TRIP THE LIFE FANTASTIC

I really love comeback albums and when they are as fantastic as this one, I'm even more excited to be able to experience it at the time of its release. The history of this band is already documented on PA so the main point is that this is the first new release since 1998 and though some inevitable lineup changes have occurred, it absolutely rocks and there is not a bad track in the lot. The production, songwriting and talent on display here are bar none and we get all the bombastic elements of neo-prog with dramatic vocals and inspired keyboard and guitar solos. A special mention has to go to the vocals, they are really fantastic and I hope this incarnation of the band sticks around for a long time. As I say the entire album is great but if I had to point anyone to 2 songs to demonstrate the monstrous goodness on display here they would be:

The Wizard - this one channels a bit of old Deep Purple and makes me want to dig out the D&D set from the archives; just a driving, rocking anthem that transports me to someplace fantastic like the world of Merlin and King Arthur.

Last Supper - a non-stop, epic rocker that never lets go with soaring guitar work, also the version of the album I got included an extra 'demo' version of this track that is just as good, double fun!

5 stars without hesitation, a must for any neo-prog fan.