TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

Yes

Symphonic Prog

3.92 | 2823 ratings

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Nucleus

5 STARS, not a doubt in my mind.

How progressive music fans could rate this album so low is beyond me. This is a perfect example of prog rock; an epic, long, symphonic, groundbreaking concept album. It does take a few listens to really get into, but then, doesn't all great music?

The Revealing Science of God (10.5/10) This is one of my favorite songs (as are all of the songs on this album). From the chanting at the beginning to the chanting at the end, this is nonstop progressive beauty. The middle part (they move fast/they tell me/but I just can't believe that I can really feel it, etc.) gives me goosebumps and sends me into deep trances. It is just so desperate and powerful.

The Remembering (10.5/10)- Another epic that is beyond flawless. Rick's keyboards paint an ocean, a topographic ocean. Jon's voice entrances yet again.

The Ancient (9/10)- My least favorite of these four epics (although that's not saying much). The guitar soloing in this one gets rather pointless and monotonous. However the beautiful acoustic Leaves of Green section of this song raises the grade considerably.

Ritual (10.5/10)- Incredible. The first ten minutes are so dark and light at the same time. So dramatic, so... so... epic. The insane drumming part is too much for some listeners, but is a necessary part of the song. I love the first ten or so minutes of the song the most, and that extremely heavy climax during the guitar solo is classic.

5 stars beyond doubt. This is one of the most essential masterpieces ever created. Highly recommended to anyone with ears, especially progressive music fans, and ESPECIALLY those with patience who share a passion for epic music.

Nucleus | 5/5 | 2007-12-5

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