The best way to describe this album would be to call it something like a Progressive, Space Cowboy Rock Opera with Orchestral, Stoner Circus Metal, and Grindcore elements. Wrapped in toilet paper. BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME is a group that constantly evolves and betters themselves with each effort they release, and this new carnival compilation is no exception.

The short but epic intro track, "Mirrors", is devoid of the heavy atmosphere the band usually serves up. Launching straight into "Obfuscation", however, they quickly turn the tides and offer the same fast paced, innovative, Thrashy Grindplay we're used to hearing. While fans of BTBAM will instantly recognize the classic twists and grooves here, previously heard on "Alaska" and "Colors", this is where the similarities end. From the third track onward, the album is just one gigantic experiment, always shifting gears and rendering new and unexpected surprises. By far, this is the most intricate and polished Progressive Metal piece of the year, and it will beckon listeners to listen to it multiple times in their first sit down with the disc.

The most impressive track on the album is "Fossil Genera", a song that begins with a hauntingly childlike circus melody, but soon flashes forward to an outlandish series of harmonic loops and guttural frenzies. The ending of the song utilizes a multitude of instrumentals that together form one of the greatest transcendental epics ever heard. "Swim To The Moon" is also a noteworthy highlight of the album.

"The Great Misdirect" is, of course, not without its faults, however. Many old fans may not be so quick to accept this new direction for the band, and at only six tracks long, it can be quite an exhausting sit through; especially on numerous listens. Also, the entire band changes it up so fast and so frequently that it is often difficult to find room to breathe on some of the faster and more aggressive parts, which can sometimes be frustrating to the listener. Some may even get a headache from it if they aren't in the proper mood for this type of Metal.

Make no mistake, this is the best work the band has ever done; but there is still room to grow for the future. It seems like they still haven't found a sound that they feel is distinctly their own, and until they do, we should expect even more experimental behavior from their next effort as well. Nevertheless, it is still an exceedingly impressive work of art, and if you're anchoring for something a little different than your average Progressive Metal album, this one is sure to surprise you.