Late last year, I wrote about Boston, MA post rock band inAeona after I was introduced to them by a friend. Their sound caught me in a way that few other bands had and that grip has yet to be loosened.

Several months ago, I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of their upcoming album Force Rise The Sun, which will be coming out August 7th via Prosthetic Records. In many situations, I will listen to an album several times and then move onto something else, something different. Not in this situation. I have yet to let a week go by where I don’t listen to several songs if not the entire album.

The album opens up with “Fire In The Sky”, which defines precisely what you will get from this album. It showcases the underlying industrial synths and patches while roaring guitars and intricate basslines dance over expertly crafted drums. Guitarist/vocalist Bridge pushes her voice until it sounds like it’s about to break, crackling with ferocity and desperation, pleading with you to truly listen, to give yourself entirely to the music.

The album follows with “Leader”, which is my personal favorite track. At times, it crashes and undulates, like waves during a storm. At others, it scorches and burns, explosive and full of fire. It battles itself, bursting out of its confines and building to a climax that raises goosebumps all over my body.

Tracks like “Sun Moon” and “Empty Now” are relentlessly driving while “Ghosts” features an almost lullaby-esque crooning. The instrumental “A Ways Away” alternates between eerily oppressive and upliftingly beautiful.

While “Leader” is my personal favorite track, I can’t deny the power and immediacy of “Soldier”, which is an emotional roller coaster. It exhibits some of the very best that inAeona have to offer, each musician creating magic with their instruments. Bridge’s roar that opens the climax is monstrous and nothing short of awe inspiring.

The comparisons to Tool that this band is going to receive are expected and, to be honest, not unwarranted. Dave’s bass is incredibly prominent and creates complex lines while James’ drums sprinkle intricate extra flairs throughout that are an absolute delight. They also have no problem with challenging your expectations, shifting from one section of the song to another when you aren’t ready.

In my previous posts about the band, I compared their style to Russian Circles with elements of Muse, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream. But as I listened to the album, over and over again, I realized that there is a subtle goth streak running throughout this album, hearkening back to the the style of The Cure. Something about the way the melodies are presented reminds me of Disintegration.

But even with all these comparisons, inAeona have crafted a unique sound that blends post rock with industrial and spacey ambient electronica. It’s refreshing and, at the end of the day, simply stunning.

The Final Word: Force Rise The Sun is nothing short of a musical triumph. It demands your attention, its emotion pouring forth, washing over you. It overflows with authenticity and honesty, its rage and desperation real and powerful. It has rightfully earned the Bloody-Disgusting Editor’s Choice award, which I bestow with no hesitation. This is an album that I will return to with joy for many, many years.