hulking riffing and plodding electronics can all be expected, though never in the same configuration.

While "Salvation" may be hyped as the bands breakthrough effort though, it ultimately falls short of such a title. There's no doubt that this collective are proficient at what they do. Their grasp of elephantine-like instrumentation and dominating musical presence are dually impressive. However, the one thing this album has its ample share of is vapid amounts of space. Sure, this is a necessary component for the style of music the band play. But there's almost too much of it present here, leaving a lethargic rhythm section and a few errant guitar plucks to often be all that one hears for extended amounts of time. That said, when the band do factor in their imposing vocal presence and toss in some extra fills and variation, "Salvation" comes quite close to living up to its namesake. It may not make them internationally known - but it'll definitely help them rake in scores of new disciples.