We can call a band progressive blues or simply just say "grunge". In the 90s, grunge did not mean just simply sounding like Pearl Jam or Soundgarden; there were bands like Screaming Trees and Stone Temple Pilots who brought other, sometimes more rock-flavored elements to it. The vocal layering is more Alice in Chains here. The guitar is contemplating rather than chugging in a metallic manner. This is given more of a spotlight in the second song. I appreciate that the guitar solo leads into a more jammed section of the song.
"Old Ways" does not feel as focused as the first two songs, as it relaxes into the more ambling contemplation of the chord progression. "The Beast" follows a similar path, but it's darker, and the drummer feels more confident in the backbone they are laying down. They need to lay into more of the darker grooves that the band works off of for "Inside Infinity." It gives the vocals some places to go that are not as Layne Staley-like. "The Maze" attempts, but the vocals and wandering around as the drums do not give them as much guidance. This does give the guitar more room to play around.
"The Sermon" works best as a brooding storm of introspection, with the guitar taking prominence in a manner that reminds me of earlier Pink Floyd. Particularly when the chords ring out in a manner that accents the drums. "Marigold" is more of a ballad. As an 11-minute song, it is, of course, jammed out around the five-minute mark. "Made" is a more atmospheric reflection, with interesting guitar playing. tI will give this album a 9, as I like the darker organic nature of what they are doing here, and the songs wind in some thoughtful directions.
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