SOLA SCRIPTURA

"Sola Scriptura" is surprisingly one of Neal Morse's most achieved efforts. With the help of Dream Theater virtuoso drummer Mike Portnoy, the album is conceivably dynamic and compelling even at first listen. Assenting much on instrumentations and stunning time/rhythm changes very Dream Theater-like, Neal Morse manages however not to fall in the mistake of the last period of his adored band and offers as also some substance to the music. The symphonic orchestration is nice and modern, but obviously not particularly original. In fact, some arrangements and the way the music flows are predictably in the same way of his previous works.

One thing we have to forgot completely (it can be difficult at times), at least if you're not an effusive Christian, is the subjective and personal lyrics of the album. We can not care less with Neal Morse's ideas, but he seem to be compelled to annoy us with his somewhat pretentious "Messenger-Guy" beliefs. The album is very varied, assented on his natural gift for creating compelling melodies and rhythms, and majestic moments. Sometimes, as usual, he ruins a bit the overall atmosphere with some exaggerated dramatic passages a la popular music. More again, If we could say he is a genius for songwriting, we can not say the same for the way he balances things. But there are also some good slow moments as well, particularly the acoustic guitar interlude on "The Conflict" is subtle and well conceived.

While not being totally vague, it does not reach the solemn and subtle profoundness of the classic symphonic prog works, nor is particularly original. Still, manages to be musically a very inspired and overall enjoyable album. 3,5 stars.