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This was one that took some time. Votum are a progressive metal band from Poland, but this isn't your Dream Theater highly technical style of prog, nor that of the prog/power movement. No, there's only one band I can compare Votum to, which is fellow countrymen Riverside. Both bands utilize a nice blend of progressive rock and metal over atmospheric soundscapes, which is both relaxing and demanding of your attention. Of course if you find your attention span waning in some of the more accessible prog bands you're not going to find anything of note here. However those of you who enjoy this kind of thing will find an album just short of excellent to sink your teeth into. Best taken in full sittings, this is one of those albums that is an experience in itself. I would suggest turning the lights down and having a drink or a smoke and kicking back, the music really flows over you throughout.

Metafiction won't win any awards for heaviness or technicality, although each of the musicians delivers a sublime performance. There is a lot of clean channel use throughout the album, with distortion used in all the right places with a pleasing crunch. Maciej Kosinki's vocals remind me of prog rock/metal singers such as Mariusz Duda, Steve Wilson and even Mikael Akerfeldt, having a nice tone to his voice which is very soothing. Overall this album was worth the time for me, and is certainly one I can see myself revisiting from time to time. While not as immediate or heavy as a lot of the bands I enjoy, I do feel there is a certain beauty to the album which draws me in. Fans of progressive metal/rock should certainly check this one out.