OFFICE OF STRATEGIC INFLUENCE (LIMITED EDITION)

A little heavy for my old ears. Matheos is an underrated guitarist. I really enjoyed the acoustic parts. The group interplay is exciting. Portnoy is a monster drummer. The John Bonham of the new millenium. Kevin Moore creates some great soundscapes and is a competent singer. I was less than happy with Steve Wilsons vocal performance, but I blame the overly heavy tune, not the singer. Some great pieces of music, however, they should have let Malone write a few parts to take advantage of his prowess. I thouht the Bass/Stick parts were mired in the mix and not allowed room to breath.

The cover of "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" is one of the better covers I've heard. It keeps the integrity of the original, but adds some OSI flavors to make it unique. My favorite tracks are the softer, more melodic ones; When You're Ready, Head, Hello, Helicopter! and Standby (Looks Like Rain), along with disc two's second cover, neil Young's New Mama.

Even old proggers could find some fun with this disc.