? [AKA: QUESTION MARK]

Where to start ? First of all the subject matter is about the "Meeting Place" where God dwelt in the "Holiest of Holies" in the tabernacle (tent) that the Isrealites built in the desert after they escaped out of Egypt. They would pack up the tent, the ark of the covenant and all the other objects as they moved from place to place for forty years in the desert. When they finally crossed the Jordan River and fought the people in that land (Caanan) and settled in it, the tabernacle had a final resting place.Then eventually Solomon built the temple that was used instead of the tabernacle, where the Isrealites would come and celebrate God. Now as Neal explains, because of Christ's death, when we believe, our hearts become the tabenacle or temple where God meets with us. The imagery is incredible on this album, when Neal takes to the desert I can imagine the heat and the expectations of the people. I can picture them. Check out not only the cover art, but the excellent pictures inside. This is really one piece of music that all blends together. And it's less then an hour ! As usual Mike Portnoy and Randy George are here. Guests include Roine Stolt, Alan Morse, Steve Hackett, Jordon Rudess and others.

"The Temple Of the Living God" opens with the wind blowing and you can hear whispering (praying ?) as piano comes in. Vocals and some intricate guitar after a minute. This is so moving for me. A change 2 minutes in as the tempo picks up and mellotron then a full sound arrives. This is so impressive, especially the piano/drum work from the dynamic duo. Neal comes in yelling the words 4 minutes in. This is so emotional. This vocals and lyrics just melt me. So meaningful. "And outside the gate the cripples sit and wait to see the temple of the living God". It blends in to "Another World" where it reminds me so much of SPOCK'S BEARD. The emotion is still at the surface, it rarely subsides during this recording. This song tells of that "other world" which the Isrealites entered as they walked through the gates into the courtyard of the tabernacle. Again the imagery is so real. Chunky bass and gorgeous guitar melodies. That has to be Roine. A calm 2 1/2 minutes in as it blends into "Outside" a touching song with fragile vocals.

"Sweet Elation" is more powerful and it's building. Keyboards comes in after a minute as drums pound away. Amazing sound ! The guitar is just screaming 2 minutes in. "In The Fire" makes me laugh when I hear the intro. This is a killer track. TOOL-like drumming after 1 1/2 minutes with some aggressive guitar. Nice. A synth solo follows (hello Jordon !). A stampede of drums 5 minutes in followed a minute later by some ripping guitar. Organ runs take the lead 6 1/2 minutes in. It blends into "Solid As The Sun". Vocals lead the way and they are contrasted with heavy sections throughout. Mellotron after 2 minutes. Check out the deep bass lines 3 minutes in as we hear Neal's pastor give a few words. Sax follows. Heavy duty again 5 minutes in. Hell ya !

"Glory Of The Lord" is very meaningful and moving with a choir. "Outside Looking In" features strummed guitar and reserved vocals. Organ and higher pitched vocals a minute in. Gulp. A fuller sound 2 minutes in. The guitar soars a minute later. Beautiful track. "12" looks at how important that number is in the Bible. Lighter vocals suit the soundscape. What a treat it is when it turns jazzy 2 minutes in. The piano and drums are pure bliss. Again the Portnoy / Morse show continues. Amazing guitar 3 1/2 minutes in that goes on and on. Check out Portnoy 6 minutes in ! "Entrance" is about meeting Jesus and following him. Then we get a section where the master speaks "Come...I have made a way". Fist pumping time ! The rest is all so meaningful both lyrically and instrumentally. Cool how the theme of the first song is repeated here. "Inside His Presence" continues with piano from the end of the last song. Fragile vocals come in that try to describe heaven. The sound and vocals get stronger. Powerful man. Tasteful guitar to end it. "Temple Of the Living God" continues like the last song. Two lead guitars 1 1/2 minutes in before the vocals come in. It really ends 3 minutes in but then we can hear the wind blowing like in the intro of the first song. Birds are chirping too. All is well.

This is the best album i've heard that Neal Morse has been involved with. By far his best solo album in my opinion.