Inspired, it is a natural progression but still quite shocking. I have thought of them to be one of the best ensemble of musicians for thier genre and .. many others btw.. but this disc just takes it to the next level. This is the best disc of 2005... imo. This may be the one that actually pushs them more mainstream as far as fan base.. allthough thier songs are still to long for radio I dont think it is going to matter... Strapping Young Lad had the opportunity but ALIEN allthough good in many, many ways.. was produced with the drums and vocals to much forward and the guitars were not showcased as one would expect with SYL... again just my opinion .. but it is the opinion of one that has been listening to everything Devon Townsend has been doing since the Steve Vai days... more so once he created SYL.. btw.. ALIEN os still a great disc and a natural progression for SYL as well..... just teh damn production.... anyhow.. I am blabbering at this point.
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