When O.H.M. came to an end, Opus Dai was born and despite the obvious changes, the same essential ideals remain. Bent on frequent experimentation, world music influenced musicianship and progressively complex instrumental interplay, the band still proudly follow in the path groups like System Of A Down, The Mars Volta and The Apex Theory have paved.

Vocally the album sees many a heartfelt croon and aggressive bark, along with numerous long-winded melodies. But what really sets the vocals apart is their detached nature - a quality which finds them almost standing above the music with an air of omnipotence. Instrumentally much aural ground is covered as piercing harmonics are matched up alongside swerving riffs and jangling chords.

The rhythm section is no different, with enthusiastic syncopated performances that find relentlessly off-time drumming and complex entangling bass lines often working together to set a fervent and inspiring pace. With impressive chops like these behind them, it's not hard to see that a lot of what Opus Dai are capable of doing is quite exciting to listen to and a definite step away from the norm.

As with any band intent on pushing the envelope though, the results can be hit and miss. Some of the tracks are direct and provoke response from the listener, while others can buckle under their own bloated weight caused by added breakdowns, bridges and the like. But even so, the band still take progressive rock, strip it down and excitingly bend it to their will. Despite the somewhat standard shortcomings, the exuberance and talent present here rise above and provide a daunting, yet provocative listen many would do well not to miss.