Extol have never been one to remain stagnant, but to many "The Blueprint Dives" may be taking their lust for reinvention a bit too far. Having shed much of their immediate darker black/death metal aesthetics while retaining the symphonic and grandiose outlook, the band now toil with passion that revels in disorder. Having lost two guitarists since they last surfaced with 2003's "Synergy", the music contained here is a veritable oxymoron as cascading hooks are tucked away in thornbushes of progressive instrumentation.

Similar to Opeth on more than one occasion, the outlook and scope is bleak and cavernous. Ravenous vocals peck away with desperate lunges as lingering build-ups slowly boil over into moments of sullen immensity. But that's not all there is to be found here. There are also moments of melodic crooning that could almost recall Blindside in their earlier days, that is if they weren't so overwhelming and elaborately constructed.

It's almost like Neurosis touching down on foreign soil as the same general vision is there, but it's differentiated by subtle cultural quirks. Guitar and rhythm section wise the songs are busy, yet they feel ominously sparse, even in the face of their actual density. That said, this is quite a dirge-like affair that requires ample attention and patience. Intellectually stimulating? Perhaps, but more often than not things move forth at a snails pace as the band set out to satisfy themselves rather than the listener. By no means a blueprint for commercial success, this album is still a victory for creative advancement as indulgent as it may be.