i wrote in the review for it:
phase 1
‘Progressive Waves’ has to be given special mention as it is a huge
keyboard solo between Emerson and Rudess; a simply gobsmacking moment of the
album. Emerson is brilliant of course and I love to hear his unmistakeable trademark
staccato Hammond sound. Rudess on the Continuum is a master in his own right
and gets some amazing sounds out of that weird contraption of his.
and
in phase 2
The second epic is ‘Symmetry’ opening with grand guitar and ethereal pipes
until a throbbing synth locks in and some wonderful phased lead guitar motifs.
This one has the foreign sound of ‘Loser’ from “The Human Equation”. The deep
resonating lyrics tell the tale, “I don’t mean to interfere but I see quite a
change in you”. The tale unfolds where the Teacher implores “We can play a part
changing history, our time is near” This is followed by the observations of The
Psychiatrist “I have to say it’s unusual, such a transformation overnight, I wouldn’t
have thought it was possible, I don’t want to scare you but it can’t be right”
and the Son replies “A world of endless wonder lies ahead.” The synth solo to
follow is wonderful sounding very retro and 80s, then an ascending riff of
distorted power crunches along till it moves to a fast tempo chugging metal
riff. I love this section at 5:10 and the Hammond underneath is nicely placed. A
lead guitar solo and Rick Wakeman’s keyboard workout follows with grinding
organ a constant presence.
and in phase 4
An Egyptian sounding melody enters, with some wonderful flourishes on
keyboard and Steve Hackett’s guitar. Acoustics chime in and the Father’s lyrics
“is this your work, be honest now, how did you do it, I’m not angry boy, but I really
need to know.”