Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s)

★★★☆ While perhaps not as bold a transition as the ones we heard going into the band’s last two albums, this is nevertheless a fully-realized and utterly different take on prog metal, more “Coal” than “Bilateral” but with hints of both. Einar Solberg’s vocals take on more of a prominent role here, but the rest of the band are also tireless in their performances. And there’s something to the mood here that is more measured than in previous albums. “The Congregation” rewards multiple listens, and this is (so far) this year’s prog album to beat.

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