THE WHIRLWIND

I've really been enjoying this album the past week or so. I'm a big fan of all four of these guys and especially Neal Morse who's voice just "does it" for me. I didn't realize it's been 8 years since the last one "Bridge Across Forever" but the boys are back in town. I actually wasn't thrilled with the last one but the debut made quite an impression on me at the time. If anything stands out for me on this new album it's Trewavas' bass playing. He does not sound like this when he plays with MARILLION does he (haha). Very chunky and in your face bass, kind of the opposite of Myung from DREAM THEATER you could say. And while they call this a single track divided into 12 parts all of these songs like "The Incident" are seperate songs. It's not like GREEN CARNATION's "Light Of Day, Day Of Darkness" which IS one long song. The two negatives for me are the length of this album at almost 78 minutes and the final track which I could do without.

"Overture / Whirlwind" opens sounding like something is happening but were not sure what it is, then after 1 1/2 minutes it kicks in with Portnoy out front along with the chunky bass.The guitar from Stolt comes in playing over top then it changes to a bass / organ / drum soundscape. This is nice and heavy. Amazing sound. Check out Trewavas before 5 1/2 minutes. The tempo then picks up as Portnoy leads. Vocals finally come in at 7 minutes. This is so uplifting. "The Wind Blew Them All Away" has some great lyrics on it with Neal's yearning vocals.The guitar solos beautifully after 2 minutes until Neal returns vocally 3 minutes in. Mellotron and some power follows, then guitar. Neal sings with passion 5 minutes in. It settles to end it. "On The Prowl" opens with some nice bass as drums join in. Keys too and a full sound follows. Nice. Vocals before 3 1/ 2 minutes, lots of organ too. Mellotron follows. "A Man Can Feel" hits us hard then settles as Roine starts to sing. Fat bass comes in with drums. Mellotron then guitar follows. Great section. The guitar solos tastefully before 3 1/2 minutes then the organ takes over as bass and drums continue. "Out Of The Night" opens with vocals and keyboards. This is catchy and brighter. It's pretty uplifting before 3 minutes as Neal sings. "Rose Colored Glasses" has some cool lyrics as Neal sings from the heart. Such an emotional track. Excellent guitar solo after 4 1/2 minutes.

"Evermore" features the piano trading off with the bass and drums. It kicks in before a minute. Can't help but think of Chris Squire on this song. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. I like this one a lot. "Set Us Free" makes me think of THE FLOWER KINGS early until it settles down. "Lay Down Your Life" has a nice heavy sound to it. "You've got to lay down your life" good stuff. Love the drums and bass,mellotron too. "Pieces Of Heaven" is led by bass and organ early. I like the mellotron when it settles. Contrasts continue. "Is It Really Happening" opens in a similar way to the first song. Almost whispered vocals come in. Piano follows as the tempo picks up. Mellotron too. Guitar after 4 1/2 minutes as the tempo picks up again. Lots of synths late. "Dancing With Eternal Glory / Whirlwind (Reprise)" opens with piano as reserved vocals come in. As I said in the intro I could do without this track but I don't mind it. It's kind of mellow with the focus on the lyrics. Nice guitar solo from Roine before 5 minutes.

Too much to like here for me to give it less than 4 stars. Still prefer the debut though. Nice comeback album guys.