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It is a well known fact that Norway is a breeding ground of numerous avant-garde bands. One can easily agree by knowing at least one of these: Arcturus, Solefald, Limbonic Art, Peccatum or Atrox, to name a few. Well, it looks like this great Nordic country gave birth to a new one: Vulture Industries. Recently formed by experienced musicians from Black Hole Generator, Taake, Enslaved and the likes. The Dystopia Journals was produced by Bjornar E. Nielsen (vocals, keys and samplings) at his own Conclave & Earshot Studio. Actor Helge Joral was recruited to do the cover and back pictures, where he is portrayed as strangling himself, being the reflection of the general concept of a tormented mind. Although comparisons with other similar artists exist, Vulture Industries have their own sound and style. The clean vocals of Bjornar sound familiar although I only heard him in the industrial black metal act Black Hole Generator, but some harsher rasps are also present here. A refreshing blend of distorted guitars, symphonic keyboard orchestrations, punchy bass and drums, progressive time signatures, acoustic guitars and diverse vocal styles create, with some theatrical touches, a pleasantly twisted soundscape. Opening track, Pill of Conformity, along with tracks #3 to 7, are all pretty outstanding to my ears.