Cult of Luna is back, sound as distinct as ever. Progressing with the slumber of doom, Cult of Luna projects its metal down the opposite path typical of the genre. These guys are slow, utterly slow. The doom-paced, uber-atmospheric instrumentals are spare yet lush somehow with melodicism. The ponderous drift brings you eventually to deep, death growls completing the dark audio picture. Cult of Luna puts the doom in doom, crawling like a metal snail, but one that will eat you up.

Somewhere Aong the Highway expands their sound and showcases the band�s staple dynamics. Although not as heavy as Pelican, or as hypnotic as Isis, the band progressively adds new layers to their depth. The simple oscillating electronic lead in �Dim,� for example, cunningly spices up the dreary atmospherics. �March of the Heartbeats,� the opener, utilizes talk boxes and feedback to create a musical drawl reminiscent of classic Air with a touch of evil. Even when these sonic experimentations fail, they distinguish Cult of Luna from the genres status quo. Their subtle adventurousness is, without a doubt, a good thing. It shows dynamism, willingness and a sensibility of its roots that push this young sub-genre into new territory.