Long ago, when I first heard the album “Sum of all Fears,” I was captivated, yet I was also disoriented. I did not know quite how to categorize the music, but that is a good thing. Categories are for retailers, really, not for listeners unless they are purists of a particular genre.

The music was melancholy, but not quite doom or, dare I say “Gothic.” The band came close to some styles, but was never planted anywhere. This made it essential to listen many times, and in doing so, some songs became impossible to remove from the brain.

The vocals had a variety of techniques as well. The band was not afraid to permit emotional delivery. (No, it wasn’t what is called “emo”).

That album has recently been re-released by MY KINGDOM. That was very exciting news.

Even more exciting is a totally new album, “Tears Painted Sky.” This contains everything I enjoyed from “Sum of all Fears” plus some new ideas. It is still the same undefinable style, with even more diverse vocals, sometimes becoming a bit aggressive but also sometimes venturing into a sort of character acting, which results in a dramatic and dynamic collection of compelling songs.

It is an album to be savored. Drop all other tasks. Sit back, and take it in.