Forever Howlong is an ambitious, meticulously detailed record that includes everything from folk to prog via baroque pop and touches of alt-rock – with nods to everything from Joanna Newsom to Randy Newman via Fiona Apple and Janis Ian – yet all the while retaining that unmistakably unique sound that only this combination of musicians can come up with.

For technical death metal band Allegaeon, sitting still is not an option. The group has never allowed itself to stagnate, preferring to thrive on chaos, change and evolution. Their latest is the first with original vocalist Ezra Haynes since his 2015 departure. The cleaner vocal approach on the last three albums was a fascinating artistic maneuver, but it’s undeniably thrilling to hear Haynes’ graveled larynx back in the fold on this inarguably brutal and technically dazzling slab of work.

Written and recorded over 20 days, the collaborative studio album mixes Elton-led songs and Brandi-led songs, with long term collaborator Bernie Taupin and Brandi both contributing lyrics, and producer and co-writer Andrew Watt acting as the producer, mediator and creative conduit. They are backed by a world class band of musicians comprising of Chad Smith, Pino Palladino and Josh Klinghoffer.