Maynards vocal work on this is outstanding – its rich and smooth and full of emotion and for that alone the album is a stand out .

Melodic rock with resonant guitar work , full opulent precussion and and a richness of both emotion and musical tone . The initial “soft” sound of this album works as a contrast for the undercurrrent heavyness of much of the musical work and of course the intense lyrical subject matter.

If you were one of the fans who was confused by progressive and melodic nature of Lateralus this is not for you – this is not a return to aggresive and typical “hard rock ” or “heavy metal” .

Beautiful cover artwork too.