The album opening intro ‘1977’ starts with a sci-fi-esque soundscape, brooding like the opening sequence to a big budget movie before the staccato duo of drum & guitar end the track, we then have The Escapist with an opening riff that would not out of place on a Fear Factory album.
Djent down-tuned guitars groove along as soothing to brooding vocals that almost remind me of Karl Middleton from Earthtone 9, layered with bucket-loads of synth, sit side by side, within the first two minutes of the first ‘song’ you know what you are going to get going forwards.
A couple of standout tracks for me are ‘Afterglow’ which features a soaring guest vocal from Richard Thomson who at moments sounds like Canadian Mad Genius Sir Devin of Townsend. ’The Age of Discovery’ is a headbanger from the get-go with huge pummelling double bass drumming throughout and a special mention to album closer ‘1977 – Ad Infintium’ a 20-minute instrumental (save for some spoken word passages) prog juggernaut.
Finishing as the album began with more sci-fi synths and groove riffery, and count them… four guitar solos, as the last notes fade, this wouldn’t be out of place in a Blade Runner spin off.
The songwriting and arrangements throughout the record are second to none and with a handful of guest appearances including Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Sons Of Apollo), and Sam Bell (Mask Of Judas) adding even more flair.
The ‘Prog World’ have a new addition to their family, one of which I hope will see The Enigma Division flourish. I for one will be eagerly awaiting for their Bloodstock appearance later this year. 4/5
Pick up a copy of The Enigma Division’s debut via this link.
The Enigma Division
DJ
www.overdrive.ie 2023
