AIRS - A ROCK OPERA

Here we are, just over two months into 2012, and here is an album that I doubt will get pushed off of my top ten list for the year. In what appears to be a promising year for prog releases, this is an excellent start.

Multi-instrumentalist Steve Brockmann and lyricist George Andrade have come together to create something different in the modern age of progressive rock, a coherent and compelling rock opera.

Lyrically, George Andrade's story is in essence a tale of guilt, remorse and redemption. Looking at it that way, it's hardly unusual. But in the telling, Andrade had come up with a completely fresh and original concept. In a nutshell, the protagonist, Owen, has been imprisoned for causing an accident which cripples a child, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Upon his release, he finds that his actions have destroyed his family and their business, as well as the obvious pain he has inflicted. The remainder of the story deals with how Owen redeems himself and help the injured girl. I'd rather not give anything else away. Just get it and listen.

Musically, Brockmann begins with music that echoes the depression and sadness that encompasses Owen. The style is primarily progressive metal, with quite a few ballads mixed in. There is not a bit of filler, however. Each track is a gem. The music brightens as Owen's outlook does the same, with a crescendo beginning on the track Heritage.

Other exceptional tracks are the ballads Annabelle and The Great Salt Pond. And I must also note that Dave Meros and Alan Morse, both from Spock's Beard make appearances on the album (with Ryo Okumoto on Andrade's Anabasis album, he's getting quite a connetion to the Beardies).

So. Fans of rock opera, prog metal, or great music - get this one.