This album is outstanding. If there was any stronger word to use in its place, I’d have chosen that instead to sanction my approval. I’ve been playing the heck out of this ever since I’ve had it in my hands. My greatest source of conflict is determining whether or not this is better than the last. I must be penitent awhile longer before any judgment can be passed. As the Neanderthal evolved into a human, Neal Morse has come a long way since he has emerged from “The Water.” While that epic piece was motivated by his musical inspiration, the spirit of this album comes straight from the heart. There is purity in his lyrics that is rarely heard these days in music, or even religion for that matter. There is nothing superficial in his verses either. If you think it’s merely his message that’s impressed me, I must tell you that his compositions are as holy as the lord he worships. In terms of any quality or attribute you can ascribe, this grand work is all-encompassing.

Additionally, he conducts his service with at least two incessantly loyal alter boys. On this album, Mike Portnoy’s drums are in top-form while Randy George logs his absolute best on the bass. What’s more, the guitars are better than good. Without having full knowledge of who is involved, or the clarity that comes from a publicist’s cheat sheet, I must take these beliefs on faith. Nevertheless, I can attest that the guitars have the vigor of Kerry Livgren, the serenity of Roine Stolt, and the reliance of his axe-strewn sibling. Whether or not these elite players are actual parties to the crime, if it’s others from his congregation, or it is indeed his flesh-and-blood who contributes, I cannot say. Whoever the brothers-in-arms shall be, they are definitely a worthy component on his quest.

As to the music, it’s packed with caramel goodness, creamy nougat, and a plethora of progressive goobers. Not to mention, it’s loaded with enough religious fervor to get Johnny Virgil to come back. I could give you a verbose analysis or playback his testimony verbatim. Instead, I choose to convey this insightful message: The first song on the disc is not only one of his best; it’s one of the greatest stories ever told. Including all that’s secular and sacred, I’ve never heard anything sung with such palpability, permanence, or purpose. I’d be committing a sin if I didn’t come right out and tell you that there’s never been a song that’s been delivered with such devotion. Furthermore, the sticker on the disc makes me think of Silas from Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. While he delves into expressions apropos to this ill-bred brood, he lets it be known that the extremists are the exception. Whether you’re a Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, or kosher, he’ll enlighten you on what it means to catch the almighty spirit. With that said, let’s consecrate these cuts with my dedicated support of this supremely-divine opus:

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.