This is Stegel's third and undoubtedly best release to pass through my hands since they first laid down a record back in '98. With each record they up the ante considerably and no longer is it appropriate to compare them to other local bands but far more necessary to mention in the same breath as their peers such as Drowningman, Snapcase etc. It is this leap from local conenders to a serious proposition touring up and down the country that has perhaps given them the confidence to label this record an EP where the previous two outings were simply demos.

The opening guitar tones of 'Bhuna' give nothing away as to what the rest of the album entails but after this one minute plus extended intro 'Batman Costume' is spat out and redigsted in what amounts to an assualt on the senses with its cut throat screaming vocals and breakneck speed reminiscent of the sorely missed Refused. Stegel's brand of kinetic metalcore borders on all out rage with just enough introspective emotion to break any kind of monotony. From the dark brooding sound of 'Baradinicto' to the fresh and alert 'Blufftoni' there is enough here to satisfy the broadest demographic of fans. Meanwhile, the vocals deserve your attention as you feel it passing up through the gut as if each word has to be fought to be exhaled. This is merely the icing on the cake though with singer Bri Hill's newly found singing ability adding further depth and sincerity to songs that will really strike a chord with listeners.

The EP is rounded off proudly by the epic Tool inspired 'Nimium' which at eight minutes long still leaves you wanting more, as does the whole record. The scope and direction of the songs are vast with the music ebbing and flowing rather than being thrown at you in a one dimensional manner. Definitely the first band for me to tip for great things in 2002 in which time they should be contemplating a full length and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Grade, Minus and Boy Sets Fire; and equally looked up to.