Minneapolis progressive symphonic metal act EPICUREAN unveils their current effort to date by Metal Blade records titled A Consequence Of Design. A complex yet simplistic approach to metal both musically and lyrically, this six member outfit gives flashy creativity with elaborate guitar soloing much in the vein of Dragonforce without the technicality. One of the many impressive studies about this band is the lyrical content and construction. Much like a poetic writer with an early 1900's essence, this group rewrites their own stories from an epic standpoint, nothing to harsh but endearing with depth. Glimpsing into a brief example song To Cast The Mourning Shadow vocalist John Laramy belts out "And when the rain came down, over the hills and through this valley, the midnight moon shined down on me illuminating all that shimmers in this place. I haven't spoken since it happened; words turn to dust in my mouth. By tonight, bring solace to cast the mourning shadow". Displaying worded imagery matched equally with the force of progressive metal with a dash of symphonic elements, the rest of this record in is a diamond. Overall A Consequence Of Design falls into greater proportions with steady rhythms, melodically fast guitar soloing to raging vocals. Touchy, with deep worded emotions, an album for those who want more out of metal.