its nothing like the old Ilford 'Pearl' material. go see a sample - it has a great air dried glossy surface, with less texture than Platine.
more close to Epson Exhibition Fiber than anything else, imho. Rolls don't have such a strong curl either as its all cotton.
I like it a lot, but it is one of the most expensive papers out there, even by Hahnemuhle/Canson standards, its spendy.