Prisma Goes German!

Remember them? The four musicians from Switzerland who turned heads a few years ago with their Tool-inspired sound.

Now Prisma is back - and they're back with a vengeance. Led by mastermind Valentin Grendelmeier, the band delivers a tight, seven-track album guaranteed to send every rock fan's heart rate straight into the red.

"Aether", the album's second track, boosts the life expectancy - or at least the happiness level - of dedicated rock fans by about 100 percent. Why? Because truly great music has become a rare commodity.

And because great music never stands still, vocalist Michael Luginbühl made the bold decision to record the entire album in German. Some might say that's the end of the band. Far from it. Anyone who gives this masterpiece a proper listen won't be able to get it out of their head. Thought-provoking lyrics collide with crushing guitar riffs powerful enough to make your nose bleed. And as if that weren't enough, Andreas Wettstein crowns it all with his uncompromising drumming - a true master of his craft.

The comeback isn't entirely without bittersweet news, though. Four become three, as bassist Marc Müllhaupt leaves the band after many years together. Replacing the musician who helped bring songs like "Seceder" to life will be anything but easy. Who will take over his spot remains to be seen.

So now you're up to speed.

The musicians may have gotten older - and, according to themselves, uglier - but the music hasn't aged a single day. Great music is forever young.

So put on your headphones - or crank your speakers all the way up. Loud enough that the neighbor's little dog starts causing trouble next door.