UNIVERSE

Sometimes a band comes along that defines what it is to be inspired, and expresses this with a kind of music that few knew existed. Whatever muse influences drummer Virgil Donati, keyboardist Derek Sherinian and guitarist Tony MacAlpine to weave such creations is an animal of many realms; jazz, classical, metal, all equally represented but mixed and matched in a way no one had ever dreamt of.

Each piece is so complex and angular, and played with such brilliance and faculty, that Planet X's 'Universe' comes off as a singular experience rather than a collection of cuts. To single out a few tracks wouldn't do this one justice; a heavier and more powerful work than their follow-up 'Moonbabies' yet no less adept, with shameless flash, a great production and no time wasted with unnecessary passages or sentimental journeys. Donati, Sherinian and MacAlpine cut right to the meat, slice it masterfully into chunks and serve it pure without too much spice to cover-up the flavor of divine heaviness. If you can imagine the feeling musicians must have had when they first heard the Mahavishnu Orchestra, you get a sense of this project... otherworldly, a metallic fusion of cosmic proportions and a force to be reckoned with.