I must acknowledge that this is the finest packaged self-release by an Indian band up till now. And, I hope the rest follow the Bangalore brigade, in this department. The intellect carried by ‘intellectual pursuit’ shines throughout the ten-track release. The four-piece construct an innovative sound, best described as flat riffing (a bit misdirected) slowly digging into realms of viscous doom (not ultra sluggish) conditioned alongside heavy metal onslaught and astounding solos. The paramount feature about all tracks is an average six minutes plus spin (of the 10 track release), that enhances the judging and listening parameters.

Furthermore, lyrical treatment is remarkably well connected with the music, exploring fields of pain, suffering, betrayal, and disbelief. Deepak’s (vocals/guitar) throat produces an above normal metallic pitch (not the typical power metal stereotype), occasionally lacking to infuse a retrieval consistency. Attempting, to produce an echoing effect. (Somehow sounds too fabricated). Heaviness is broadly showcased through the cords remaining utterly promising, but yet at the same time isn’t charismatic. Eventually, this is THE loophole I was waiting to talk about.

‘Path of vengeance’, ‘futile’, ‘intellectual pursuit’ (title track), ‘when doubt takes over’ and ‘catharsis’ are the tracks on which you can hear generous plucking, solid build ups and synthetic key background, that actually act as a bonanza to what the band offers. On the other hand drumming by ‘Akash’ is extremely one dimensional (that seems totally wasted somehow), as it could have been bit more elaborate, energetic or should I say a little more edgy!

Hence, experiment lovers wanting a rich mix won’t be disappointed. But, for those of you who like going by reviewer’s words, Caution-You might find the album a bit lethargic and over-defensive at times. Smells of ‘corrosion of conformity’, ‘crowbar’ and ‘savatage’ styles are shallow surfaced and such references can be caught phase-to-phase. It’s grown-up, but not well cultivated.