Rarely ones to work with the most accelerated of timetables to begin with (especially when touring opportunities kept on beckoning) France's kept fans waiting all of three years between their breakthrough album, , and its all-important successor, . Luckily, by the time it finally emerged in late 2008, 's fourth full-length successfully met most all of the understandably heightened expectations head on, opening strong with a pair of typically syncopated, groove-driven numbers in and the harmonics-punctuated then repeatedly upping the compositional ante with a string of imaginative progressive headbangers (e.g., and album-best ) that were rife with technical fireworks and songwriting variety. Yes, there were also a few failed experiments and indifferent offerings, including instrumental interlude (which barely even registers amidst the surrounding sonic beatings), and the techno effects, jumpy chords, and whiny clean vocals that make the first half of sound like a bad imitation of hip-hop rockers (clean vocals are a limiting factor throughout, actually, also contributing to the dull grind of ). But whereas first-time listeners were likely suffering from some serious metal fatigue by the arrival of the 75-minute album's 17-minute title song (give or take a few interruptions and tacked-on "hidden tracks"), devoted fans were surely grateful to have this much music to digest while beginning the likely long wait for the band's next offering. Until that day comes, provides another fascinating chapter in 's ever more impressive catalog. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia