Band:	Enochian Theory
Album:	Evolution: Creatio Ex Nihilio
Style:	Progressive metal
Release date:	August 03, 2009
A review by:	jupitreas

01. Every Ending Has A Beginning?
02. The Dimensionless Monologue: Tedium
03. The Dimensionless Monologue
04. The Dimensionless Monologue: T.D.M (iii)
05. At Great Odds With?
06. Apathia
07. Triumvirate
08. Movement
09. After The Movement
10. Waves Of Ascension
11. The Fire Around The Lotus
12. The Living Continuum
13. A Monument To The Death Of An Idea

Although it seems like a cheap tactic to explain what an album sounds like by comparing it to the debut of another band, there is simply no better and more succinct way of describing Enochian Theory's Evolution: Creatio Ex Nihilio than as the spiritual twin to Riverside's Out Of Myself.

Like Riverside, Enochian Theory play progressive metal with a focus on intricate arrangements, subtle compositions and elegant melodies. There is no place for showing off on Evolution, every note is clearly played at the right time. Some of the songs resemble suites while others reach their destination in a more direct manner. In other words, this is progressive metal influenced by the likes of Marillion and IQ, bands that introduced carefully crafted pop sensibilities to progressive rock, abandoning the style's excesses in favor of emotionally moving, beautiful songs. A similar approach can be observed on Evolution, particularly in songs like "Movement" or "At Great Odds With...". With this said, Enochian Theory also have an extreme metal side to them, with growls appearing on tracks such as "Apathia" and "The Fire Around The Lotus". Sadly, these parts of Evolution sound far less impressive to my ears than the softer, more introspective material. They are technically not bad but they are mediocre in terms of extreme music. The band could do without them, or, like in "At Great Odds With...", should limit the extreme elements to the superbly placed single growl.

Alas, Riverside's debut album was also not without nooks and crannies that needed ironing out and I am fairly confident that on future releases, Enochian Theory will similarly finetune their sound and gain widespread recognition and respect for it. Evolution: Creation Ex Nihilio, while a fine album, is just a little too ambitious for the band's current abilities.