I had listened to this pretty close to when it was released and was quite underwhelmed but I appreciated it a bit more when listening to it more for the album club. The biggest flaw with this record is that it introduces the various elements of the band's sound in an incredibly surface level way before reintroducing them in a more blended way that shows the band's creative style. When they really get amalgamated with the blend of synths, post-hardcore guitars, and black metal atmosphere, it hits the spot. Songs like Balancing the Dark and Whispers Among Us have a really playful structure that sets them apart from the rest of the album. There are points where it falls into more derivative passages before coming up for a breath of more unique air.
I think it has some good moments where they build on an interesting style, but it could be a LOT better. It's also about 20 minutes too long. I don't think I'll be revisiting this tbh. Also lol @ two vocalists.
6.5/10
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Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.
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