With only a pair of Ep/mini-discs to their name, apart from 2003’s glorious, albeit it overlooked, "Of Empires Forlorn", new material from While Heaven Wept was long overdue. In the years since, they’ve apparently undergone an identity revolution, one fans of their old, depressive doom stylings might take a while to adopt. As hinted at, in a conversation with bassist Jim Hunter (he also of Twisted Tower Dire fame), they’ve adopted a more straight ahead approach, concentrating on songs, while the music (including lengthy instrumental stretches) wanders between upbeat traditional metal (high, but not stratospheric, vocals) and progressive flares.

While a mere six five songs and the ‘Epilogue’ instrumental, the introductory ‘The Furthest Shore’ lasts 15:43! Beginning as a heavy, albeit keyboard tinged number (at times recalling Warlord mastermind/guitarist Bill Tsamis’s Lordian Guard), it quickly envelops that newfound prog metal vibe. Midway, acoustic guitar is introduced, as the pace slows and lyrics seem to drift away on emotive guitar. In a word, class. ‘To Wander The Void’ sees Rain Irving opting for a decidedly power metal voice, a song that wouldn’t be out of place on a John Arch era Fates Warning platter (especially the wailing "aye, aye"). "Living Sepulchre" begins with a decidedly European sound, quite difficult for most North American acts to sound so authentic. Speedy, but with a definite undercurrent of foreboding. Via an acoustic solo, it segues into ‘Vessel’, a mid-tempo heartfelt semi-ballad. The title cut starts with over five voiceless minutes (reference wash of waves, soundtrack inspired keyboards and previous Lordian Guard comment). Rarely does such a geographic shift, especially away from a (underground) landmark, ring so true, but While Heaven Wept have done the seemingly impossible, altered course without (not only) alienating past fans, but created something they might enjoy even more!

Highly recommended.