Aletheian, formerly known as Crutch, blend influences from every source of modern underground metal imaginable. You can hear the technical splendor of Death and Extol, the off-timings of Meshuggah, the hardcore punch of Zao, and the progressive edge of Dream Theater, all tied neatly into a melodic and dark little package. The mix of influences is sometimes noticeably distinct, but generally comes together to create a technically proficient melodic metal mixture. The resulting sound is unimaginably European for a band from my home state of Pennsylvania. The guitarwork is impassioned and inspired, the riffs are dramatic and dynamic, and the few solos are tasteful and fitting. The vocals fluctuate from death growls to ungodly black screeches, with occassional clean passages. Subtle keyboards round out the sound and help give fullness to the near-immaculate production. Aletheian always keeps you guessing and has crafted an album that is nothing short of breathtaking. This is not some bandwagon release. This is metal forged in the deepest tunnels of creativity. It's like early Extol, At the Gates, Meshuggah, and Dream Theater had a collision and the four Aletheian members are the only ones who made it out alive. If this album doesn't make the band huge, then metalheads haven't sold their souls to the devil...they've flat out sold their souls to stupidity