It really is a shame that From A Second Story Window are so intent on making music for those with attention deficit disorder, because underneath all their musical manic schizophrenia, a rather talented group of musicians lurks. "Delenda" clearly proves the band have not taken their Ritalin yet though and are instead just broadening their scope, taking on more personalities than they were able to before.

The biggest change prevalent here is the bands increased usage of instrumentation and while there are elements of this record that can recall groups like Neurosis, the Dillinger Escape Plan and more, half the time the songs revert back to a death/grind style that nullifies any momentum they struggle to build up. In turn, as the melting pot boils over the group sway between abstract and generic influences, never really finding a footing for either.

This is where things can quickly go downhill. While the emotive crooning added to a track like "The Crusher" enhances the experience and gives the song a sense of empowerment. The rather painful piano driven balladry of "Ghosts Over Japan" sounds like a Drive-Thru band being played over the p.a. during set changes at a death metal show. Truly "Delenda" is a mixed bag.

Whether it be the frustratingly unfocused, yet technically proficient musicianship; a reliance on death/grind elements to the point where they become a crutch; or the numerous moments where unique elements are underutilized or abruptly discontinued, a heavy toll is paid. It's not hard for excessive creativity to become a clusterfuck and unfortunately, that is exactly what most of "Delenda" is.