Norwegian progressive/avante garde metal band Leprous are perhaps best known as the back up band for the legendary Ihsahn’s solo project. While this is indeed a stellar gig to have given the notoriety of said figure, Leprous as their own entity is easily one of the most impressive progressive bands playing today. Following up on their astounding debut album Tall Poppy Syndrome, a masterpiece of progressive black metal, the group has begun to stretch their musical limbs and explore a new, highly experimental sound. The result is their newest release Bilateral, an immensely satisfying, highly mature, and dynamic sophomore effort.

The album begins with the excellent title track, and it is instantly apparent that the band has set out to conquer new musical frontiers. There are almost none of the growling vocals that were so prominent on their previous release, and while a bit jarring upon first spin, the band still managers to retain its distinctive style, changes and all. The followup “Forced Entry” is the longest song on the record, a definite “epic” by progressive metal standards. “Restless,” the chosen pre-release song is no doubt the catchiest of the bunch, with an irresistible chorus punctuated by some backing growls that just kill, and this is close to my favorite song on the album. “Thorn” is a decent track, though given the guest appearance by the band’s previously mentioned partner in crime Ihsahn, it could have been a more solid collaboration given the talents they were working with.

“Mr. Differentia” is a perplexing, beautiful piece with some fascinating synth work and gorgeous lead guitar. “Waste of Air” is the heaviest song on the album by far, beginning with some pummeling blast beats and crushing double bass drums coupled with guitars strongly influenced by early black metal. There are extensive uses of harsh vocals, but as this is a Leprous song, contains some eerie keyboard melodies and a well delivered clean chorus. “Mediocrity Wins” starts off with an atmospheric guitar passage backed by some percussively delivered, atonal spoken words that set the stage for a groovy, mellow song before shifting gears towards the latter half to a more epic feel. “Cryptogenic Desire” is another heavy one, with some fascinating poly-rhythms and simply mind melting percussion. This is a tech-metal nerd’s dream.

“Acquired Taste” sports a soft keyboard intro with gentle melodic vocals that eventually introduce some passionate guitar work that builds to one of the most grandiose choruses on the record. There is an ever present sensation of mourning that fills every note for the song’s duration. This is another highlight. The closer “Painful Detour” earns the award for best song, and despite my love for the first record, is easily the best track they’ve ever written. There are a myriad of haunting vocal styles used, with a sweeping, triumphant chorus and a kind of melancholic, sporadically brutal structure that simply boggles the mind. All musicians are at the top of their game, particularly in the guitar department. Beautiful stuff. Production wise this is definitely cleaner and superior in every way than their debut. Each instrument is clear and precise, with a pleasing warmth to the mix that really compliments the music. Leprous have positioned themselves as a band to watch out for, and even though this album was released so recently, I can’t wait to see where they go next.