THE WHIRLWIND

I have been listening to progressive rock for about 38 years, since I was first enthralled by the Yes tracks 'Yours is no disgrace' and 'heart of the sunrise'. In that time I have heard a wide variety of prog rock, but I have to say that I think 'The Whirlwind' is quite simply the best piece of symphonic prog ever recorded. It is a magnificent epic with glorious symphonic themes weaving in and out, culminating in a superb climax. I did not think that 'All of the Above' would be superceded, but it has been, and I doubt if I will ever hear a better piece of extended prog in my lifetime. Everything just seems to come together, and Messrs. Morse, Stolt, Portnoy and Trewavas, have produced together something which is far greater than the sum of its parts. I expected that 78 minutes would be hard going at first, but I was hooked from the beginning. Congratulations, guys! Six stars if possible!