When former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach returned to the scene with Seemless, quite a few people assumed he would pick up exactly where he left off with his former group, having made his last appearance on KSE's 2002 effort "Alive Or Just Breathing." But surprisingly, Seemless’ 2004 self-titled debut was anything but of the metalcore mold; it was more akin to riff-heavy '70s rock with a strong stoner feel.

Although a solid album, Seemless’ debut was essentially a good sign of things to come rather than a classic release. Now, after another two years together (Leach’s involvement on the record was limited because of joining the band just prior to heading into the studio), Seemless' sophomore effort, "What Have We Become," delivers on its initial promise.

Upbeat "In My Blood" is a heavy, rocking opener that gets the album under way in fine fashion. Leach’s strengthened vocals alternate between clean singing and rasping yells, similar to what Chris Cornell did in Soundgarden back in the day. The remainder of the group—ex-Overcast/Medium guitarist Pete Cortese, ex-Stoneface bassist Jeff Fultz and ex-Shadows Fall/Medium drummer Derek Kerswill—keep the soundtrack thumping along with plenty of thick grooves.

The slower-paced "Cast No Shadow" has an interesting twist because of the effects that are utilized for the vocals, giving the song a heavier slant, while the lumbering "Numb" is notable for its catchy chorus and Leach’s occasional screams.

"Eyes Of A Child," featuring backup vocals from Unearth guitarist Ken Susi, brings back the rock. "Parody" and "Maintain" (which first appeared as a live cut on Equal Vision Records’ rerelease of "Seemless") are great examples of the band jelling in the studio. But for all the great things Seemless presents this time around, it also has its off moments: Tracks like "Seven" and "Jaded" lack a certain punch and originality in comparison.

Although a little misplaced at the center of the album, "The Deep Below" finds Seemless experimenting a bit with atmospherics alongside Leach and his Cornell-ish vocals. Nine-minute closer ". . . Things Fall Apart" pushes such explorations one step farther with a finale that almost gives off a Pink Floyd vibe.

Barring a couple of uninspired fillers, "What Have We Become" is a great follow-up album, one that’s sure to establish Seemless as an original band rather than a group of ex-musicians from other disbanded acts.

» seemlessband.com