Twisted Into Form
Then Comes Affliction To Awaken The Dreamer

November 2006
Released: 2006, Sensory Records
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Erin Fox

While at this point, it may be true that everyone that is a card-carrying Norwegian citizen has a metal band of some fashion, Twisted Into Form opts for the cerebral thinking-man’s approach, crafting music that bears a lot of artistic substance and most often, is quite rocking as well. Two Spiral Architect members, singer Leif Knashaug and guitarist Kaj Gornitzka head up this talented bunch, rounded out by bassist Erik Aadland and Extol drummer David Husvik. In terms of musicianship, Twisted Into Form excel. It's bands such as this that put true meaning in the term Progressive Metal, as the foursome relays bizarre time signatures and tempo shifting, fluid passages of focused harmonic bliss, and prolonged excursions into the depths of astute metal manufacture.



As with any progressive act, experimentation left unchecked can result in a somewhat challenging listen, as does the somewhat doomy, pretty much boring ”Tear.” But for those who appreciate the musicality of a band like Cynic, “Manumit” will be of particular interest. While Twisted Into Form is certainly not as aggressive, the same level of instrumental prowess exists in their music as in many heavier artists. Another point of contention is the vocal tone of Leif Knashaug. It’s certainly an acquired taste. While Knashaug is very skilled in terms of technique, attack, and overall presence, the timbre of his voice at times is less than desirable. With that out in the open, let’s say that you’ll just need to give THEN COMES AFFLICTION TO AWAKEN THE DREAMER a fair number of spins and that negative aspect works itself out.



Gornitzka once again shows great versatility and above all, he holds some serious chops in reserve to be doled out on necessary occasions. From fluent Spanish and middle Eastern accents to smooth leads and supple acoustic accompaniments, his playing is most often the strong point of the sound of Twisted Into Form.



Although releases like THEN COMES AFFLICTION TO AWAKEN THE DREAMER tend to be enjoyed immensely by musicians themselves, due to their ability to understand the complex structures and nuances of minutiae that make for the finest talking points of a group such as Twisted Into Form, you simply can’t deny that there’s also plenty here for the average Prog fan to dig into as well.