HEMISPHERES

I used to dislike this album and my reviews judging Hemispheres were usually very negative. Now I think it's one of the finest Rush releases with very clever songs. Yes, very clever construction of Cygnus I Book II (which lyrically isn't a continuation of Cygnus from A Farewell To Kings) makes this 18-minute long suite appear shorter. 2 basic themes interwine and a culmination is when Armageddon kicks in. It's very aggressive part of this song, metal - like. Very soft and relaxing ending though. Circumstances is the shortest track on the album and it's very good too. This heavy and progressive riff is so remarkable. The Trees is a bit simplier still a good relaxing tune. La Villa Strangiato nearly 10 minute long instrumental piece suits me fine too. Maybe a bit too long but many great themes appear in this song so you won't get bored. Hemispheres is the last Rush album that shows Geddy's aggressive vocal side. On Permanent Waves his still high pitched voice is more smooth. Some parts of the record sound like some ideas designed for their later release Moving Pictures. Themes from Red Barchetta and YYZ appear here and there. And I've got a feeling that Circumstances later evolved into Limelight. Both A Farewell To Kings and Hemispheres are probably the most proggy Rush albums. Absolutely essential.