A FAREWELL TO KINGS

After the first golden age of progressive rock started to fade, one of the few bands that learned from all of their predecessors mistakes, triumphs, and experimenting, was a Band called Rush. And they never show it better than in this album. The whole album, "A Farewell to Kings" is a total trip. It's almost like listening to Jethro Tull and Yes at the same time, but it is more a Rush album than anything.

The work starts of with a very good impression of Steve Hackett, in a song titled of the album, done with more feel and character than most impressions. The lyrics are very Peart at this point. Emitting the same feel as '2112' as far as political opinion and statements are concerned. It's a strong opening, like most good, non- Pink Floyd albums have. The album then pulls a 180, going straight into a mythical, trippy, 11 minute Progressive Rock masterpiece, known as 'Xanadu', with a great riff, and a powerful guitar solo. The song this album is most famous for is probably 'Closer to the Heart', a fiery little song that is just fantastic. Followed by two 'okay' songs, much like in 2112, leading to a grand finally, at this point, the average amount of 'concept' pieces per album was 1.499 (my own research) in the realm of progressive rock. However, after this album is counted, it raises to 1.5. And boy, is it a worthy milestone. Doing something that most artists only can do because of this songs influence, combining Jazz and Heavy Metal in a psychedelic space rock epic, about- what else? Being insane and flying into a black hole! Wonder what inspired that? *wink*

But in all seriousness, this album is damn good. Must have for Progressive Metal enthusiast or a casual + Rush fan, and I personally recommend it for all Prog-fans.