Florence and the Machine rocketed to success overnight and never came back down. With her sophomore album, “Ceremonials,” the British songstress and her backing band packed this effort with sweeping strings, ornate orchestral arrangements and otherworldly imagery. But in spite of all these brazen fixings, the most important ingredient—Florence Welch’s voice—is still the main attraction.

Inspired by Symbolist artists and a lustful fascination with Romanticism, “Ceremonials” creates a daunting landscape overwrought in emotion. Tracks like “Only If For a Night” and “No Light, No Light” explode beyond perceptions and become full on epic journeys. Early singles “What the Water Gave Me” and “Shake it Out” display Florence Welch’s penchant for crafting modern pop songs that recall eras long past. Elsewhere,  the simple pop narrative of “Breaking Down” is an appreciated relief from the swirling loftiness, and “Remain Nameless” is an introspective diversion from worldly commotion.

“Ceremonials” is a huge record. From the first to the very last note, it begs to be played in some immense stadium or perhaps somewhere more vast, like the moon. It requires multiple listens to appreciate all of its layers, but when unraveled, an explosive work reveals itself.