Debut full-length for this independent outfit hailing from Texas. This is wonderful stuff. SDS primarily play theatrical progressive metal, extremely creative and with a marked avant-garde edge. Like all truly interesting contemporary bands, they subtly merge lots of diverse influences in a coherent musical vision. I hear Pain of Salvation similarities as well as a recurring 70s mildly symphonic prog vibe (but I can't mention specific comparisons... Definitely not the overly serious classic names like King Crimson, Genesis, etc... Maybe stuff like early Kansas?). The music is fronted by excellent male vocals: mostly midrange theatrical-styled, with growls very effectively employed here and there. The compositions have a Patton-esque type of avant-garde aura, and the quality of the songwriting is amazingly consistent throughout the disc. Even though a couple of tracks seem to drag a little upon initial listens, they all offer such brilliant ideas and finally win you over. My personal favorites are "A Terrible Way To Use A Sword", "Catastrophic Obedience", "Escaping The Absynthe", as well as that irresistible catchy number that is "Radio Feeler". The musicianship is classy beyond words. "Intelligent Design" is an outstanding album that should be heard by all fans of progressive music.

Stating the obvious. It sounds like Mike Patton, particulary FNM's Angel Dust era, and touches of Opeth, Danny Elfman, and others. However it's crafted in away that says Shaolin Death Squad. What SDS does is take music that otherwise is seen as being unfocused and gels it in a way were the transitions seem smooth, rather than being forced or uncomfortable. It's like an opera musical to Evil Dead 2, it's funny, scary, emotional, paranoid, hypnotic, awe-inspiring slapstick, action packed, over-the-top but never tiresome(Unlike Evil Dead 2 at times). I do think their self-titled is a notch above this one but ID is great. Album hilight's are Choreographer of Fate, Radio Feeler and A Story Lives Forever. Be sure to check out their next album in 2009. God bless.

It's a perfect addition to my collection. It goes well along with my facnation with experimental music. At first I heard strong influence from Mr. Bungle and faith no more then I noticed some Frank Zappa-ish sounds. I wouldn't go as to describe the band by their inluential sounds because the entirety of the album is pretty origional. This album has a general feel that is innovative, dark, and extremely heavy. This album has tons and tons of range. To go along with an amazing intriquecy of a collaboration the Keys and Vocals are astonishing. This is a very "powerful" album.

Teodoro Gomez de la Torre is right. A savant mix up from good musics genre. I must have to see them on stage in Europe now!