In a world that has been comprised of progressive bands that lose sight of the music, it is great to have the breath of fresh air that is Ascension Theory, who give us the answer to the question--has progressive metal become a boring cliché? Long and monotonous songs? --not from this group. The sound is new and has gotten heavier since their debut. Shorter songs, heavier guitar riffs, technical keyboarding, guest vocals, silky smooth vocals, this is everything a prog metal band should be. Beverley Luse even lends her gothic style vocals on The Way of Death and Decisions.