Communic plays progressive power metal, and Payment Of Existence is their most intense CD so far. The intensity comes and goes, making for a diverse effort. Slower, acoustic based passages lead into complex and progressive music that's technical, but also has an edge. Comparisons to Nevermore are inevitable, but Communic isn't a carbon copy of that band.
As on their previous CDs, the songs are epic. The average length is around eight minutes, and Communic keeps the listener engaged for the whole song. There are plenty of intensity, tempo and texture changes, and repetition is minimized. The songs are well constructed, but aren't quite as catchy as their last CD.
Guitarist/vocalist Oddleif Stensland excels in both roles. The guitars are good, combining solid riffs with more technical fills and solos. His voice is powerful with a lot of range and expression. Payment Of Existence makes three excellent CDs in a row, and cements Communic as one of the best bands in the progressive power metal genre.
(released July 29, 2008 on Locomotive Records)
