The Book of Knots' self-titled metal opus is a concept album about the sea. But don't expect any prog rock opera cheese. Book of Knots is a noisy, bludgeoning rock record, full of feedback, improvisation and bitter currents – like Mike Watt's Contemplating the Engine Room played by Queens of the Stone Age. The tumultuous record ranges from the oddly Björk-ish "Tugboat" to the psych, hesher rock of "Crumble" and Jon Langford's downright catchy piece of slithering melancholia "Back on Dry Land"." It's a demented and expansive narrative that takes at least multiple listens to make sense of, but the cinematic scope is apparent from the beginning. While Book of Knots is a bit too difficult for everyone, those who enjoy digging deeper into the layers of an epic rock album will be more than satisfied.