Reviewed by Matt Anderson

Clannad Meets Mortal best describes this trio from Rock Island, Illinois. Here are 12 tracks of pure excellence and originality. This is musically beautiful and soothing and at times almost resembles a movie sound track - the listener is waiting for the theme song of "The Last Of The Mohicans" to burst in. Despite being on Intense, to class Global Wave System as metal is inaccurate. A better description would be "melodic industrial". The album begins with a track called "Soul Like Ice", a brilliant, dark, orchestral background and a heavily distorted voice. From there on you are glued to the speakers for the remaining tracks. The use of keyboards and effects is superb; it's hard to believe that it's just three young guys behind this masterpiece. My favourite track was definitely the slow, anthem-like "Yukionna". One of the finest industrial projects yet, though be warned, those who are strictly into the likes of Brianchild or Mental Destruction won't appreciate this. But though the heaviness might not be there, the intensity is.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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