2112

We have arrived at a point in Rush history where the band finally started to pick up steam (both from an artistic and musical standpoint as well as for the band's record company). Even though their record company did not particularly like the brand of music that they made they still had them signed but it did not seem like they would for long. From a historical standing this album was the most important in the band's discography as it was a bit of an ultimatum for the band. The record company threatened to drop them from their label if it didn't succeed and produce the results that they wanted. The guys were saying "if this is our last hurrah then so be it! We are going out in a blaze of glory!" What happened afterwards turned out to be one of the most triumphant moments in music and artistic history (a huge victory for artistic freedom!!) . It turned out that the band was right. Their record label did not and has not told them anything ever since this album was released! On to the review of the actual album right?

1) 2112 - The album opens up with the title track and it is a song of epic proportions. It starts off rather spacey for a bit but then it turns into a heavy hitter filled with plenty of energy, vigor and power. Even though it is not as complicated as future epics this one still packs a wallop as it goes through about 6 different portions of song (I am particularly fond of the Presentation portion of the song) with plenty of heavy moments. It not only has those heavy moments though it also has light and delicate moments (I love the light and shade that this band is able to pull off). With tracks such as these you know the band is able to pull off epic suites similar to the ones that Genesis and Yes were doing but also very different!. This is a Rush and early Prog Metal classic. 10/10

2) A Passage to Bangkok - I believe this one is about the use of drugs ( a subject matter that I am not too keen on). However, despite the subject matter the band was able to pull off a track that was very memorable. Alex shines quite a bit on it. The ending to this track demonstrates to us why Rush is so beloved. I don't think it is perfect but it's still really good. 9/10

3) The Twilight Zone - I love this track. I love how spacey it sounds (just listen to that intro!!). Everything about it is awesome from the guitars to the interplay between Geddy and Neil. It is complex but not too much. It ends in a rather mysterious manner (epic soloing from Alex). 10/ 10

4) Lessons - The jumpy song off of the album. Musically it is a very animated and lively piece. While listening to it you just know that Rush are players of the highest quality and this song demonstrates to that to a tee. Perfect track in my opinion. Grade A playing. I love it. 10/10

5) Tears - This one is absolutely breathtaking! On it the band takes to you to a place where they never have taken you. Neil takes a bit of a back seat (he drums a bit but not too much) to Geddy and Alex on this one. It has some very haunting yet beautiful guitar, bass and mellotron. It is probably my favorite track on the album. 10/10

6) Something for Nothing - This one is very much a high energy piece and thunderous track (you could tell that the band was trying to get it out of their system). I know I keep saying that Rush are the Fathers of Prog Metal (it is debatable though) but they really have all of the prerequisites and they fit the criteria. This is a song that demonstrates that even more. Even though it is a bit repetitive it still cooks especially during the ending. 10/10

Overall, I feel 2112 is a classic Rush album and one of the very first Progressive Metal albums. Highly recommended especially for those who like heavier prog music. You might still like it as a regular prog fan though. 5 stars!! Peace out!!