Five years after their sensational second work "La Masquerade Infernale" there was yet another album of "avant-garde metallers" Arcturus. With "The Sham Mirrors" to Arcturus report back, and how! Brett Harte guitar riffs and awesome at the same time heavy drums by Hellhammer merge with orchestral keyboard or piano sounds. The whole album exudes a fascination that captivates the listener immediately and does not seem to let go of him. There is much to discover and that leaves the enthusiasm for "The Sham Mirrors" grow with each listening session. Here one has to listen absolutely, you will be rewarded with an interesting pleasure. A monumental masterpiece!