HEMISPHERES

"Hemispheres" is the Rush masterpiece in my opinion, it is perhaps their most progressive album. The composition on Hemispheres are amazing and there is not one weak song on the album. The 18 minute epic "Cygnus X-1 Book II" is the best Rush song every written and it has a wonderful classic Rush sound. The Best part of the song is the second last section of the epic when Cygnus comes and fights Dionysus (or something like). It is the section of music Rush ever came up with. "The Trees" is the other major highlight, I love the idea of trees fighting for sun light. The end is very true "And the trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw" "Circumstances" Isn't as memorable as the rest but still carries an authentic Rush sound. "La Villa Strangiato" features a well known theme which I have heard countless times, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that it came from "Hemispheres." "La Villa Strangiato" is a spectacular instrumental! The Instrumentation on this album is of a godly quality, Lifeson, Peart and Lee are masters of their instruments. The Lyrics are also at their best here and I particularly like "The Trees lyrics."

1. Cygnus X-1 Book II (5/5) 2. Circumstances (4/5) 3. The trees (5/5) 4. La Villa Strangiato: (4/5) Total = 18 divided by 4 (number of songs) 4,5 = 5 stars Essential: a masterpiece of progressive music

"Hemispheres" is a masterpiece of progressive music, it is a very essential album and although it isn't as highly rated as 'Moving Pictures' I believe that it is better. I highly recommend this album to all prog fans, especially to those who enjoy louder prog.