This eighth full-length album from the visual kei supergroup doesn't stray too far from the typical Angelo formula that they have patented and refined across their ten-year career. While unlikely to score a smash hit, their unique, industrial-tinged sound has proven an effective money-spinner, keeping them reliably in the Top 20 of the Oricon album chart every year or so. On this album, the production is thick and dense, sludgier than their recent efforts, with heavy middle and bass, Kirito's vocals not too high in the mix, and punchy drums that cut through the murk. Midtempo opener "Umbilical Cord" brims with an epic melancholy, bolstered with lush pads and featuring some nice guitar harmonies. "Cut" contrasts driving rage with an atmospheric, chiming middle section. "Warau Tsuki" ("Laughing Moon") is classic Angelo, with a soaring chorus, ringing piano notes, and an impassioned vocal. For all its reliance on timeworn tricks, it's a belter that shows how good they can still be when they play to their strengths. There's more melodic variation here than in their early albums, and the influence of '80s alternative rock can be clearly felt; some songs here, like "Sorrow Tomorrow," sound a bit like U2 or the Pretenders on steroids. The best songs are saved for last: "Judgment" is another blasting rocker; "Field of God" starts off unpromisingly but morphs into one of the album's best choruses; "Daybreakers" is a radio-friendly unit-shifter shrouded in industrial muck. The album closes on a high with "Connect," another classic Angelo tune with a soaring, euphoric chorus. Only the bluesy swing of "Protocol" is not altogether successful. The addition of guitarists Giru (ex-Vidoll) and Karyu (ex-D'espairsRay) a few albums back really boosted and added a new dimension to Angelo's sound, and here they show that they're fully integrated into the band, continuing to prove their worth with subtle yet undeniable contributions. The album's curt length, ten songs in 40 minutes, also adds to its appeal, following a trend in visual kei away from turgid, bloated discs with overlong songs. This record keeps up the high standard of the band's recent work. It's hard and heavy, and shows that Angelo, approaching middle age, still have a fire in their belly. Fans will not be disappointed, and newcomers could do worse than start here for a fine introduction to Angelo's trademark sound. ~ John D. Buchanan, Rovi

1		Umbilical Cord
2		Cut
3		Literacy
4		Protocol
5		Warau Tsuki
6		Sorrow Tomorrow
7		Judgment
8		Field of God
9		Daybreakers
10		Connect

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